Arya Review

There is no such thing as guaranteed success in filmdom. For, there are so many imponderables involved that nothing is taken for granted. But in the case of Arya, it was almost a given that the film will succeed.

To start with, the hype machine was at work incessantly before the release of the movie. And then there were carefully thrown tidbits about the movie from time to time. Finally, with the release of the music of the film, the marketing pitch reached a new high.

And after watching the film you also feel that here is a movie that is every inch worth its pre-release hype. Not only Arya is expected to lead the pack in the long summer of seemingly never-ending releases but also give the hero of the film, Allu Arjun, a new identity.

And now on to the film.

Arya is an unabashed package showcasing Allu Arjun and his dancing and fighting abilities. The thing it looks like it will work at the box-office.

The story actually can be completed at the back of a bus ticket. It is a typical boy-sees-girl-falls-in-love-at-first-sight-and-works-to-win-her-heart.

The movie revolves around Arya (Allu Arjun), a youngster with lots of attitude and plenty of good heart. Arya, a college student, falls head over heels for the charm of his college mate Geeta (Anuradha Mehta). But the problem is Ajay (Siva), the spoilt son of a rich politician (played with delightful insouciance by Rajan P Dev), who is also in love with Geeta.

The latter, as it happens, also accepts his proposal as he threatens to jump from the top of the college building if she refused. The rest of the story is all about how Arya makes a change in Geetas heart and how she moves away from the fumbling and exasperated Ajay.

The story is old as the sky. But the director, newcomer Sukumar, has managed to create situations, through deft screenplay, that can keep you engrossed in the movie. He has also managed to wrest top-class performances from his main cast.

Allu Arjun is the revelation of the movie. Be it dance or fights, he really pack a punch. He is full of beans and the director has fully utilized his talents. The gawky hesitancy that one got to witness in his first venture Gangothri is happily missing in this one. Of course, he is still an unfinished product ---- in that his acting skills and dialogue delivery need improvement. But the point is Allu Arjun has shown that he is a willing learner and is always ready for changes.

The heroine Anuradha Mehta is full of gamin charm and looks adequate. She is not fully tested in this movie. But what little she has been asked to perform, she does with ease and poise. But when are we going to have heroines who can speak on their own the dialogues?

Siva, as the jilted boyfriend, has ample opportunities to parade his skills. There is a fun element to his role and he has used them to his advantage. The others in the cast ---- Rajan P Dev, Babbloo (heroes friend) Sunil (in a cameo), Subbaraju (oozes menace as the villains points man), Venu Madhav, Vidya ---- all pass muster.

But the man who should walk away with all the kudos is musician Devi Sri Prasad. He is at his inspirational best in the songs and in re-recording he is soothing as a cool juice in summer heat. The songs Nuvvante, Takadhimithom (Allu Arjuns dance add more weight age), Feel MY Love among the six numbers in the film stand out.

Cinematographer Rathnavelu has also proved to be an able ally as he comes up with almost perfect frames.

Director Sukumar deserves praise for putting together an enjoyable cocktail of fun and fantasy. He keeps the tempo of the film going. To be sure, after this movie, he will be rightly besieged with more offers.

All told, Arya is Allu Arjuns.