It’s been many years since Allari Naresh delivered a blockbuster hit. Known for his comedy films that once propelled his career, Naresh faced a series of failures. Despite this success, setbacks followed. Now, Naresh returns to the audience, aiming to regain his form with Bachhala Malli. Directed by Subbu Mangadevi, known for Solo Brathuke So Better, let’s see how Naresh and Subbu impress the audience with this film.

Story

On January 18, 1985, an incident changed the life of Bachhala Malli (Allari Naresh), a bright student who scored district-first in his tenth exam. This event derails his studies, turning him into a drifter who ignores his mother’s plight. What was the incident that deeply hurt Malli? Did love help him find his way back or amplify his mistakes? How did Malli’s life shape up by 2005? These questions form the crux of Bachhala Malli.

Analysis

Director Subbu Mangadevi introduces Bachhala Malli as the story of a fool who crosses the border of stupidity. However, the narrative falters in establishing why Malli’s recklessness was triggered or how love helped him. The bond with his mother, a critical emotional anchor, feels underexplored, leaving gaps in the character’s transformation.

As a director, Subbu earns praise for his shot composition and attention to detail. Yet, as a writer, his love for the central theme of Malli’s folly seems to overshadow the narrative’s need for balance and resolution. Replacing an old song with the Bhagavad Gita shloka, in the beginning, might have strengthened the film’s emotional weight, particularly during the climax.

Allari Naresh shines in the role of Bachhala Malli, immersing himself completely in the character. Within minutes of the film starting, audiences forget Naresh and see only Malli, connecting with his journey and flaws. While this might not be the best performance of his career, it showcases his dedication and ability to breathe life into complex roles.

Amritha Aiyer, portraying the female lead, displays innocence well but struggles to convey deeper emotions, especially pain. As she matures as an actress, she may excel in portraying such nuanced roles. Hariteja impresses with her performance, transitioning from comedy to emotional scenes effortlessly. Praveen gets a good role but Rohini is getting repetitive in her same roles these days.

Vishal Chandrasekhar’s songs stand out with meaningful lyrics that elevate the film’s emotional tone, though the background score falls short of expectations. Richard M. Nathan’s cinematography is excellent, particularly the elevation shot in the Jatara episode, which stands as a highlight. The use of color grading adds a unique cinematic experience. The art direction, production design, and CG work are commendable, with few complaints.

Verdict

Overall, Bachchala Malli is a heartfelt yet imperfect exploration of redemption, deeply rooted in human flaws and societal challenges. Though not groundbreaking, the film offers a different cinematic experience, thanks to Allari Naresh’s dedicated performance and Subbu Mangadevi’s earnest storytelling.