It is a unique problem for NRI youths. The problem of marriage. Caught between two worlds of diverse cultures, the nubile youngsters are unsure whether to fall in love as a matter of fact (like they do abroad) or go through the motions of choice (like they do in India). In the event, it is a via media.
In Chukkallo Chandrudu, the hero Arjun (Siddharth) tries to marry these two cultures and what emerges is fun-filled entertainment.Chukkallo Chandrudu is an urban, yuppyish kind of mirth.
Arjun, who lives with grand parents in Germany after the death of his parents, sets out to India in search (emotionally) of his three childhood friends Sravani (Sada) Shalini (Saloni) and Sandhya (Charmi). The three of them are three different personalities ---one is a medico, another an activist and the third an up and coming tennis player.
Arjun doesn't show his identity to the three and confronts them as a stranger. In the event, it is a process of discovery for him --- of the three and also himself. The story, in the event, is about, he marries whom.
It is a lark of a film with fun as the leitmotif. Siddharth has a whale of a time. It is a character that we have come to expect from him. He simply revels in it. He brings the right nuances to the character and is simply at ease. He has also improved his modulation and expressions. One can go as much to say, it is difficult to imagine any other hero in this role.
Sada as the wannabe medical practitioner just eases through the role while Charmi as the bold activist is full of beans. Her character is interesting and does not belong to any stereotypes. Saloni as a tennis player (Sania inspiration?) is pretty believable. The strength of the characterization is its utter realistic nature. No character is a cardboard caricature. ANR as Siddharth's father is pretty composed as his wont. Waheeda's role, though small, is also cute. Prabhu Deva makes a surprise entry towards the end.
The film's gloss and stylish backdrop shows up the sensibilities of the young team. Chakri's music creates the right mood. The camera work is also pretty easy on the eye.
Shivakumar's direction and Siddharth's screenplay keeps you engrossed. Shivakumar shows that he has learnt the nuances and touches from Manirathinam.
Chukkallo Chandrudu, in a sense, takes off from where Siddharth's previous movie NVNV left. It is also about the rites of passage that accompany growing up. CC has its bases well covered up. A slick, stylish entertainer it eventually is.
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