'Padi Padi Leche Manasu', starring Sharwanand and Sai Pallavi in the lead, hit the screens this Friday.  Here is our review of the rom-com.  

Story:

In Kolkata, Surya (Sharwa) tries new tricks in the bag to woo Vaishali (Sai Pallavi), a medico with a knack for being brave at times.  He stalks her, she shows her irritation as he keeps fleecing her by saying that a mystery man is warning him against meeting her.  After showing much cuteness in resisting our hero, the heroine falls for him with all predictability.  

The scene temporarily shifts to Nepal where a natural disaster comes unannounced.  The second half is about what happens as a consequence and whether Surya has redemption in love.  A twist awaits in the climax.  

Analysis:

Director Hanu Raghavapudi's first two films ('Andala Rakshasi' and 'Krishnagadi Veera Prema Gadha') created magical chemistry between the lead pair.  That was lacking in 'LIE'.  Truth to be told, the chemistry is back in action in the first half of 'Padi Padi Leche Manasu'.  Note that it's only chemistry that is right here.  

The backdrop against which the rom-com unfolds is the monsoon-enriched Kolkata, and by avoiding cliched portrayal of the city, the director does score marks.  The bylanes of the Bengali city explored here lend a unique touch.  Cinematographer Jay Kay presents doses of poetic visuals, helped by the mix of colours on the screen (including the costumes of the lead pair).  Vishal Chandrasekhar's tunes make a mark, enlivening the moments occasionally.  

When Sai Pallavi is around, it helps to have her be cute.  She can go over-the-top with her cuteness but the audience still embraces her.  Sharwanand comfortably lets her take over.  

While the chemistry strikes, the rom-com is not exactly free from cliches and banalities.  There is a sense of predictability all over.  And one can see from miles away that the conflict point is going to fall flat (this much was clear even in the underdeveloped Trailer).  

While the canvas is ambitious, the writing is much ado about nothing.  The story-telling abilities of the director are tested in the second half and he struggles to make the cut.  

Murali Sharma plays a reasonable character.  Sunil and Priyadarshi don't do much value addition.  As it is, a big drawback is that, aside from the two main characters, others get a shoddy treatment from the writer.  This has been a constant feature of Hanu's films.  

It's the earnest performances by Sai Pallavi and Sharwa that perk up the proceedings.  As Surya, the hero was supposed to show vibrancy and he does that.  

Verdict:

'PPLM' comes with excellent visuals and soothing music.  The background score is elevating.  The performances by the Sharwa-Sai Pallavi duo are solid. The breeziness (wherever it is) should have been complemented by depth in the climax.  The pace could have been much better.

పడి పడి లేచే మనసు మూవీ రివ్యూ తెలుగులో చదవండి