'Ram Leela' is more a bromantic comedy than a rom-com. It is a love story that induces a sense of déjà vu. Surely, there are snatches of inspiration in good measure. The director starts with the proceedings at a fast pace to start with but as the film progresses, the story-telling is relaxed.
Krish (Abhijeet) finds Sasya (Nandita of Prema Katha Chitram fame) doing fitness postures on a TV channel while in America and immediately falls in love with her. He woos her by trying to dance with her and all on his urgent return to India. Her police officer father (Nagineedu in a cameo) agrees to the marriage proposal put forth by Krish’s parents. In a throwback to 90s era heroines, Sasya complains to the hero on the first night itself that she won’t be able to live in a faraway land missing all her family and friends on special occasions. Krish pronto, on the very first night, gets the transfer order from his sleaze-obsessed boss to work in Malaysia.
Once in Malaysia, Krish gets the shock of his life when he realizes that Sasya has other plans.
In his moment of distress, Krish bumps into the path of Ram (Havish). As he deliberately hallucinates the presence of Sasya on his solo honeymoon, he gets some succor in Ram’s ‘chill maro’ lifestyle.
‘Ram Leela’ is crisp as the director winds up the proceedings without much fuzzy narration. Although there was room for emotional intensity, the scenes are sans much melodrama.
Sapthagiri walks away with the lion’s share as he gets to play a lengthy comedy role that gives him all the occasions to indulge in all types of buffoonery. He introduces himself as a scotch begger (rhymes with Schwarzenegger), says he is a liver boy (rhymes with lover boy) as he steals half the peg and keeps others’ livers from getting damaged. But there is more than meets the eye as he seems to be possessed by a dead Rangoli.
The comedy portions would have been served better had they not been more than required. Ali as ‘Walking’ who can jog faster than a fast-moving care is hardly funny.
Instead of relying heavily on comedy, Nandita’s role should have been expanded in order to make the proceedings more interesting. The climax could have been more dramatic.
The performances are good but for Nandita. She looks somewhat too tender for the role.
As for the male leads, Havish is definitely a shade better than everybody else. He has the ability to be intense in his expressions. Looks like he is in for good rules in the near future. Abhijeet’s role could have been played by anyone.
Verdict: A bromantic comedy with more space for Sapathagiri.
Rating: 3.25/5
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