Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha have joined forces in the romantic drama “Kushi,” directed by Siva Nirvana. All three of them are eagerly anticipating the success of “Kushi,” especially given their recent films’ lackluster performances at the box office.
The film’s songs have become chart-toppers, and the trailer promises a blend of romance, fun, and emotional depth. “Kushi” hits theaters today, and audiences are curious to see how the on-screen chemistry between Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha unfolds. Here’s a review from one of the US Premieres.
Plot Summary:
“Kushi” revolves around Viplav (Vijay Deverakonda), an employee of BSNL, who falls in love with Aradhya (Samantha) during their time in Kashmir. Their love for each other is undeniable, but they soon discover a significant obstacle to their union. Viplav is the son of the well-known atheist Lenin Sathyam (Sachin Khedkar), while Aradhya is the daughter of his arch-nemesis, the renowned Pravachanakartha Chadarangam Srinivasa Rao (Murli Sharma). The film explores how Viplav and Aradhya navigate the challenges of their differing backgrounds and manage to get married, delving into their married life’s ups and downs.
Performances:
Samantha delivers a remarkable performance, reminding us of her early career brilliance in several scenes. Vijay Deverakonda also impresses in “Kushi,” with shades reminiscent of his role in “Geetha Govindam.” The on-screen chemistry between Vijay and Samantha is a highlight, even though the storyline has its flaws. Murli Sharma and Sachin Khedkar fulfill their roles, while Rohini and Jayaram provide solid but somewhat routine performances. Veteran actress Lakshmi, Sharanya Pradeep, and Shatru deliver commendable performances in their respective roles. Rahul Ramakrishna and Vennela Kishore put in their best efforts, although the comedy only shines in parts.
Technical Aspects:
“Kushi” boasts stunning visuals, with exceptional cinematography and high production values. Except for one party song, the melodies and emotional songs are soothing. The Kashmir sequences in the first half are visually captivating, and the background music complements the film effectively. Apart from the performances, “Kushi” struggles to establish a coherent connection between its various plot elements, but the dialogues are decent.
Pros:
- Strong performances by Vijay and Samantha
- Memorable songs
- Beautiful Kashmir visuals
Cons:
- Weak conflict development
- Lack of emotional depth
- Over-the-top scenes
Analysis:
“Kushi” explores a storyline reminiscent of cult classics like “Sakhi,” where eloped couples face the challenges of compatibility in married life. However, “Kushi” adds the dimension of religious beliefs into the mix.
The first half primarily focuses on the blossoming romance in Kashmir. While the scenic beauty and songs captivate the audience, the slow pacing leaves viewers anticipating the actual plot, which unfolds just before the intermission. Vennela Kishore’s comedy provides intermittent laughs.
The second half of the film takes a dramatic shift towards family dynamics and emotions. Once again, the pacing is sluggish, and several logical gaps become noticeable. However, emotional moments and comedy sporadically rescue the film. A reference to Vijay Deverakonda’s “Arjun Reddy” generates laughs, and extended comedy sequences manage to entertain.
“Kushi” struggles with a narrative that feels flat and lacks depth, particularly in certain scenes. The ego-driven conflict between the lead couple’s fathers may not appear justified due to misunderstandings. Additionally, the impact of another couple revealing their past isn’t well-executed.
In summary, “Kushi” offers a mixed bag of themes such as marriage, misunderstandings, and parental egos that only partially succeed. The film’s strong points include its songs, visual aesthetics, and select comedic moments, making it a passable entertainer overall. “Kushi” receives decent marks, especially when compared to the disappointing films that frequently grace the screens, but its performance in B & C centers remains to be seen.
