Cast: Naga Shaurya, Rashmika Mandanna, Naresh, Raghu Babu, Achut Kumar, Pragathi.
Director: Venky Kudumula
Chalo, Venky Kudumula’s first film as director, sets a routine story against an interesting backdrop. Kudumula had worked with Trivikram Srinivas, and the funny scenes lift the film starring Naga Shaurya and Kannada actress Rashmika Mandanna. Thiruppuram is a village divided by a fence between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The two sides fight with each other and anyone crossing the fence does so at his peril. Hari (Naga Shaurya), a quarrelsome character, arrives in the village to join a college and falls in love with Keerthana (Rashmika). She is the daughter of the Tamil group leader. Hari then sets about crossing the border.
Kudumula chooses a safe subject while the village with a fence provides a new setting. Writing is Kudumula’s strength, and he is very impressive with the dialogues.
The first half of the film is entertaining with decent comedy and dialogues. Trivikram Srinivas’ impact shows in Kudumula’s dialogues and the funny scenes. The college episodes come out very well but the second half drags.
Naga Shaurya shows why is rated among the talented actors. He fits the role, and takes the responsibility of the film on his shoulders. Rashmika Mandanna makes a good debut in Tollywood, pretty and expressive.
Satya, Vennela Kishore carry off the humour scenes, especially in the second half. Kishore in particular steals the show. Raghu Babu is appropriate. Naresh’s role as Naga Shaurya’s father is a routine one for him. Posani impresses in his two scenes as lecturer.
Cinematography by Sai Sriram captures the village, college and the locations beautifully. Music is by Sagari Mahati is good and two of the songs are nice. The dialogues, Kudumula’s forte, entertain.
Chalo, a decent film with a simple romantic love story. Its comedy scenes and fun moments may carry it, but Kudumula would have had it better if he had concentrated on the story a bit more.
