Kushi: Vijay-Samantha Chemistry Rocks in Musical Love Saga

Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha, Sachin Kandekar, Muarli Sharma and Rohini

Direction: Shiva Nirvana

Ratings: 2.5 stars

After showcasing traces of their romance in 'Mahanati,' Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha team up again in their latest film 'Kushi,' and their onscreen chemistry sets the screens on fire. He stalks her despite knowing that she is a Pakistani girl and conveys his love in various ways before she succumbs to his charm and affection. They sing and dance to beautiful songs in picturesque Kashmir locales and exude romance before he learns of her true identity. Their love story later moves from snow-filled Kashmir to typical plains in Hyderabad. With director Shiva Nirvana already establishing their respective parents as an atheist and theists- the parental opposition was just around the corner.

After rejection, Vijay Devarankonda and Samantha walk out of their families to lead their own life in a small apartment, which they fill with romance and love. However, they begin to quarrel over petty issues, and life turns serious for doting lovers due to a 'homam' ritual. Without paying heed to their concerned neighbors, Jayaram and Rohini, to find peace, Sam returns to her parents' place.

No doubt, director Shiva Nirvana was inspired by movies of Mani Ratnam, and his latest one reminds us of 'Sakhi', and comparisons are bound to pull down his effort.

Vijay Devarakonda is the son of Sachin Kandekar, a renowned atheist, while Samantha is the daughter of Brahmin spiritual preacher Murali Sharma. Vijay seeks a posting in Kashmir for his BSNL job to live Mani Ratnam's dream, but he is shocked by cross-border clashes. He falls in love with Samantha, who claims to be from Pakistan and is looking for her lost brother. He gives her shelter and brings all the guys bearing her brother's name (Feroz), hoping to find Samantha's kin and keep her happy. One day, she is missing from his room, and he finds her on a train set for Hyderabad. He gets to know that she is a Telugu Brahmin girl from Kakinada and working as an IT professional in Hyderabad. Will they get married and lead a happy life? Watch in theatres to find out.

Vijay Devarakonda looks handsome and performs an exemplary show as a young lover who woos his lady love with charm. Later, he showcases his pain after she walks out of him. On the other hand, Samantha also matches his acting prowess with her performance. She manages to shed more tears than him. Murali Sharma and Sachin Kandekar do justice to their roles.

The two compositions, ' Naa Roja Nuve' and 'Aradhya' by Hesham Abdul Wahab, are mellifluous. Cinematographer Jeeva captures some breathtaking visuals.

Director Shiva Nirvana's message in the film is clear-- love is more important than superstitious practices. Still, he seems to lose his way as he banks on Samantha's obsession over 'homam' for having a child instead of new conflicts among new couples to make his point.