Bewers Movie Teaser

Allari Naresh, once celebrated as a go-to actor for comedy roles, has shifted gears in recent years, taking on more serious and intense characters. After winning praise for his powerful performance in Naandhi, he now steps into the shoes of another intense character, Bachchala Malli. Directed by Subbu Mangadevi, who previously debuted with Solo Brathuke So Better, this film marks his return with a gripping story. Let’s dive into the highlights of this film, which hit the screens today.

Story:

Bachchalamalli (Allari Naresh) is a young man from the village of Suravaram in Tuni Mandal, nestled in the Godavari region. As a child, Malli was a brilliant student, topping the district in his tenth-grade exams. He shared an unbreakable bond with his father, whom he deeply admired.

However, an unexpected mistake by his father turned admiration into bitterness. As his hatred for his father grew, Malli’s focus on his studies reduced. He linked into bad habits, ignoring his father’s desperate attempts to guide him back on track. Just when it seemed like Malli’s life was going nowhere, he encountered Kaveri (Amrutha Iyer), whose influence became a turning point. Determined to change, Malli worked hard to overcome his addictions and sought to build a meaningful life.

But things took a dramatic turn during his marriage preparations with Kaveri. An unforeseen problem brought out the worst in him, threatening the progress he had made. What challenges did Malli face? Did he manage to marry Kaveri? How did his conflict with his father resolve? To uncover the answers, one must watch the story unfold on the big screen.

Analysis:

In recent times, we’ve seen that a hero doesn’t always have to be a good boy to win over the audience. The darker and more flawed a character is, the more divisive it becomes—Pushpa 2 being a prime example. However, no matter how negative the hero’s traits, there needs to be a human angle that resonates with the audience. Despite all the attitude and foolish behaviour, there should be an underlying heroism that can elevate the character.

Without this, the audience’s patience begins to wear thin. This is the problem with Bachchalamalli. The protagonist’s unchecked foolishness eventually crosses a line, leaving no room for redemption or growth. Director Subbu Mangadevi’s attempt to convey a message through the film is admirable, but the execution falls short. Though the story has promise, the film fails to engage due to a lack of constraint.

While Allari Naresh’s portrayal of a complete fool is outstanding, the hero’s actions become increasingly frustrating, making it hard for the audience to connect. The film drags, filled with unnecessary scenes that stretch the narrative. Despite a few strong moments and good performances, Bachchalamalli ultimately fails to impress as it could have. Based on a real-life story, Bachchalamalli has its roots in truth, with Subbu Mangadevi weaving some fiction into it. He effectively brings certain events from the protagonist’s life to the screen, and it’s evident that the story has the potential for a cinematic adaptation.

However, the challenge lies in making real-life events feel dramatic enough for the big screen. Unfortunately, the film misses that mark. Subbu captures the moments that shape the hero’s foolishness and the tragic consequences that follow with impact but struggles to keep the audience invested with compelling scenes between those pivotal moments. The father-son bond and the rivalry between them are introduced in a way that raises expectations, but as the film progresses, it settles into a predictable routine. The love story and family dynamics fail to generate interest, and the heroine’s character lacks strong development—her behaviour feels disconnected from the hero’s character.

Yet, there’s one scene where the heroine tests the hero’s limits, surprising the audience with its depth. Similarly, the harsh exchange between the hero and his father also stands out as a compelling moment. In the second half, Bachchalamalli takes a heavier turn, but the film’s pace falters. The rivalry with the villain lacks impact, and the hero’s irrational actions push the narrative further off course.

The plot turns without direction, dragging on with unnecessary scenes. Though the film picks up in the pre-climax and ends on a decent note, it struggles to recover from earlier missteps. With only a handful of strong moments and a reliance on Allari Naresh’s performance, the question remains: can these few shining episodes and Naresh’s efforts save the film from its overall shortcomings?

Performances:

Allari Naresh has always been recognized for his comic timing, but it’s in serious roles that his true acting talent shines. In Bachchalamalli, he fully embodies the character of Malli, to the point where viewers forget they’re watching Naresh and instead see Malli himself. His performance is so convincing that it evokes a desire to both sympathize with and scold his character. His work in the opening scenes stands out as particularly impressive, setting the tone for his intense portrayal.

Following Naresh, Rao Ramesh leaves a strong impression, even with limited screen time. His performances in key scenes, such as when the hero visits his house to ask for the heroine’s hand and in the climax, are memorable and showcase his talent. Amrutha Iyer, playing the heroine, fits well into her role and delivers a solid performance, impressing with her portrayal of Kaveri.

Rohini, as the mother, delivers yet another exceptional performance, once again proving that she is unparalleled in playing maternal roles with such natural warmth and depth. Jayaram, known for his role in Balagam, brings a strong presence as the father, complementing the film’s emotional arc. Supporting actors like Haripriya, Praveen, and Harsha Chemudu also contribute effectively, enhancing the narrative with their performances.

Kannada actor Achyut Kumar, portraying the villain, does an adequate job, though his role doesn’t have the same impact as the other performances. Overall, the ensemble cast elevates the film with their dedication and strong portrayals of their respective characters.

Technicians:

Vishal Chandrasekhar’s music for Bachchalamalli is decent, though the lack of any standout tracks is a downside. While there aren’t any chartbusters, the songs fit the film and flow smoothly on screen. The background score, however, adds depth and works well in enhancing the overall mood of the film. Richard M. Nathan’s cinematography is clean and captures the essence of the narrative effectively.

The production values are commendable, giving the film a polished look. As for the direction, Subbu Mangadevi approached the story of Bachchalamalli with sincerity, but his reliance on a few key episodes to drive the narrative forward left the story feeling flat at times. The plot between the opening and climax lacked consistent interest, making the screenplay feel uneven and at times hard to follow.

However, Subbu excelled in handling the emotional scenes, which were impactful. The dialogues, too, were well-written, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. Despite some bumps in the storytelling, the emotional depth and strong dialogue helped keep the film grounded.

Verdict: Bachchalamalli – Heavy on emotion, light on impact.