'Orey Bujjigaa', starring Raj Tarun in the lead, started streaming on Aha at 6 pm, October 1. The film was supposed to release for Ugadi in theatres. This direct-to-streaming release has been touted as a rom-com with family emotions. Does the film live up to the description? Is it worth a watch? Let's find out.
Story
In Nidadavolu, Bujji (Raj Tarun) runs away from his house after his father (Posani Krishna Murali) fixes his marriage without his consent. In the same village and around the same time, Krishnaveni (Malavika Nair) runs away minutes before marriage with her 'bava', for she doesn't like him. Since they both have gone missing at the same time, rumour goes out that they have eloped together. Soon, when they come to know of the rumour in the village, they start hating each other despite never meeting each other even once.
Once in Hyderabad, destiny makes them cross paths. Krishnaveni assumes an alias name Swathi, while Bujji calls himself by Sreenu. Friendship blossoms between them. What do they do once they come to know of their past and actual identities? That's the crux of the story.
Performances
Raj Tarun tries his usual comedy style endlessly. He is quite routine in every sense of the term. Malavika of 'Yevade Subrahmanyam' fame brings some decorum to the otherwise boring character that she plays. Hebah Patel plays a short role.
Posani Krishna Murali is over the top, while Vani Viswanath is wasted. VK Naresh, Madhu Nandan, Saptagiri, Sathya, Raja Ravindra, Swami Naidu and others are passable.
Technical aspects
Anup Rubens' background music is familiar. As far as the songs are concerned, the Sid Sriram-crooned 'Ee maaya peremito' clicks. I. Andrew's cinematography is middling. Editing by Prawin Pudi is okayish.
Plus Points
The first 30 minutes are staged well. It sets the tone for a bevy of comedy scenes.
Hebah Patel's character is a bit interesting.
Minus Points
The story's broad trajectory is easily predictable. Even a kid can guess what happens when the male lead is a genius who saves the career of the female lead. These are outmoded elements.
The rivalry between Krishnaveni's mother (Vani Viswanath) and Bujji's father has been portrayed in a laughable manner.
Some scenes in the second half are so over-stretched that they look pointless after a point. For example, the hospital scene in which Saptagiri and Raj Tarun irritate or confuse a set of characters is hardly funny.
The behaviour of even the lead characters is bizarre. They don't sit down and think like adults. They behave likes kids with no intention to communicate clearly.
Nandyala Ravi's dialogues give more information about brands like Paytm than they give insights into the psyche of the lead characters.
The climax is another weak point. There is a duel during a corporate meeting and it's ridiculous.
Closing Remarks
Director Vijay Kumar Konda of 'Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde' tries the time-tested formula of what happens when the person you think is pathetic is actually so good. This is pretty much a done-to-death thing in our cinema. Not just the writing, but also the execution falters big-time.
At 149 minutes, the film is needlessly prolonged. Massive pruning of content is in order, especially in terms of the intrusive songs.
