Starring: Vijay Deverakonda, Mrunal Thakur, Jagapathi Babu, Vasuki, Abhinaya, Vennela Kishore, and others
Director: Parasuram Petla
Producer: Dil Raju
Music Director: Gopi Sundar
Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur’s latest venture, “The Family Star,” hit the theaters today amidst sky-high expectations. Let’s dive into our review to gauge its impact.
Story:
Govardhan (Vijay Deverakonda) is an architect hailing from a humble background, devoted to supporting his siblings and their families. The arrival of Indu (Mrunal Thakur), a student, as a tenant in his home, marks a significant turning point in his life. Yet, just when things appear to be settling down, Govardhan is confronted with a startling revelation from Indu. Who is she, and what link does she have to his life? The unraveling of these mysteries forms the crux of the story, best experienced on the silver screen.
Plus Points:
Vijay Deverakonda shines in his portrayal of a middle-class man, encapsulating the nuances and demeanor typical of his societal stratum. His performance in familial settings is particularly noteworthy.
Mrunal Thakur delivers a standout performance as Indu, skillfully delineating the character’s growth pre and post-interval. The chemistry between the lead pair adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative.
The songs are well-crafted and visually captivating on the big screen. Additionally, intermittent doses of humor contribute to the overall entertainment quotient.
Minus Points:
One might expect poignant emotional sequences in this genre, yet the film somewhat falters in delivering such impactful moments. Despite Dil Raju touting “The Family Star” as a substantial love story, it fails to leave a profound imprint.
While the potential for emotional depth exists, the film predominantly falls short in that aspect. Parasuram Petla’s minimal focus on screenplay renders several sequences feeling stretched out.
The placement of songs seems somewhat arbitrary, and Gopi Sundar’s background score lacks the desired impact. The second half noticeably pales in comparison to the first, with certain scenes detracting from the overall viewing experience.
The comedy fails to evoke ample laughter, with Vennela Kishore’s talents being underutilized. Jagapathi Babu’s limited screen time and the fleeting presence of other characters further weaken the narrative. Additionally, a few script loopholes are discernible.
Technical Aspects:
Parasuram Petla’s direction and screenplay struggle to captivate, lacking coherence and vigor. While Gopi Sundar’s music succeeds in the songs, it falls short in elevating crucial moments. Though the cinematography and production values are decent, there’s room for improvement in editing to ensure a smoother narrative flow.
Verdict:
Overall, “The Family Star” offers a moderate level of entertainment. Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur deliver commendable performances. However, the film’s sluggish pacing, lack of emotional depth, uninspired background score, and feeble storyline stand out as notable shortcomings. Despite these drawbacks, if you’re willing to overlook them, it might still be worth a watch over the weekend.
