Writer Padmabhushan Movie Review:Seamlessly Combines Humor and Emotion
“Writer Padmabhushan,” starring Suhas in lead role hits the screens. The film created huge buzz with its promotions and trailer. Being the first theatrical release of youtube sensation Suhas in lead role, this film gains more attention from audience. Let’s see how the film fares at box-office.
Story
Padmabhushan (Suhas) works as an Assistant Librarian, but his dream lies elsewhere. He wants to be a famous writer. His debut novel, though, is a disaster. His life turns around when a new book with his name in writing credits gets a tremendous response, leading to a dream arranged marriage. Who is the mysterious writer using Padmabhushan’s name? What happens when his father-in-law announces that the engagement will happen along with the new book launch? The answers to these questions form Writer Padmabhushan’s main crux of the story.
Analysis
"Writer Padmabhushan" is a sentiment drama with a profound message, although it initially presents itself as a romantic comedy. The first half of the movie takes its time and focuses on these aspects. There are a lot of repetitive sequences that ruin the first half of the film.
Furthermore, the events make us wonder if the story is set in the 1980s. Because, in today's world, no father would happily marry off his daughter to a Telugu writer with limited financial means.
To tell the truth, a Telugu author must front the cash for book printing and promotion. Telugu authors can forget about becoming well-known; they must instead give away free copies of their books to close friends and family.
When the hero's blog goes viral and his estranged uncle agrees to let him marry his daughter, the city of Vijayawada is depicted in the film as erupting in celebration. Such scenes prove that the director has no knowledge on current situation of the Telugu literary world.
Even the girl's supposed attraction to this author isn't convincing. Despite a few amusing moments, the film's first half fails to engage viewers.
Final act of "Writer Padmabhushan" has a surprising twist and an emotional angle, and the film as a whole depends on it. The plot twist is integral to the film's overall message. The message is strong, and the emotional sequences are handled well. This final section and the message make up for the uninteresting opening sequences “Writer Padmabhushan.” In the end, the film turns out to be a pretty decent one. On a whole, "Writer Padmabhushan" has a strong climax but falls short in the rest of its elements.
Performances
Suhas is perfect for the role. We only see the character which suits the actor. The comedy is mainly situational and dialogue-based, and Suhas goes through them easily. However, if one has been following him, the act is bound to appear repetitive. We have seen him do the same before, but it still works, as it is not overdone so far. There are a couple of emotional moments towards the end, which are fine. It is a good outing for Suhas and will establish him further in the space in which the movie is set.
Tina Shilparaj playing the heroine is alright. She fits the bill despite lacking the usual big-screen heroine appeal or the glamour required for the same. However, there is nothing memorable in the role, and she could have easily lost in the crowd if not for better screen space.
Apart from the main leads, Ashish Vidyarthi and Rohini have vital roles. Both shine as ordinary couple with simple pleasures and dreams. Their characterisations and presence save “Writer Padmabhushan” from being a totally forgettable fare. Goparaju Ramana is adequate in a small role. Sri Gouri Priya Reddy is wasted after rising hopes at the introduction. The rest of the cast is alright, playing more minor roles.
Technicalities
Debutant director Shanmukha Prasanth weaves a compelling story that comes with a redemption arc. The film takes off as a family comedy, assumes the form of a regular rom-com, and then turns into a non-serious whodunit. The finale is heart-warming, complete with a social message
Sekhar Chandra provides the music, whereas Kalyan Nayak takes care of the background score. Both do a decent job with their respective work lifting some dull moments in the process. Venkat R Shakamuri’s cinematography effectively conveys a lighter mood to the proceedings. The close-up shots in a few outdoor locations could have been done better. Kodati Pavan Kalyan and Siddharth Thatholu did the editing, the narrative flows smoothly, even if the pace is a little slow. The writing is mostly fine and a significant reason to stay the course.
Advantages
Writing
Situational humour
Climax message
Drawbacks
Predictable drama
Subplots