Kalyana Vaibhogame Review: Entertaining in bits and pieces

Shaurya (Naga Shaurya) and Divya (Malavika Nair) are two like-minded individuals who hate to enter wedlock, apprehending it will arrest their freedom. What if they exchange marriage vows (for their own reasons)? And that too with a pre-determined understanding to divorce after one year? ‘Kalyana Vaibhogame’ showcases the after effects.

Director Nandini Reddy yet again slips into a similar plotline after ‘Ala Modalaindi’ that focuses on love and relationship between the couple, but treads the oft-trodden path with a fresh approach and exuberance. Although the conflict plot revolves around couple’s apprehensions in relationships, she infuses drama into it, ensuring that the proceedings are animated.

The film also seamlessly weaves in and out of comic moments stirred by candy-floss humour quotient. Also, the wit involving the lead pair, their friends Hemanth (RJ) and others make for a light-hearted ride to a certain extent. The director’s breezy take on love is evidently seen in the way she etched the characterisations of Shaurya and Divya.

Half way through the film, the audience gets to understand that the pair fall in love but are not vocal about it. Nandini handles the transformation (or realisation) process of the hero and heroine (falling in love), the sweet and simple moments to precision. Naga Shaurya’s comic timing and expressions have gotten better with his film. Add to it a few honey-coated dialogues and expressions make him ebullient. Malavika carries off her role effortlessly. She perfectly suits her role and is convincing.

Unconvincing sequences and lengthy second half form the weak links. Unsurprising twists like Divya and Shaurya falling for each other, etc., are old-fashioned. What comes before and after the interval twist is the most predictable of plots yet they appeal because of the treatment. Overall Nandini Reddy keeps the characters natural and honest and that might work in her favour over the film’s progress at the box-office.

Film Name : Kalyana Vaibhogame
Cast : Naga Shaurya, Malavika, Raasi and Urvashi
Direction : Nandini Reddy
Genre : Family Drama
Likes : Honest writing and contemporary plot
Dislikes : Dragging second half