Starring: Chaitanya Rao Madadi, Lavanya Sahukara, Lalith Adithya, Viva Raghava, Uttara Reddy, Mihirah Gurupadappa, Yash Rangineni, Vasu Inturi, Krishna Mohan, Ramana
Director: Chandu Muddu
Producer: Ashok Reddy
Music Director: Prince Henry
Cinematographer: Pankaj Thottada
Editor: D Venkat Prabhu
Release Date : July 21, 2023
Annapurna Photo Studio is a film that has been promoted well in the last few days. The film has Chaitanya Rao as the main lead and hit the screens today. Read the review to find out if the film has any juice in it or not.
Plot
In a peaceful village called Kapileswarapuram, Chanti(Chaitanya Rao), a talented videographer, enjoys a happy life surrounded by his family and friends. He falls in love with Gauthami(Lavannya Sahukara), and she begins to feel the same way about him. Their love fills their lives with happiness. However, something troubling happens later on. Chanti, overwhelmed with sadness, tries to end his life by attempting suicide. When a heart-wrenching suicide note is discovered, the village is left in shock. The movie then unfolds to reveal the reasons behind Chanti’s desperate act and explores his backstory. The rest of the story revolves around this mystery and how it affects the lives of those involved.
Performances
Chaitanya Rao Madadi delivers a brilliant performance, showcasing his comedic talent, following the success of his popular series “30 Weds 21.” The director skillfully utilizes his impeccable comic timing, making his role a delight to watch. Viva Raghav shines in his part, providing genuine laughter with his impressive acting. Lavannya Sahukara, as Gauthami, fits the role of a traditional village belle perfectly. Her performance adds a captivating charm to the film. Producer Yash Rangineni surprises with his role, and the rest of the cast delivers commendable performances.
What’s Good
Chaitanya Rao’s performance
Visuals
A few comedy scenes
What’s Bad
Lag in narration
Dull Second Half
Weakly written characters
Analysis
The story itself may seem straightforward, but the director Chandu’s finesse elevates it to an immersive and entertaining experience. Embrace the captivating tale as Chandu skillfully narrates the first half, drawing you into the plot’s heart. Yet, beware of a slight lull in momentum during the latter half, a deliberate choice that may have benefitted from more meticulous handling by the director.
Amidst the brilliance, a few shadows cast their pall. Unnecessary and predictable scenes impede the narrative’s flow, while some dialogues fall out of sync, yearning for better craftsmanship. In a quest for more profound drama, Mihirah Gurupadappa and Lalith Adithya’s roles could have been etched with more nuance. Familiar faces could have added an extra layer of relatability, connecting the audience even deeper with the characters’ journey. As a director, Chandu’s prowess is evident, though as a screenwriter, the second half could have been spared the shackles of monotony.
The music by Prince Henry weaves a delightful tapestry, its melodies resonating both in sound and sight. The score’s magic adds an irreplaceable allure to the film’s essence. Pankaj Thottada’s masterful cinematography breathes life into the village’s vibrant hues, imprinting indelible memories on the silver screen. In the hands of Venkat Prabhu, the editor, some scenes could have found a more concise rhythm, especially in the latter part. Nevertheless, the movie’s production values stand commendably tall, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the art and makeup departments.
In a delightful mix of brilliance and blemishes, “Annapurna Photo Studio” emerges as a romantic comedy-drama that captures decent drama. The lead performances, entwined with Viva Raghava’s comedic flair, shine as beacons of strength. Yet, the shadows of unnecessary scenes and a lackluster second half cast a pall on an otherwise enjoyable experience.
Bottom Line – Passable fare
2.75/5
