Kushi is a 2023 Telugu romantic comedy film directed by Shiva Nirvana and starring Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles. The film revolves around the marital troubles of Viplav and Aradhya, who elope against their parents’ wishes and face various challenges in their relationship. The film released on 1 September 2023.
Kushi Plot
Viplav is a BSNL employee who falls in love with Aradhya, a corporate professional in iLabs Centre and a Brahmin girl. They decide to get married without the consent of their parents, who belong to different castes and have a bitter rivalry. Viplav and Aradhya move to a rented apartment in Hyderabad and start their married life. However, they soon realize that they have many differences in their personalities, lifestyles, and expectations. Viplav is a carefree and fun-loving guy who likes to spend time with his friends and watch movies, while Aradhya is a serious and ambitious woman who wants to focus on her career and achieve her goals. They also face interference from their parents, who try to separate them or force them to follow their traditions. As the conflicts escalate, Viplav and Aradhya begin to drift apart and question their love for each other.
Performances
Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu deliver convincing performances as the lead pair, seamlessly portraying various emotions in their turbulent relationship. Furthermore, Vijay Deverakonda showcases his charm and charisma as Viplav, deftly balancing his love for Aradhya with his own desires and dreams. He also displays his comic timing and emotional range in the scenes where he argues or reconciles with Aradhya. Samantha Ruth Prabhu portrays Aradhya with grace and dignity, as a woman who struggles to cope with the pressures of marriage and society. She also brings out the vulnerability and frustration of her character, who feels neglected and misunderstood by Viplav. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and realistic, as they depict the highs and lows of their romance.
The supporting cast also does a commendable job in their respective roles. Initially opposing Viplav’s marriage, Sachin Khedekar and Saranya Ponvannan, who portray Viplav’s parents, later attempt to support him in their unique ways. Murali Sharma and Lakshmi play Aradhya’s father and grandmother, who are strict and orthodox but also care for her happiness. Vennela Kishore, Jayaram, Rahul Ramakrishna, Ali, Srikanth Iyengar, Bharath Reddy, and Sharanya Pradeep play the friends and relatives of the couple, who add humor and drama to the story.
Technicalities
Shiva Nirvana, who previously helmed successful films like Ninnu Kori (2017) and Majili (2019), directs the film effectively. He handles the subject of love and marriage with sensitivity and maturity, without resorting to clichés or melodrama. He also infuses the film with humor and entertainment, without compromising on the emotional quotient. The screenplay by Shiva Nirvana is engaging and realistic, as it explores the various aspects of marital life such as communication, compatibility, compromise, trust, respect, etc. The dialogues by Shiva Nirvana are witty and impactful, as they convey the feelings and thoughts of the characters effectively.
The music by Hesham Abdul Wahab is soothing and melodious, as it complements the mood and theme of the film. The songs are well-written by Shiva Nirvana and well-sung by Hesham Abdul Wahab and other singers. The songs also blend well with the narrative, without hampering the pace or flow of the film. The background score is subtle and apt, as it enhances the emotions and atmosphere of the scenes.
The cinematography, skillfully handled by Murali G., paints a beautiful and vibrant picture, expertly capturing the scenic locales of Kashmir, Hyderabad, Vizag, Alappuzha, etc., where the film unfolds. Contributing to the seamless experience, Prawin Pudi’s editing maintains a crisp and smooth rhythm. Additionally, the production design by Mythri Movie Makers stands out, impressively recreating the authentic settings of the film.
Positives
- Fresh and relatable story that deals with a relevant issue of modern-day marriages.
- Balanced mix of romance, comedy, drama, emotion etc., that keeps the audience hooked till the end.
- Excellent performances by Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha Ruthu Prabhu and the supporting cast, who bring their characters to life with ease and flair.
- Soothing and melodious music that adds to the charm and appeal of the film.
- Realistic and mature treatment that avoids stereotypes and clichés.
Negatives
- Predictable and formulaic plot that offers nothing new or surprising to the audience.
- The film could have been crisper and tighter if it trimmed or deleted some stretched or unnecessary scenes.
- Some characters that are underdeveloped or underutilized, that could have been given more depth or importance.
- Some dialogues that are preachy or cheesy, that could have been made more subtle or natural.
Kushi Analysis
The film is a bittersweet tale of love and marriage, that shows the joys and sorrows of a couple who elope against their parents’ wishes and face various challenges in their relationship. The movie is a realistic and mature portrayal of marital life, that explores the various aspects of communication, compatibility, compromise, trust, respect etc., that are essential for a successful marriage. The film is also a humorous and entertaining take on the clash of cultures and generations, that shows how the couple cope with the interference and expectations of their parents and society. The film is also a musical and visual treat, that showcases the scenic locations and soothing songs of the film.
Verdict
Kushi is a film that will appeal to the fans of Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and romantic comedy genre. The film is a light-hearted and enjoyable watch, that will make you laugh, cry, and smile with its story and performances. The film is not a masterpiece or a game-changer, but it is a decent and delightful film that will leave you with a feeling of happiness.
Rating
3/5
*This is an Artificial Intelligence-generated movie evaluation. These reviews are written by a large language model, trained on a massive dataset of text and code. This means that our reviews are more comprehensive, insightful, and unbiased than anything you’ll find on other platforms.
