While almost all the mega heroes proved their mettle in the industry, Allu Sirish who’s big backing is still struggling to make his mark. Directed by Sanjay Reddy, ABCD stars the glamorous Rukshar Dhillon in female lead with Bharath making his comeback as hero’s friend. Will Sirish score his first commercial hit with ABCD, let’s see…
Two spoiled youngsters Avinash (Allu Sirish) and Basha (Bharath) enjoy their luxurious life in USA which worries Avinash’s millionaire father (Nagababu) who sends them to India, telling them it’s a vacation. As soon as they reach Hyderabad, their credit cards are blocked, forcing them to live in poverty. They unknowingly become enemies to an upcoming politician Bhargav (Sirivennela Raja). How Avinash and Basha face all the odds in India? How they tackle Bhargav? Will they ever go back to USA?
Allu Sirish after facing numerous flops chose a proven subject- ABCD, remake of Malayalam hit of same name. Director Sanjeev Reddy, apparently, did not make many changes to the script, perhaps he didn’t want to spoil the essence of the original. But, what he forgot was tastes of Malayalam audience are different from Telugu audience. The humor part that included in the film is not enough for Telugu audience who love to watch hilarious and engaging entertainers. Moreover, the film lacks novelty with routineness far and wide. Judah Sandhy has come up with couple of melodious tunes, wherein background score is facsinating. Cinematography is neat and editing should have been sharp. Production values are good.
Onto artists, Allu Sirish did his part convincingly. He has come up with settled performance and didn’t go overboard. Rukshar Dhillon looked gorgeous, but she is given limited space. Bharath is good as Sirish’s friend, wherein Vennela Kishore is the biggest asset. The ace comedian gives comic relief at the right time. Nagababu was usual, but he entertains in fake flashback episode as a bad father. Sirivennela Raja is a bad choice for a main villain role. Other artists are okay.
Few Comedy Bits
Couple Of Songs
Regular Story
Clichéd Screenplay
Predictability
Lack Of Freshness
Whenever we hear about a film dealing with an NRI’s comeback to India, it always dealt with the protagonist’s transformation to suit the traditional tastes, his freshly developed adoration and nationalism towards the country or the solid changes he brings in the country. But here in ABCD- an acronym of `American Born Confused Desi', the protagonist and his friend’s every move is to earn some money to go back to USA. Of course, they in the end, do good for the society and win the hearts of their family members and close associates.
The movie begins with introduction of two close buddies Avinash and Basha who enjoy the life to the fullest like there’s no tomorrow. This bothers Avinash’s father who sends them to India, forcing them to live as paupers there. The course of Avinash and friend leading a down-and-out life will not bring much laughter that we expect with the kind of set-up. The fake money episode is lengthy, but senseless. And the interval happens in a simple manner with the hero and villain’s accidentally first meet at a college.
Latter part too begins on dull note with Avinash making efforts to impress his classmate Rukshar. The romantic track is filled with routine stuff. Then, movie turns bit interesting with media highlighting every step of the NRI friends. In fact, the episodes highlight how media overreacts to unnecessary things for TRPs. Vennela Kishore’s episodes were unarguably best and relief giving parts in the film. Then, movie turns routine and boredom with Avinash taking a decision to assist locals in their fight to shut down a chemical factory. Movie ends on happy note with Avinash bringing happiness to the slum people and his family members.
All in all, ABCD is mediocre entertainer with no much freshness. Though it has some entertaining elements, they are not in adequate amount to save the film. Those who love routine entertainers may love this film somewhat. CJ goes with 2.5 rating and we need to wait how it performs at box office.