Known for his sensitive film making techniques with strong emotional brilliance, Sekhar Kammula has in fact lost his touch for a while. In an attempt to make a strong comeback, Sekhar joined hands with producer Dil Raju for this beautiful love story introducing Sai Pallavi to Tollywood with Mega Prince Varun Tej in male lead. Let us see, how far this film will bring Sekhar’s Midas touch back on screen in the following review part.
Set in an authentic Telangana backdrop of Bhanswada town in Nizamabad district lives a dynamic and high spirited girl Bhanumathi (Sai Pallavi) with elder sister Renuka (Saranya of T News fame) and agriculturist father (Sai Chand). There comes NRI matrimonial match for Renuka in the form of Raja (Raja) from USA living with younger brother a medico Varun (Varun Tej). Its happiness and joyful moments everywhere as Renuka, Raja get married and on other side Varun, Bhanumathi develop a liking for each other. Simple egoistic differences and minor misunderstandings develop a complex conflict between Varun and Bhanumathi. Rest is, how their love story moved for a happy ending.
Like all Sekhar Kammula films, Fidaa hasn’t got any uncommon storyline. Love-Hate-Love between lead pair is a tested formula. Sekhar scripted Fidaa with plenty of feel-good factors blending a veritable rural backdrop with USA culture. It’s the amazing treatment with loads of reality using Telangana dialect to the fullest made Fidaa altogether a perfect Sekhar Kammula flick. Every scene in first half pinches at heart as tears roll down effortlessly. Sekhar’s forte is his elementary and straight forward dialogue writing which worked brilliantly for Bhanumathi character as Sai Pallavi is sure to connect with every Telangana village belle. Direction wise, Sekhar adopted a commercial touch to second half though movie turns a bit slower in both the halves. Vijay C Kumar’s camera work captured Telangana natural beauty, people’s living style and cultural, traditional practices so beautifully. Drizzle mood created for marriage episode and song thereof can be certified the best. Marthand K Venkatesh’s editing is also rational portraying the emotion poignantly. Shakthi Kanth’s re-recording is pleasant enhancing the depth in narrative and songs like Pilla Mellaga Vachinde, Edo Jaruguthondi are sure to haunt. Production standards from Dil Raju are just satisfactory.
About performances, Varun Tej is though male protagonist, Sai Pallavi is undoubtedly a show stealer because Fidaa runs only on her characterization and Varun just complimented her. Sai Pallavi isn’t a mind blowing glamorous beauty but with a naturally expressive face, she dominated all the proceedings. By the way, she is also a brilliant dancer. Post Fidaa, definitely Sai Pallavi will bag very big projects. Varun Tej improved significantly. His innocent looks and frustration in love ripened the second half. Sai Chand suited perfectly in father’s character and we sympathize with him so easily. Saranya of T News fame is a new find out for Vadina roles. Raja, son of Sirivennela Seetharama Shastri is dignified. Sathyam Rajesh comedy in second half went very well. Among others, the lady who has done aunt to Sai Pallavi is also too good.
Sai Pallavi
Varun Tej
Sekhar Kammula Writing
Second Half
Touching Climax
Music
Documentary Feel In First Half
Slow Narration
Predictable Screenplay
Those who are familiarized with Sekhar Kammula films very well knew what to expect from Fidaa. With a firm inclination towards women’s rights and liberty, Kammula once again penned a vigorous Bhanumathi after Roopa in Anand. In fact, one has to fall for Fidaa just for the way Sai Pallavi character is designed. Kudos to Sekhar for extending his originally natural touch
Right from the beginning of first half introducing us to Varun Tej and Raja’s life in USA pleasingly, once story shifts to Bhanswada region Sai Pallavi tears a part with her magnetic screen presence. Sai Chand, Saranya and others get close to heart with a documentary kind of Telangana culture and tradition presentation. Sekhar executed these portions very well. Varun, Sai romantic track is full of soul as clever one liners keep us hooked. Though conflict opened is silly towards interval block, first half ends on satisfactory note.
Second half is made cinematic with Sai’s flying to USA and Sathya Rajesh managing the fun portion. In fact, there’s no solid content to run the film here yet lead characters do their part with couple of peak emotions doing the trick. Climax is though bit hurried, the decision taken by Varun Tej can be an eye opener for many NRIs to comeback.
All in all, Fidaa is a film close to NRIs and urban centers. In Telangana too, Fidaa has bright chances of standing tall at Box Office if families queue up. Sekhar Kammula’s typical treatment, Sai Pallavi’s powerhouse performance make audience to go Fidaa and Cinejosh rates the film with 3 stars anticipating one more money churner for Dil Raju. Recommended for all.