Ace producer Dil Raju took the responsibility to revive the careers of Raj Tarun and Shalini Pandey who are going through lean phase. This film’s result is very crucial for director GR Krishna whose maiden venture Aadu Magaadra Bujji was an utter flop. Will this be a game changer for the lead pair and director?
Mahi and Varsha born in same hospital and at same time coincidentally meet after 18 years as they get separated in school days. Now, Mahi (Raj Tarun) is a popular fashion photographer wherein Varsha (Shalini Pandey) is a struggling film artist and is in love with entrepreneur Rahul (Raja Sirivennela). When Varsha is enjoying the company of Mahi and shifting her romantic feelings for the latter, here comes a shocking fact about him. What is this shocking fact? Where this triangular love story ends? How the title Iddari Lokam Okate is justified in the end forms crux of the story.
There’s no time bound for romantic off beat films. But, the biggest problem with ILO is it isn’t penned to the tastes of current generation youth. In the myth of believing that pain is the best expression to define true love, director GR Krishna who took inspiration from a Turkish romantic melodrama came up with load of outdated ideas. Narration is so boring and we feel of taking a deep sleep in middle. Basic thought of coincidences in love is intriguing but the old-fashioned screenplay played spoilsport. Romantic track also looked inconsistent due to lack of material in story that missed in convincing factor.
Cinematographer Sameer Reddy captured the picturesque locations of Ooty skillfully whereas Mickey J Meyer came up with melodious tunes. His efforts to ooze life into insensible scenes turned futile. Thammi Raju’s Editing was another drawback. Production values of Sri Venkateswara Creations are superb.
Onto performances, Raj Tarun true to the character was dull all through. He was settled, matured and deviated from his natural style of acting. Shalini Pandey is gorgeous and equally got lengthy role. Chemistry between the lead pair is the lifeline. Nassar was good as Shalini’s grandfather and Master Bharath was of no use. Rohini was usual in mother role and so was Raja Sirivennela as Shalini’s ex.
Lead Pair Chemistry
Couple Of Songs
Cinematography
Outdated Story
Slow, Predictable Narration
Lack Of Commercial Elements
Weak Direction
Typical love stories of Telugu cinema with anti-climax worked rarely at Box Office. Makers still believe that this formula if presented with right sensibilities can still be productive. Iddari Lokam from golden handed producer Dil Raju and new director GR Krishna is largely a remake of Turkish flick Love Likes Coincidences.
Pedaled more on feel good coincidental episodes in a cute couple’s love story, ILO suffered massively with dead slow narrative, lacked on proper content thus failing to elevate emotions and melodrama beyond a point. Without Sameer Reddy’s colorful visuals and Mickey J Meyer’s soothing music, ILO is easily a drowsy attempt that suppressed Raj Tharun’s trademark energy levels. Nevertheless, Shalini Pandey is gem of a beauty gently touches our hearts.
Movie starts off with a nice thread linking the births of both Raj Tharun aka Mahi and Shalini Pandey aka Varsha on same day. Fast forward to Hyderabad, none of the scenes elaborating Raj Tharun’s photography profession and Shalini’s struggles in becoming a heroine in film industry were effectively shown. Time passes with low on content episodes before Shalini meets Raj at photo exhibition. Both of them realizing on like-mindedness thus translating into a unique romantic bond hasn’t got any freshness except the couple’s on screen chemistry. Songs are breezy and acceptable in this super slow ride. In between, the childhood flashback scenes connect to an extent. Shalini’s journey to Ooty to recollect more childhood memories and Raj Tharun’s shocking state of health is an okay interval.
Latter half deals more in development of love relation between the lead pair. There are plenty of clichés to discomfort viewers. Raj Tharun’s overtly good natured attitude never generated sympathy, in turn tested our patience. On the other side, Shalini whenever appears on screen is a delight for eyes thoroughly decelerating the pace of romance. As the time comes for her to choose one between Raja Chembolu and Raj Tharun, we move towards pre climax with special screening of Okari Kosam Okaru. What kind of predictable plain twist await for us in this portion will be interesting to watch on the screen.
All in all, Iddari Lokam Okate is an out dated romantic tale with plenty of boredom and routineness in every scene. Except Raj Tharun, Shalini Pandey’s magical chemistry, there is nothing much to talk and CJ goes with 2.25 stars. One more weak choice from Raj Tharun.