Colors Swathi, the charming actress who captured the hearts of fans with her adorable looks and remarkable performances in films like Swamy Ra Ra and Karthikeya, is set to make a triumphant return to the silver screen. After her marriage, she's making a much-anticipated comeback with Month of Madhu. Directed by the talented Srikanth Nagote, this eagerly awaited film is scheduled for release on October 6, 2023.
The film's teaser and trailer have already left audiences buzzing with excitement, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its youthful and romantic elements. As we eagerly anticipate its release, Month of Madhu promises to deliver a captivating and entertaining experience for movie enthusiasts. Get ready to be enthralled by Colors Swathi's magnetic charm once again as she takes us on a delightful cinematic journey.
Month of Madhu weaves a poignant tale of two young souls who fall in love, only to grapple with the harsh realities of life and the uncertain future that unfolds before them. Their journey is shaped by encounters with old friends, family members, and new acquaintances who become integral to their story.
Madhusudan Rao( Naveen Chandra), finds solace in alcohol as he struggles to cope with the aftermath of his wife Leka's (Swathi) departure. Her departure is prompted by his uncontrollable anger issues, leaving him shattered.
However, Madhusudan's life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Madhu,(Shreya Navile), a 19-year-old teenager. The film delves into the intricacies of Madhusudan's divorce case and explores the twists and turns it takes, all while considering the reactions of pivotal characters like Lekha's protective brother Seenu(Raja Chembolu), and the determined lawyer Chalapathy, played by Raja Ravindra.
As the story unfolds, it raises questions about the connection between Madhusudan, the Yoga teacher Vasuki (Gnaneswari Kandregula), and Dakh (Raghav Rudra Mulupuru). These mysterious connections and the fates of the characters must be experienced on the big screen, as Month of Madhu promises a captivating narrative filled with emotion, drama, and unexpected revelations that will keep audiences engrossed from start to finish.
Naveen Chandra displayed remarkable versatility in his role, effortlessly transitioning between various character variations and adopting different personas. As a young lover, he exuded charm and youthful exuberance that endeared him to the audience. In stark contrast, his transformation into a convincing portrayal of an alcoholic struggling through a divorce was both gripping and believable. Naveen Chandra's impeccable mannerisms and body language left an indelible mark on the silver screen. His ability to evoke attraction in love scenes and genuine fury when expressing anger added depth to his character. His eyes conveyed the right emotions and pain, accompanied by precise expressions that resonated with the audience.
Colors Swathi radiated youthfulness and vitality in romantic and love scenes, capturing the essence of her character beautifully. However, in the more somber divorce and courtroom scenes, she seemed slightly out of place, appearing older when juxtaposed with Naveen Chandra. Nevertheless, Swathi delivered a stellar performance during emotional scenes, effectively portraying the agony of dealing with her husband's anger issues.
Viva Harsha's portrayal of Naveen's loyal friend was commendable, skillfully embodying the role of a well-meaning but unsuccessful mediator in Naveen's turbulent life. Shreya Naveli brought a youthful and effervescent energy to her character, delivering bold and impactful dialogues with finesse. Raja Ravindra's performance as a lawyer was acceptable, while Raja Chembolu, with limited screen time as Swathi's brother, played his part convincingly. The rest of the cast performed admirably, staying true to their respective roles and contributing to the overall success of the production.
Srikanth Nagote's Month of Madhu tells a simple yet poignant romantic tale that delves into the journey of a young couple who defy parental wishes to follow their hearts, only to grapple with the harsh realities of married life. Srikanth narrates the love story of Naveen and Swathi with a captivating back-and-forth narrative style that maintains the viewer's interest without causing any confusion.
As Swathi patiently endures her husband's flaws up to a breaking point, the director masterfully highlights Naveen's struggle with anger issues and his excessive drinking habits. Through the character of Shreya Navile, the film challenges established norms with hard-hitting dialogues and scenes that showcase her straightforwardness catalyzing significant changes.
While these scenes hold the audience's attention, the film's repetitiveness and lack of unexpected twists, as well as an overemphasis on Shreya Navile's character over Swathi and Naveen, may lead viewers to feel that the story deviates from its core narrative. The first half progresses smoothly, albeit at a slower pace, and the second half's pacing drops even further. After a series of boozing scenes, the story culminates in a predictable manner, leaving viewers questioning why they invested over two hours for such an ending. The director missed an opportunity to infuse the script with more engaging elements.
Rajeev Dharavat's editing could have been more precise, as it includes several repetitive and unnecessary scenes that affect the overall flow of the film. On a positive note, Ravikanth Perepu's cinematography seamlessly complements the storyline, adding visual appeal to the romantic elements. Achu Ramani's music is noteworthy, skillfully blending Carnatic music into the narrative in an engaging and attractive manner. The background music effectively enhances the film's ambiance. The production values are commendable, contributing to the overall quality of the production.
In conclusion, Month of Madhu is a simple romantic story that explores the challenges faced by a young couple in love. While it succeeds in capturing moments of intensity and change, it could benefit from a more dynamic script and tighter editing to maintain viewer engagement throughout its duration.
Month of Madhu is, at its core, an emotionally charged love story. Srikanth Nagote's attempt to appeal to a younger audience through this romantic drama effectively leveraged the talents of Naveen Chandra and Swathi. The film also aimed to shed light on women's empowerment and their rights, featuring impactful dialogues to drive this message home.
However, the film's potential for a powerful message was overshadowed by its simplistic storyline lacking real twists and turns. The predictable and formulaic template, along with the narration, hindered the screenplay and direction, preventing the movie from reaching its full potential.
In light of these considerations, Cinejosh assigns a rating of 2 to Month of Madhu.