Hanu Kotla, known for his work in Prabhas' "Eeswar," is back to entertain audiences with his directorial debut, "The Deal." The film, which also features Kotla in an acting role, premiered today. Let's see if Kotla has managed to captivate movie lovers with his unique blend of acting and direction in "The Deal."
The Deal story revolves around a youngster who suffers memory loss and the deal he enters with various people surrounding him and where his journey leads.
Bhairav (Hanu Kotla), after a life-altering accident, awakens to a world shrouded in amnesia. His life takes a drastic turn, filled with unexpected twists and turns. These shocking changes impact not only his own existence but also his relationships with those around him. The film delves into the intricate dynamics between Bhairav and key characters: Lakshmi (Dharani Priya), Indu (Sai Chandana), Madhav (Ravi Prakash), Vikram (Mahesh Yadlapalli), and Rao (Raghu Kunche). Their interactions form the heart of the narrative, revealing the profound impact of Bhairav's memory loss on their lives.
Hanu Kotla delivers a compelling performance in the lead role, showcasing a nuanced range of emotions and expressions with a subtle, understated approach. He elevates scenes with his skillful acting. Dharani Priya leaves a mark with her impactful performance, while the intriguing twists in her character keep audiences engaged. Sai Chandana impresses with her emotionally charged performance, bringing depth to her role. Raghu Kunche delivers a noteworthy performance, making his presence felt. Ravi Prakash surprises with his unexpected performance, adding an element of intrigue. The supporting cast members all contribute effectively, bringing their characters to life.
Hanu Kotla, writer and director of "The Deal," aimed to captivate audiences with his intricate plot filled with twists and turns. The film begins with an intriguing setup, introducing the protagonist and setting the stage for the developments that unfold in the first half. The first half concludes on a curious note, leaving viewers eager to see what the second half holds.
While the second half continues to unveil mysteries one by one, these twists, though initially surprising, fall into a predictable and routine pattern, losing their impact and failing to deliver a truly immersive experience. The overall story feels somewhat routine, with the first half lacking a compelling pace and the second half lacking impactful execution of the twists. The pre-climax and climax, while revealing the surprises, end rather predictably.
Shravan Katikaneni's editing could have been more impactful. The film's pace suffers from several repetitive scenes. Surender Reddy's cinematography is decent and complements the story and genre, but it could have been elevated further. Dhruvan's music is merely okay. The disappointing background score fails to enhance the emotional weight of the scenes, proving to be a significant drawback. The dialogues are decent, and the production values are respectable.
Despite the intriguing twists and turns crafted by Hanu Kotla, and his spirited performance, "The Deal" unfortunately suffers from predictable elements and a slow pace. A more dynamic screenplay and a thorough script rework could have transformed the film into a more impactful experience. Taking these factors into consideration, Cinejosh gives "The Deal" a 1.5 rating.