Srinivas Avasarala's Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi was a much awaited movie for me. Finally watched it as it didn't release in theaters close by to me. It's a relationship drama which embraces being imperfect with imperfect characters going through imperfect situations. The movie moves through various stages of two people's relationship. The vibe of the film, the character drama, and how a relationship evolves through highs and lows, through love and out of it were dealt with in an intriguing fashion.
This is definitely not the movie where novelty or uniqueness in story is the USP. The USP here is a pleasant, breezy film where the shots are just as pleasant. The music was a major asset, might be one of my top 3 albums this year (with Dasara and Balagam). Kalyani Malik hit it out of the park in that area. The locations and Europe backdrop worked well for the film.
It is quite a well made movie which kept me hooked throughout. I know a lot of people complained about it being slow, but I never found it to be boring or slow, I was able to empathize with the characters. The complaints also may be that they creatively decided not to show the more emotional, melodramatic moments in the film. Instead they just cut it and move onto the next part of life. The movie follows growth rather than moments, which is unique and appreciable, but may have caused some confusion. I personally liked the screenplay and the nonlinear fashion the movie was told in.
The screenplay really worked and enhanced the movie. It allowed the movie to remain a proper slice of life film rather than a more emotional drama. I think this was a purposeful choice by Avasarala Srinivas, who was not necessarily wanting to show those emotional beats and more of the character's growth. Now the characters feel less deep, but for being a pleasant slice of life drama it works, especially because the imperfections of the relationship are put at the forefront.
I personally enjoyed the comedy in the movie. I didn't find the kafifi and other bits cringe, I really enjoyed the humour and it felt really well blended in, rather than being forced in. Loved the Valentine Rao in the first half and Neelima Ratna Babu in the second half was another hilarious role. The uncle in the marriage of Anupama's sister was quite funny.
Coming to performances, this was a really good performance by Malvika Nair, who never created much of an impression on me. She performed well. Naga Shourya did a decent enough job, some of his limitations showed in this film. I honestly wish Avasarala Srinivas would move on from him and give others opportunities as well.
The characters were nice and I found it easy to empathize with them. Sanjay was a more sidelined guy in school and wasn't a big advocate for himself, which I really connected to. The way his relationship with Anupama grows is well done in my opinion. The way Sanjay internalizes the trauma from his mother passing is interesting as well. All these points are largely not discussed, it's more of like little pieces that the film moves through. Anupama is also a nice character and where she questions Sanjay's absence for the times she needs him is valid. I thought Giri was another intriguing character though not explored much, we just have to assume they broke up, we don't even see it.
That's the thing with the movie. It doesn't tell or even show many events. It just moves through with various snapshots in their life and we make sense of where the characters are in life as we get associated with that snapshot. That's why the best way to look at this film is a purposefully imperfect film with imperfect characters having an imperfect relationship.
Overall, a pleasant, slice of life movie with great music. Definitely give it a watch despite the mixed talk, you may like it.
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