BOTTOM LINE
Bhaag From Theaters
OUR RATING
1.5/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 1m
What Is the Film About?
Arjun loves Maya but hides his reality as a chef in a hotel and poses as a rich guy. Meanwhile, Samuel (John Vijay) is a gangster who is after a diamond that would bring him close to his love Nalini.
How do these people’s lives connect, courtesy of the diamond? What happens to the love story of Arjun and Maya when the latter knows the truth? The end to the whole chaos involving the diamond is the movie’s basic story.
Performances
Simha Koduri plays another role suiting his age. Unlike his previous attempt, it is a much simpler part on the surface but one that depends heavily on the screen presence and timing to pull it through.
Simha goes through the motions but misses the spontaneity and joviality (even during tense moments) to make an impression. He remains one of the many characters and doesn’t rise among the plethora of artists. It is a bland act, be it when doing fun or in fear or dramatic scenes.
Neha Solanki looks the part and suits well as a pair with Simha Koduri. But, she fails to register among the crowd despite having decent screen time and scenes with the hero.
Analysis
Praneeth Brahmandapally writes and directs Bhaag Saale. It is a crime comedy with a romantic drama thrown in to create the core conflict.
Although there are multiple characters, storywise, the main focus is on the lead pair’s love story. The boy hides his real identity, which is revealed in due course. How they come together forms the narrative.
As one can make out, nothing is new storywise. Everything depends on the screenplay and the writing to keep one engaged. Sadly, that doesn’t happen in Bhaag Saale.
The biggest issue with Bhaag Saale is its predictability. Despite quirky characters thrown into the narrative, there is hardly anything surprising or fresh. The edginess is missing, and the entertainment looks forced.
The attempt is to be an adult crime comedy, but the team doesn’t go whole-heartedly with it. It feels like the punches are pulled back, and things are held back so things don’t become offensive.
The love track, the introduction of various characters, and the central theme almost take us to the interval block. It feels that short, and it is not because of the racy screenplay but due to weak (or lack) content. Also, it seems the director has mistaken a racy screenplay with the characters running on the screen.
Things don’t change post-intermission, as well. After a predictable problem between the lead pair, a simple solution to the whole situation is decided. Things then proceed with no logic or character consistency, and we are already at the climax.
The rushed narrative, chaotic screenplay, crassness and predictability make Bhaag Saale instantly forgettable.
Overall, Bhaag Saale is a quirky crime comedy that never takes off. It has the elements in place but lacks meat and the gripping execution to hold the attention. As the title means, it makes one run away due to sheer hopelessness.
Performances by Others Actors
The movie has a decent supporting cast that is a mix of known faces. However, none has a fully developed part, and everyone has a half-baked role. Rajeev Kanakala plays a typical father character with a tinge of adult humour attached to him. It works in parts. John Vijay has a character that is right down his alley. But, he comes across as overacting. Harsha is his usual, and so is Sudarshan. Sathya and Prithvi are wasted.
Music and Other Departments?
Kaala Bhairava’s music is mostly forgettable, barring the one at the end, which has been neatly cut into the climax chaos. The background score, too, isn’t that impressive except few parts here and there.
Ramesh Kushender’s cinematography is symptomatic of everything else happening technically. The movie is technically weak as it lacks the slickness and sharpness required for the genre and the content.
Karthika Srinivasa R doesn’t help the cause with the editing, as the proceedings have a chaotic vibe. The writing attempts to get the characters’ quirkiness and content going, but it doesn’t work as intended.
Highlights?
Few Comedy Moments
BGM, At Few Places
Drawbacks?
Messy Narrative
Screenplay
Half-Baked Crassy Dialogues
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Bhaag Saale Movie Review by M9News
