BRO Review – Not Enough, Bro!

BOTTOM LINE
Not Enough, Bro!

OUR RATING
2.25/5

CENSOR
U, 2h 15m

What Is the Film About?

Mark, aka Markandaya (Sai Dharam Tej), has too many responsibilities on his shoulders. He has to take care of his family, comprising of brother, sister and mother. Amidst all this, he forgets to live his life and always chases for a bigger position. 

One day, unfortunately, Mark meets with an accident. The movie’s basic plot is what happens when God (Pawan Kalyan) gives him time to set things right.

Performances

Pawan Kalyan has a fully jolly role playing God. It is in the same zone as Gopala Gopala, but more energetic, filled with fan moments here. The energy and swag can’t be missed from his intro to the end. The styling is also the best post his comeback. It lifts the film’s mood but gets restricted to the first half only. There was nothing much to chew for him in the second hour, even though there was scope. He can only elevate things to a level, given the content.

Sai Dharam Tej has the role of actual meat. He has to do the heavy lifting as far as emotion and action are concerned. He is okay on his part. The physicality is an issue, but he looks better than on his previous outing. The effort to do well is there, but the situations make his act passable.

Bro’s narrative heavily depends on the chemistry between the two male leads. In this department, both Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej scored initially. It is not magical, but interesting nonetheless. However, after a point, the duo lack the content to take the chemistry to the next level.

Analysis

Samudrakani directs Bro. It is a remake of his Tamil original Vinodaya Sitham, released as an OTT outing. The movie is about God giving a second chance and making the person realise the value of time.

The director gets to the core point of the movie quickly without wasting much time. The characters and the world are established within the first few minutes, and God’s entry soon follows it.

The characterisation of God (played energetically by Pawan Kalyan) and the fun banter between God and Mark carry the first half. Entertainment is nothing out of the world but makes the narrative tick. The fan-pleasing moments related to Pawan Kalyan are integrated well into the proceedings.

The ride until the interval is smooth and makes one look forward to the second half despite the okayish nature.

Unfortunately, the second half of the movie falters in engaging the viewer. The writing and situations are the culprits here. The former lacks depth, whereas the latter lacks relatability. Both are essential to lift the narrative to the next level, but it doesn’t happen.

The bond between God and Mark, too, feels stretched here. The entertainment which worked in the first half feels stretched and lacks the punch. It feels like Trivikram is trying too hard and yet visibly failing.

And finally, the critical emotional block has zero connection. The whole setting and the actors go through the motions artificially. It all feels inorganic and formulaic, ticking the boxes to complete the narrative. The ending message is good, but it’s a little too late.

The second half has a lot of scope, but the utter lack of effort to deliver on either count – fun or emotion- is the biggest disappointment. It feels as if the writer and director thought it enough (when it isn’t) and didn’t try anything at all.

Overall, Bro offers somewhat fresh, yet familiar plot. However, the content fails to generate the emotions. It leaves one disinterested by the end. Give it a try for the theme and decent fun initially, but keep the expectations firmly under check.

Performances by Others Actors

Kethika Sharma has a forgettable outing. She appears in a song in the first half and then a few scenes later disappears. She then appears in the second half intermittently and is gone. Priya Prakash Varrior, too, has a random part that fails to register. 

Rohini has a vital role in the proceedings but has been entirely wasted. Vennela Kishore does his usual, whereas Pruthvi appears briefly in what looks like a clear dig at a politician in the news.

Music and Other Departments?

SS Thaman has disappointed with the songs. There is no doubt in that regard. However, he makes up for it with the background score. It is pleasant and fresh and devoid of the usual cacophony associated with mass outings. However, the second half doesn’t register even on that count, as it lacks the meat. 

Sujith Vaassudevan’s cinematography is neat without overemphasis on visuals. The narrative looks clean and crisp when the regular drama happens. The visual effects could have been better. Trivikram’s writing works in parts only. The comedy is alright, but it is still nowhere near his best. The emotional blocks lack his trademark depth. It doesn’t feel like he has put his heart into it. The production values are okay.

Highlights?

Bromance

Pawan Kalyan

Parts of The First Half

Short Run Time

Drawbacks?

Second Half

Missing Depth

No Emotional Connection

Writing

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes, in parts

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, but with huge reservations

BRO Movie Review by M9News

Live Updates

Final Report:

Overall, BRO is partly entertaining with a somewhat fresh, yet familiar plot, but it lacks emotions and full-fledged fun. It ends up as a watchable fare at best. Not enough Bro!

First Half Report:

First half of BRO is decent. The PK-SDT combo generates humor, and Thaman’s BGM complements the theme effectively. PK’s popular songs are placed perfectly. Second half holds the key now.

— BRO show started. Sai Dharam’s character established quickly. Stay tuned for the first half report.

Stay tuned for the BRO Review, and US Premiere report.

BRO is a Telugu fantasy comedy film, directed by Samuthirakani and written by Trivikram Srinivas. Produced by People Media Factory and Zee Studios, it is a remake of Samuthirakani’s Tamil film, “Vinodhaya Sitham.

Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Sai Dharam Tej, Priya Prakash Varrier and Ketika Sharma
Written & Directed by Samuthirakani
Music Director: Thaman S
Screenplay & Dialogues: Trivikram
Director Of Photography: Sujith Vaassudev
Co-producer: Vivek Kuchibhotla
Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory in collaboration with Zee Studios.