BOTTOM LINE
Boring Love, Dull Emotions
RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
‘A’ Certified, 2h 40m
What Is the Film About?
Murali Krishna, commonly known as Mowgli (Roshan Kanakala), harbours the dream of becoming a police officer. For now, though, he works as a dupe for films. On one such shoot, he meets Jasmine, a deaf and dumb girl, and falls in love with her.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan is a psycho womanising cop. He doesn’t leave any girl on whom he lays his eyes. How does Mowgli and Jasmine fall in love? The movie’s basic plot is the problems the lovers face and how they overcome them.
Performances
Roshan Kanakala picks another part that suits his age. This time it’s less simpler to carry the role compared to his debut, which felt a bit too heavy for him. In the first half, it is all fun and casual banter, whereas in the latter half, we get to see the emotional and action side of the actor.
Roshan goes through the proceedings with ease for a two-film hero. However, he still lacks the presence, and the character doesn’t offer him much to register. He does his part sincerely, be it action or emotion, and that’s it. The necessary impact is missing to make him stand out.
Sakkshi Mhadolkar gets a challenging role as a heroine. She has to play a deaf and dumb girl. The character, however, doesn’t get much to do beyond the romance and some crying. She is decent in them. The good thing is that she suits well as a pair with the hero.
Analysis
Sandeep Raj of Colour Photo frame writes and directs Mowgli. It is a love story like his debut film, set in a different backdrop.
The movie starts with a scene establishing the antagonist. It not only does that, but it also establishes the problem with the movie. We see that more and more as the narrative progresses.
So, the opening sequence involves introducing us to the villain, Christopher Nolan’s character. The scene highlights his character, showing how he manipulates and then threatens a woman into submission to satisfy his desire. Nothing is out of the box here, its just that we have a different actor doing the routine villain establishment act. Everything seems fine on paper, but something feels off. The gripping presentation and tension, and drama are missing. As an audience, one doesn’t feel the desired effect. And the same reflects with the movie in its entirety.
The hero’s world, his friend and the work, they all don’t come together to create a solid cohesive narrative. There is a constant feeling of something being missing. It is due to the overcooked stuff and presentation. Not only do the scenes overstay their welcome, but the content within the scenes doesn’t land well. The pauses, the silences, are ill-timed. It creates a visible awkwardness on screen, always keeping the audience away from the proceedings and letting them get involved.
A few small stretches in between, where the timing and rhythm of the actors are fine, work alright. The whole thing makes the proceedings uneven and incoherent. Add to it the predictable stuff content-wise, and there is hardly any engagement.
By the time one reaches the interval, one feels relieved. A small twist around the same time helps save the interest and a little bit, though.
Post intermission, the initial few moments give us a feeling that things might be back on track. But, once again, the problem (seen from the start) resurfaces when the scenes turn lengthy. The police station block is an example. It has parts that work, but overall, it doesn’t hit that way it’s meant to.
And then, the narrative slides into silliness with seriousness mixed into it. This concoction brings an irritation that needs to be seen to be felt.
A few emotional scenes are placed in between to enhance the drama further. But they don’t work at all despite the actors trying hard. They are predictable, and one can see why they are placed immediately. So, when the expected happens, again, no emotions are felt.
The climax is stretched, and just when it looks like things are getting over, it extends further to bring a closure. The end bit is okay, but the lead to it is so contrived that one loses any little interest by that time.
Overall, Mowgli offers nothing new storywise. It depends on the setting and characterisations to provide the difference and then deliver on emotions. Unfortunately, none of it happens, and we are left with a bland, boring and tasteless outing.
Performances by Others Actors
Bandi Saroj Kumar is the main actor who comes to mind immediately after the lead pair. He gets a character that should ideally be instantly impactful for the crowd. However, it doesn’t work entirely the way it should. Parts of the scenes are fine, but a knockout punch isn’t there.
Viva Harsha, on the other hand, gets a predictable but good role after a gap. In one of the sequences, he gets the loudest cheer. The actor does well within the scope given to him. The rest of the cast too is okay.
Music and Other Departments?
Kaala Bhairava’s music is fine. The songs are decent, and the background is better, helping the narrative. The cinematography is okay. Given the forest locations and the setup, Mowgli had more scope to deliver visually. The editing should have been better. The narrative lacks smooth flow. The writing is decent in parts, but in general gives a generic feel lacking depth.
Highlights?
Basic Setup Of The Film
BGM
Decent Casting
Drawbacks?
Uneven Narrative
Zero Emotional Connect
Feels Lengthy
Impactless Drama
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
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