Adda Review

Surprisingly, Adda is not one of those "I'll name my film anything I want, and I'll fill it with anything the monkeys want" kind of generic projects. Not entirely. There is actually an Adda in the picture, and the writers have actually tried to write a story. But that doesn't mean they know how to do what they're doing.

Adda is a rather unremarkable film, one that might survive solely because of a lack of competition - namely, movies that are even more unremarkable. And for now, star kid (okay, relative) Sushant might have to wait a little longer for that one truly nice break to promote him to the next level in the Tollywood food chain.

So Abhi (Sushant, with streaked hair grown long) is this guy who looks like a loafer but is not - he is a specialist in splitting up couples who want to get married at the marriage registrar's office. It's a lucrative occupation, because parents find him useful for breaking up eloping lovebirds.

Enter Priya (Shanvi), who wants her sister and her newly-minted lover (Srinivas Avasarala) to break up because she's afraid her family will kill them. Priya and Abhi don't hit it off very well in the start. They hang out together, though, and plot ways of separating the unwitting couple. Then he falls in love with her, then she asks him to prove it, and then you basically wish you'd not been born with brains.

Adda is a film ridden with loopholes, and is not a very smart movie. It is the comedy on the side that keeps it going. The Jabardasth gang succeeds in getting some laughs, and so does the amusing Mary-Chary couple. However, the notorious "gay" from Gunde Jaari... is back, and with equally unfunny results.

The campus crowd might enjoy this movie because of its time-pass quotient. The emotions are quite basic and linea, but the climax scene, with a weepy hero and stony-faced heroine, actually ends up working.

But mostly, it's a drag fest that never ends. Logic is never respected, and some of the situations are ridiculous, to say the least. For instance, the scene where Priya "carelessly" leaves her secret marriage certificate application flying about on the sofa - it is highly contrived. The fights are long drawn out and far-fetched, especially given Sushant's slender frame.

Although Sushant tries to swagger and beat up goons, he isn't there yet. His entry scene is cheesy and unconvincing. His diction is about alright, but he might want to work on his emoting a little bit. Notably, he seemed good in the climax scene.

Shanvi has no problem emoting, but her acting seems a little childish. Also, her dubbing.

Tanikella and Kota Srinivas Rao have done this film a huge favour by choosing to be in it for those brief appearances. Dev Gill looks menacing but we didn't understand how menacing his character really is. Srinivas Avasarala is sadly under-utilized. The comedians are fun, though. Raghu Babu is hilarious as usual. Fish Venkat entertains in a small but very well-done scene.

The film looks colourful and bright in places, but some parts seems to have been shot in poorly lit interiors. However, the studio setting of Abhi's vibrant "Adda" has been used to full effect.

Anoop Rubens' music has been well-received, and the songs look good too.

Adda might entertain you if you're willing enough. It is best suited for college kids on the run from... college.