Bachchala Malli Review

In an era of films glorifying larger-than-life ripped and 6-pack abs heroes, Bachchala Malli takes a daring detour into the territory of the deeply flawed and self-destructive commoner. Director Subbu Mangadevvi crafts a narrative around Malli (Allari Naresh), a man burdened by the weight of his past. The film unapologetically presents a protagonist devoid of charm or heroism, challenging conventional storytelling.

Malli's world unfolds in a haze of bitterness and despair. His father's departure for another woman during his childhood leaves a wound that festers into unrelenting anger. As a young man, Malli's choices mirror his inner chaos - he drops out of school, drinks himself into oblivion and burns bridges with reckless abandon. His small village observes his decline in silence, while his mother watches with helpless sorrow.

The entry of Kaveri (Amritha Aiyer), the educated and optimistic daughter of a police officer (Rao Ramesh), introduces a flicker of hope. Through her, Malli begins to envision a life beyond his anger. Yet, this newfound purpose is tested by familial resistance and his own turbulent past. And he again resorts to his old ways.

Bachchala Malli brings Malli's journey vividly brought to life, each frame painting the turmoil of his existence. His disdain for the world and himself is palpable in every action, from stealing donation boxes to picking petty fights in a bar. The portrayal of his fall from grace is starkly realistic.

However, the film falters when it lingers too long on these traits, leaving little room for nuance or growth. Malli's life becomes a monotonous "drink, fret, beat and repeat". The narrative builds around Malli's anger toward his father, a conflict rich with potential, but it is poorly explored. You can't process why Malli is so hell-bent against his father, who always has a kind demeanour. Similarly, the romance between Malli and Kaveri lacks the depth necessary to convince you of their bond. Kaveri's belief in Malli feels irrational, and the blossoming of love between them doesn't look organic at all, either.

Unnecessary sub-plots and a weak screenplay further muddle the proceedings. Characters like Malli's niece and Achyuth Kumar's antagonist are introduced but remain peripheral, their stories half-told. While Malli's transformation is central, the lack of meaningful conflict or resolution renders the story one-dimensional.

Allari Naresh delivers a gripping performance, inhabiting Malli's ruggedness and despair with authenticity. Known for his experimental roles, Naresh brings an earthy authenticity to a character who is as raw as he is tough. His physicality and raw emotion elevate the character, even when the script falls short. Success and failure aside, this movie will be remembered for the immense hard work he has put in.

Amritha Aiyer brings charm to Kaveri, though she is hampered by a poorly-written role. Rao Ramesh stands out in the climactic moments, his gravitas adding weight to the narrative. Kota Jayaram delivers a poignant performance as Malli's helpless father, who always feels for Malli only to get dejected and ignored by him. And Hari Teja finally has a role with considerable screen time. Her portrayal of Malli's caring niece is quite effective.

The film's production design shines, with the bygone era of the 1980s and 2000s brought to life with meticulous detail. From Yezdi bikes to CRT televisions, the 80s' tiled houses and more, the setting is rich with nostalgia. The art direction effectively captures the rustic charm of Andhra Pradesh, grounding the story in authenticity.

Richard Nathan's cinematography complements the sombre tone, while Vishal Chandrasekhar's background score adds emotional texture. Some of the songs are good in themselves as they run in the background (not lip-synced by actors). However, they appear in unwarranted situations, and interrupt the narrative. The movie's pacing also suffers due to excessive length, and along with the jarring transitions between scenes, betrays a lack of good editing.

Bachchala Malli offers a glimpse into a flawed man's life but struggles to maintain its grip. Despite Allari Naresh's commendable performance and the film's strong visual aesthetics, the lack of a cohesive narrative and underdeveloped characters make it a tedious watch. If you seek depth and resolution, this one may leave you wanting. Like Malli himself does, the journey feels exhausting, with redemption just out of reach.