Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada - Movie Review

What’s it about

Arjun (Nikhil) who works in a visual effects company is ditched by his lover Ayesha four years ago. He still doesn’t forget her. His friend (Vennela Kishore) is suffering from a psychological problem. He takes him to some temple in a forest in Kerala where such people are treated. Here he meets a beautiful girl Amala (Hebbah) from Vijayawada who has come for her sister’s treatment and friendship is developed between them. When he is about to propose her, she leaves that place. Distressed he comes back to Hyderabad and there on the road he sees her again. He follows her and comes to know that she is not Amala but Nithya. In a shocking twist he comes to know that Amala is dead long back, she entered in Nithya’s body in Kerala for few days. Who is Amala, why her soul is haunting Arjun?

Analysis
Off late Nikhil Siddharth has been coming up with thrillers. His latest movie ‘Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada’ is also thriller but this has mix of genres – supernatural thriller elements are added to love story. The movie begins on dull note but picks up momentum once the story is shifted to Kerala and from then on it keeps on moving with many turns and twists and makes us glued to it till end. Good dose of comedy is what makes the movie an entertaining watch. While the director’s story and narration is engrossing, the comedy adds further fizz to it. 

The twist can be easily guessed in the very beginning but still the director packages it in such way that he makes us look forward to the unfolding of more drama. Once the character of Nanditha Swetha (her first Telugu film) appears the film turns even more interesting and entertains us. It is only towards the climax that the film becomes too contrived. The climax part is not only too gimmicky but it is also long drawn. Yet, the movie works on many fronts – comedy, good narration, the performance of Nanditha, and the superb camera work.

On the down side, the movie lacks believable factor and some episodes are quite dull. The presence of too many heroines seems just a trick, it doesn't seem logical. The film seriously needs some trimming. Many scenes are lengthy and in many places the tempo goes down.

Nikhil has given his best shot. He is convincing to the core in the role of a youngster who cannot escape from Amala, the soul. Nandita Swetha steals the show. She has shown much variety in her performance and has got her act right for the character. Hebbah Patel is okay. In a guest role, Avika Gor also impresses. Vennela Kishore provides good comedy. The other comedian Sathya evokes laughs. 

Good output by technical department is major plus point to the movie. The right colors and lighting by cinematographer has set the mood for this thriller. Sriram’s camera work is a big plus to the movie. Although songs are pretty okay, the background score by Sekhar Chandra stands out. Editing is neat. Production values are equally good. Abburi Ravi has come up with nice dialogues.  

This is second Telugu film for the director of ‘Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada’. His first film was ‘Tiger’ (2015) which was flop. But here he has shown his command over narration. His writing and direction has worked out. His grip on comedy is the strength.

Bottom-line: ‘Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada’ is a fun thriller. The film works out due to its different storyline and gripping narration that is told in entertaining way. Despite weak and lengthy climax episode, it still is a good time-pass movie. Performance of Nanditha and camera work stand out.