U Turn - Movie Review

What’s it about!
 
A rookie reporter Rachana (Samantha) is working on accidents happening at RK Puram flyover due to an unauthorized U Turn. A beggar gives her vehicle numbers that violate rules by taking U Turn putting the divider stones aside. A guy who violated this rule dies in the night, police come to know that Rachana was spotted entering his apartment and she becomes the suspect. When police interrogate her, she reveals that she has been noting down the vehicles and it turns out that all of them are suspected to be killed. She says she’s innocent and a young police officer (Adhi Pinishetty) begins the investigation process of the mysterious deaths. How all the deaths are connected to this flyover? What is the real mystery?
 
Analysis
 
‘U Turn’ is remake of Kannada hit of the same name that was released in 2016. Directed by Pawan Kumar who also helmed the original Kannada movie. The film essentially talks about how a simple traffic violation leads to greater consequences. Pawan Kumar has packaged this drama in riveting manner by keeping suspense in most part. For those who don’t know the twist or watched the original like this reviewer, the happenings in the first half are quite intriguing and keeps you glued to the seats.
 
The director begins the story like a murder mystery thriller by creating right mood, setting the hook. Protagonist (female lead here) becoming a suspect in series of deaths is not new but Pawan Kumar’s premise has lot of novelty. The protagonist here is reporter who is working on traffic violations and one thing leads to another. He builds right suspense by making us believe that she must be hiding something. The elements are slowly unravelled. Though the thread of her love track with Rahul Ravindran seems forcible in the beginning only in the later portions we get the real drama from this angle. Till the first half, the director keeps us engaged. There is not much dull moment.
 
The major twist is revealed in the middle of the second half, and from there it turns quite predictable. The logic given to Bhumika’s episode doesn’t seem convincing.
 
Overall, the film looks like a faithful remake of the original Kannada movie.
 
Samantha shines in her role. She has given quite convincing performance in all important episodes. She makes many moments quite engaging. She also gets the look right for the journalist’s role. Initially her dubbing (she dubbed herself) seems a bit odd as we are not accustomed to this voice, it turns okay later. She still needs to polish the diction.
 
Aadhi Pinishetty as police officer and Rahul Ravindran as crime reporter have pitched in neat performances. Bhumika in a cameo appearance is good. Naren and Narien are okay.
 
Cinematography is top class; the cameraman has created the mood with the lighting. Although Hyderabad doesn’t have flyovers that people can easily remove stones of the divider, it is still believable. The background score is effective.
 
Director Pawan Kumar has shown his skill in tight narration. Apart from good direction, he also drives an important point about traffic sense.
 
Bottom-line: ‘U Turn’ is watchable thriller with engaging moments. The entire first half is riveting aided with Samantha’s good performance, effective narration and the mood. Towards the end, it turns predictable. Nevertheless, it is an interesting thriller.