Geethanjali Malli Vachindi Movie Review: Not So Scary Comedy
Anjali and Srinivas Reddy’s “Geethanjali Malli Vachindi” was a surprise hit when it came out. Many people enjoyed the scary comedy. The same group developed the sequel ten years later.
After director Srinivas (Srinivas Reddy) has failed miserably at helming films in the past, businessman Vishnu (Rahul Mahadev) unexpectedly calls him and offers him a chance. Vishnu gives Srinivas permission to film a story at the Ooty palace he owns.
Following Vishnu’s advice, Srinivas and his writers Satyam Rajesh and Shakalaka Shankar cast Anjali, the proprietor of an Ooty coffee shop, as the leading lady.
Their buddy Ayan (Satya), who looks like a man, is playing the lead male character. But why would Vishnu choose this particular spot for the film and offer Srinivas this opportunity if he didn’t have any ulterior motives?
In the first film, what is the connection between the characters Anjali and Geethanjali?
Anjali receives a pitiful amount of screen time, despite being the main heroine. Similarly, her act is not very serious.
While Ali, Shakalaka Shankar, Srinivas Reddy, and Satyam Rajesh all try their best to be funny, they mostly fall flat.
Impressive are the moments with Satya in the second half. Comedian Sunil is making a triumphant return with this film. If the appropriate scripts come his way, he can really shine in his vintage comic performances. He looks great when paired with Satya.
Despite the needless buildups and altitudes, Rahul Mahadev does a satisfactory job as the wealthy businessman.
Technical:
The picturesque setting of Ooty contributes to the film’s striking aesthetic. A bungalow serves as the setting for the most of the film. The artwork is excellent.
The finest aspects of this film are its cinematography and production design.
There is no improvement in the audience’s mood due to the terrible background score. The music and words of the songs itself sound old.
Analysis:
The 2014 film Geethanjali expertly blended horror and humour tropes. But under the direction of newcomer Shiva Turlapati, the sequel is a lethargic remake. The weak story and lacklustre script are the main problems with this film.
Srinivas Reddy and his crew’s attempt to shoot a film within a Mahal occupies the most of the first half of the film, which focusses on the filming process in general.
There is no humour in the scenes starring Srinivas Reddy, Shakalaka Shankar, and Satyam Rajesh. Similarly uninteresting are the scenes involving Anjali. Satya and Sunil’s tunes are the only ones that bring any relief.
An unexpected development involving one of the main characters at the intermission is all it takes to hold our interest in the film.
During this commercial break, we find out why Srinivas Reddy and his crew were hand-picked to helm the picture in this particular setting. The film’s humorous moments, however, occur in the Mahal and are more the source of its amusement than this plot surprise.
Three spectres live in the Mahal, and Srinivas Reddy and his authors are well aware of this. But they can’t just give up on the movie.
There are genuine comic moments when they try to film the drama with performers like Anjali and Satya and these spectres. Having Satya view these ghosts as “method actors” is a great source of entertainment. This one scene in the film is the most interesting and funny section of the whole thing.
However, as the picture approaches its finale, it strays from its engaging drama. In addition to the tedious climax scene, the supposed revenge subplot and flashback narratives add nothing of substance to the story.
One more major drawback is the music. Very few people pay attention to the two songs and the little song.
Scares and laughs are few in “Geethanjali Malli Vachidi.” The sequel turns out to be dull and uninspiring because of a bad writing and unimpressive direction from a new director.
Movie: Geethanjali Malli Vachindi
ibomma Rating: 3/5
Cast: Anjali, Srinivas Reddy, Satyam Rajesh, Satya, Shakalaka Shankar, Sunil, Ali, Ravi Shankar, Rahul Madhav and others.
Screenplay: Kona Venkat, Bhanu Bhogavarapu
Music Director: Praveen Lakkaraj
DOP: Sujatha Siddhartha
Editor: Chota K Prasad
Production Designer: Narni Srinivas
Producers: MVV and Kona
Directed by: Shiva Turlapati
Release Date: April 11, 2024
