What’s it about?
Anand (Anand Deverakonda) and Vaishnavi (Vaishnavi Chaitanya) go to the same school and are from the same neighborhood. Their families are low-income. So, after failing 10th grade, Anand becomes an auto driver, while Vaishnavi enrolls in college.
Though Anand and Vaishnavi are in love, Vaishnavi’s focus shifts away from him once she enrolls in college, thanks to the newfound ‘freedom’ she experiences there and her friendship with Viraj (Viraj Ashwin), a rich kid from the same school.
But will Vaishnavi’s life be the same if she agrees to an unusual proposal?
Analysis
“Baby,” directed by Sai Rajesh (who penned “Color Photo” and directed “Hruday Kaleyam”), follows the lives of three protagonists: a naive young boy, a girl with lofty aspirations and baffling confusions, and a stereotypically wealthy young man. The girl’s characterisation and the way her story was told sets this love story apart from the typical love triangle plot. Furthermore, the story becomes more moving when things become clearer.
The film’s underlying message is: First love never dies, it is buried forever in the layers of the heart.
Sai Rajesh, the film’s writer and director, juggles a narrative that is both poetic and aimed at a young audience. There is a balance between serious moments and more “youthful” appealing ones. Although some of the content may resonate with the intended audience, it seems out of place in the context of the whole. And the “bold dialogues” may be met with a variety of responses.
The interesting aspects of this film are the heroine’s character and the way she develops from a plain girl to a rebellious/confused woman. The interval episode is terrific. This where the narrative reaches its peak. This is when the story reaches its best point. The second half is extremely emotional, but it is also extremely long. The ending, on the other hand, elicits mixed feelings.
Some viewers may be turned off by the film’s use of profanity and its bold dialogues.
Anand Deverakonda springs an big surprise with this film. Not only does he do well in a number of scenes, but he really shines in the sequences where he has to let his inner turmoil show. Anand steals the show towards the end.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya is flawless in an author-backed role. Whether in the early episodes set in high school, the later ones set in college, or when she becomes an aspirational girl, she is consistently excellent. As a spoiled rich kid, Viraj Ashwin is a perfect fit. Naga Babu, Vaishnavi’s father, and Kusma Degalamarri, her friend, are both okay. So is Harsha.
Composed by Vijay Bulganin, “O Rendu Prema Meghaalila” and “Premisthunna” stand out in the film. The music fits in well with the story. The camerawork of MN Bal Reddy is neat. The editing by Viplav Nyshadam is a mixed bag. The film’s length could certainly be reduced.
Director Sai Rajesh leaves his mark as a writer.
Bottom line: “Baby” is a love story that relies on the characterisation of the protagonists, particularly the girl and boy. Some parts of the film, such as the interval sequences, are terrific. The dialogues are bold. However, the runtime is inexcusably long. Overall, it leaves with mixed feelings, but has a greater emphasis on youth-appealing content.
Rating: 2.75/5
By: KG
Film: Baby
Cast: Anand Deverakonda, Vaishnavi Chaitanya, Viraj Ashwin, Naga Babu, Kusuma Degalamarri, Seetha, Sathvik Anand and others
Music: Vijay Bulganin
DOP: MN Balreddy
Editor: Viplav Nyshadam
Produced by: SKN
Written and Direction: Sai Rajesh
Release Date: June 29, 2023
