Bro Review: Some episodes click quite well, some don’t!

What’s it about?

Mark (Sai Dharam Tej) is the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his mother, two sisters, and a younger brother who lives in the United States. He has complete control over everyone in the family and is constantly on the run.

“Time Ledu,” he says repeatedly. He doesn’t even have “time” to taste the lipstick of his girlfriend Ramya (Ketika Sharma). He meets her in the car on the way to the airport. He’s such a busy person!

He is killed in a road accident on his way back from completing a business meeting in Vizag to Hyderabad. Mark begs Time aka Titan (Pawan Kalyan) to grant him more “time” to live and fulfill his duties, fearing that his unmarried sisters and his mother, who has Parkinson’s disease, will be devastated by his death.

He used to say he didn’t have time to spend with his family or pray to God when he was alive, but now he wants more time. The god of time extends his life by 90 days.

Will Mark understand the significance of life?

Analysis

For the first time, Pawan Kalyan and his nephew Sai Dharam Tej acted together in “Bro”. Directed by Samuthirakani, who also directed the original Tamil film of the same name, “Vinodhaya Sitham” (which translates to “strange decision”) on which this film is based. Top director and writer Trivikram modified the script as needed to suit the star image of Pawan Kalyan, who plays the god of time called Titan.

The plot is familiar, but the central point discusses fate, luck, and death. What is the true purpose of life? How will the world function after we are gone, and how will our loved ones cope with our death? Many people would have considered these questions. They are mentioned in the film through dialogues.

God usually appears and guides the protagonist in films about people getting second chances, such as “Bruce Almighty.” Here, the god claims that he is not god at all, but rather a representative of time. Thus, this film differs from other stories about second chances.

It’s almost like a fable with a moral lesson. “Bro” has moral lessons and tells philosophical truths in a commercial format but it lacks a fable-like simplicity. In an effort to appeal to Pawan Kalyan’s fans and a wider audience, the story’s core elements were watered down.

While the plot and general structure of this remake are mostly based on the Tamil original, screenwriter Trivikram’s improvements have yielded mixed results. The dialogues are a testament to Trivikram’s talent as a great writer, but the screenplay falls short.

The dialogues in which Trivikram’s mark is clearly visible include: “Puttadam Malupu… Chaavadam Gelup”, “Kalisoste Adrustam Antaru… Kalisirakpote Vidhi Ani Cheptaru”, “Modata Abaddam Cheppedi Amme”, “Bhoomi Meedaku Vachina Prati Vaadu Guest… Enjoy cheyyandi Vadileyyandi… Dochukunta…Lagesukuntaa ante Kudaradu.. Meeru Batikedi Chachedi Bhavi Taraala Kosam.”

While the first half of the film is mostly enjoyable, the second half is completely uneven. The final act is overly sentimental and preppy. This is where the movie diverges from its intended goal. The introduction of Prudhvi’s character as Shyam Babu is just one of many examples of the writers’ confusion. Furthermore, the younger sister’s scenes are too formulaic.

Thankfully, the film has short running time (134 minutes).

Pawan Kalyan provides some humorous moments. He is entertaining to watch whether he is having a lively conversation with Sai Dharam Tej or dancing to his old songs. Although Pawan Kalyan does his best to carry the film, the role loses the steam after a while.

Sai Dharam Tej suits well for the part. While he does well in some areas, the way he plays his part is overly simplistic. The movie has shown once again how he needs to start working out again.

Despite having limited on-screen time, Priya Varrier gets chance to show her acting chops. Ketika Sharma only has few minutes, consisting of a song and two brief scenes. Subbaraju, Tanikella Bharani, and Vennela Kishore are all casted in stereotypical roles.

Though Thaman’s songs are forgettable, his background score is effective. Sujeeth Vasudevan’s camerawork is worth mentioning.

Bottom line: “Bro” is like a fable that offers a message in the end. The story’s setup is superb but the resolution is ineffective. It loses steam somewhere in the second act. Watchable for entertaining pre-interval sequences.

Rating: 2.75/5

Film: Bro
Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Sai Dharam Tej, Priya Prakash Varrier, Ketika Sharma, Brahmanandam, and others
Screenplay and dialogues: Trivikram Srinivas
Music: S Thaman
Director of Photography: Sujith Vaassudev
Editor: Naveen Nooli
Production design: A.S. Prakash
Co-producer: Vivek Kuchibotla
Producer: TG Vishwa Prasad
Directed by: Samuthirakani
Release Date: July 28, 2023