What’s it about?
Basti Balaraju (Kartikeya) is a driver. He takes dead bodies to the cremation ground. He falls in love with Mallika (Lavanya Tripathi). Trouble is that she is a widow. What’s more, he likes her instantly, when he sees her in front of her husband’s dead body. Mallika and her family admonish him when he proposes to her. What happens to Balaraju’s love? Will Mallika agree to his strange proposal?
Analysis
Love at first-sight is the oft-repeated trope in movies. In ‘Chaavu Kaburu Challaga’, the protagonist instantly falls in love with the heroine. But here’s the twist. He falls for a widow, whose husband had just died. It would sound bizarre in real life, even on the screen. New director Koushik Pegallapati has seen potential in this bizarre point.
It is understandable if Balaraju falling for her, but why would she change her perception towards him? That defies the logic. We never really get the chance to know the relationship Mallika, played by Lavanya, had with her husband when he’s alive. Moreover, pestering a grieving widow for marriage is not at all a progressive thought.
The entire first half of the movie is uncocking and lacks appeal. Thankfully, the film has a better subplot than the main plot. Aamani, who got married at the age of 14 and her husband turns bedridden even before she reaches 18, finds solace outside her marriage. Her son initially thinks she is having an illicit relationship but takes a progressive step upon learning his mother’s version. This thread is dealt with maturity. New director, Koushik Pegallapati’s work is appreciable in these portions.
Although the final moments do work, ‘Chaavu Kaburu Challaga’ doesn’t convince us fully. But the film also ends on a predictable note. Why is that ‘elders’ and heroines only come to the realization point when the rings are about to be exchanged or knots are to be tied?
Kartikeya has shown a lot of restraint in his portrayal of a driver who takes dead bodies to the funeral. His acting is electrifying. He has changed dialogue delivery as well. This is the best performance in his career. Lavanya Tripathi in the role of Mallika has given a mature performance. Aamani is the best among all the actors. Hers is a well-defined role and she plays it so beautifully. Murali Sharma is also good.
Talking about technicians’ work, cinematographer and music director have done satisfying job. Vizag is seen differently. Editing is okay.
Bottom-line: Though “Chaavu Kaburu Chalalga” is peppered with some dramatic and emotional moments in the final portion, it doesn’t move us at all. At most times, the proceedings look ridiculous and bizarre.
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Rating: 2/5
Film: Chaavu Kaburu Challaga
Cast: Kartikeya, Lavanya Tripathi, Aamani, Murali Sharma
Music: Jakes Bejoy
Cinematography: Karm Chawla
Editor: Satya G
Producer: Bunny Vaas
Written & direction: Koushik Pegallapati
Release Date: March 19, 2021
