Iddari Lokam Okate – Movie Review

What’s it about?

Mahi and Varsha are born in the same hospital. They develop a friendship as kids in their hometown Ooty. But due to the death of a member in Varsha’s family, they get separated. 25 years later, they meet again. Varsha (Shalini Pandey) is now trying to become a movie actress in Hyderabad while Mahi (Raj Tarun) is a famous photographer. Varsha is in a relationship with a guy but she meets Mahi and their lives and relationships change. 

Analysis

‘Accident’ is a recurring point in ‘Iddari Lokam Okate’ starring Raj Tarun and Shalini Pandey. An accident causes pre-term labor for Mahi’s (played by Raj Tarun) mother. A bicycle accident was the reason why Mahi takes up photography and develops a friendship with Varsha (played by Shalini). Another accident plays a life-changing role in their lives.

Coincidences/accidents causing the lives of a young couple is the basic theme of this love story which is an official remake of 2011 Turkish romantic drama – ‘Love Likes Coincidences’ (Ask Tesadüfleri Sever). However, barring the climax and protagonist’s problem, the basic story and scenes of this Turkish drama have already been copied by three different filmmakers in Telugu. ‘Malli Raava’ featuring Sumanth, ‘Hello’ starring Akhil and Varun Tej starrer ‘Tholi Prema’ have used a major chunk of this Turkish drama.

Thus, ‘Iddari Lokam Okate’ gives the feel of Deja Vu though this movie is an official and faithful remake of the Turkish drama. Had this been released much before those movies, it would have been different. Still, ‘Iddari Lokam Okate’ has its own merits. Despite Deja Vu, it is not a bad film either. Raj Tarun has put in the sincere effort for this role. Shalini Pandey is also good. The lip-lock scene in the second half is better handled. There lies huge merit in the surprising climax but the preceding proceedings should have been more effective. Overall, the climax makes the difference to this drama. 

Cinematography is rich. Except for the song ‘Ade Nuvvu Ade Nenu’, Mickey has given regular tracks. Compared to his debut film ‘Aadu Magadra Bujji’, director GR Krishna has handled some sequences better here. 

Bottom-line: ‘Iddari Lokam Okate’ is a faithful remake of Turkish drama ‘Love Likes Coincidences’ but it gives a feeling of déjà vu.