What’s “Tillu Square” about?
Tillu (Siddhu Jonnalagadda), who was cheated by Radhika (Neha Shetty), continues his profession as a DJ. Despite bad past experiences, as usual, his heart skips a beat when he sees Lily (Anupama Parameswaran), a stunning woman who pukes on his shoes. This occurrence rapidly fosters a romantic relationship between them.
Following a shared night, she leaves him with a written message expressing her intention to never meet him again.
Still, he can’t stop looking for her. After a few weeks, she approaches him and announces that she is expecting his child. Tillu’s problems therefore start.
It quickly becomes apparent to him that, similar to Radhika, Lily is also exploiting him for a specific purpose. While Radhika attempted to conceal a murder, Lily had another ‘mission’. What is that? And how does Tillu manage this new problem?
Analysis
“DJ Tillu,” a crime comedy released in 2022, was a major box office success and helped Siddhu Jonnalagadda gain popularity as a star. Tillu’s portrayal remained with audience members, and his dialogue “Atluntadi Manathoti” became a catchphrase for ordinary people. The sequel “Tillu Square” promised double the entertainment and magic. But it actually follows the same template as the original.
Despite writing issues, the original film worked primarily because of Tillu’s portrayal and the character’s ‘innocence’. But, like the original, it contains a plethora of amusing one-liners.
“Tillu Square” picks up where the situations in the original film “DJ Tillu” left off. Like the first part, the sequel is mainly reliant on the protagonist Tilly’s characterisation, and cheeky humor. The introduction of a new female character, Lilly, is an added treat to this sequel.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when Lily (Anupama Parameswaran) reveals her true identity. The ‘mission’ that Anupama Parameswaran takes on and uses Tillu for this is neatly integrated into the film’s premise. This sequel nicely adds the raison d’etre for Anupama’s character. The interval bang of ‘Ganga Poorthiga Maarina Chandramukhi’ is equally entertaining.
After the interval, the film relies on handy story twists. However, Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s continuous supply of humorous one-liners keeps us entertained.
Compared to the original, there is more romance between the leads, including scorching kiss sequences. However, it lacks the ‘sizzling chemistry’ that Siddhu and Neha demonstrated. A surprising component is missing here. There are repetitious moments, and the many references to the first part are tiresome.
Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s body language and dialogue delivery in “DJ Tillu” were unique, which contributed to the film’s popularity. He maintains Tillu’s eccentricity, unusual attitude, and excellent dialogue delivery, making it an enjoyable character. Siddhu has done all possible to make this character entertain us again. Although some episodes look forced, his is nevertheless a lively performance.
Anupama Parameswaran not only appears ultra-glamorous, but her character has a clear arc. Anupama looks stunning in her glam persona and sizzling liplocks.
Among other performers, Muralidhar Gowd, who plays Siddhu’s father, has a better role and is amusing.
Since the first part was a big success, producers Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya have put in big money in making it appear grand. The cinematography and production design are rich. The dialogue writing is the best part. Music is a mixed bag.
Bottom line: “Tillu Square” has an entertaining narrative, and the one-liners are just as hilarious as they were in the original. Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s performance is the film’s main draw. However, there is a lot of déjà vu, and several sequences appear forced and contrived. The chemistry between Tillu and Lily isn’t as magical as it was with Tillu and Radhika. While ‘DJ Tillu’ moved with the flow, this one looks consciously ‘scripted’ and depicts Tillu as a ‘star material’ than innocent.
Rating: 3/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Tillu Square
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Anupama Parameswaran, Muralidhar Goud, Prince, and others
Music Directors: Ram Miriyala and Achu Rajamani
Background Score: Bheems Ceciroleo
DOP: Sai Prakash Ummadisingu
Editor: Navin Nooli
Production Designer: A.S. Prakash
Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya
Directed by: Mallik Ram
Release Date: March 29, 2024
