Release Date : December 19, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Shanmukh Jaswanth, Anagha Ajith, Goparaju Ramana, Aamani, Rupa Lakshmi, Shravanthi Anand, Mirchi RJ Saran, Prasad Behara and others.
Director : Pavan Sunkara
Producer : Sridhar Marisa
Music Director : T R Krishna Chetan
Cinematographer : Anush Kumar
Editor : Naresh Adupa
Related Links : Trailer
Leela Vinodham is the latest web film that premiered today on ETV Win. Popular YouTuber Shanmukh Jaswanth and the charming Anagha Ajith play the lead roles. Read our review to find out how it measures up.
Story:
The story is set in 2008. PMRK Prasad (Shanmukh Jaswanth) is a student who admires his classmate Leela (Anagha Ajith) but struggles to tell her how he feels. After finishing college, they exchange phone numbers and start chatting. With help from his friend Rajesh (Mirchi Saran), Prasad finally confesses his love. But then, Leela suddenly stops replying. Confused and worried, Prasad is left with countless questions. Did she dislike him? Did something happen to her? Determined to find out, Prasad and his friends take action. The movie reveals all the answers.
Plus Points:
Love, infatuation, or attraction – whatever you call it, it holds a special place during teenage years. Leela Vinodham neatly captures the story of a boy navigating the uncertainty of whether the girl he loves feels the same way.
The narrative is simple yet nostalgic, especially for those who remember the era when mobile phones were a novelty for students in India.
Shanmukh delivers a decent performance, embodying the overthinking nature of a typical young man in love. Anagha is charming, and the pair shares a likable chemistry. However, the standout is Mirchi Saran, whose comedic timing and well-written role make him a highlight.
The supporting cast, including Shanmukh’s friends, is adequate, while Prasad Behara generates good laughs in his brief appearances.
Minus Points:
While the story has potential and the setting is appealing, the screenplay falters in maintaining engagement. The director could have reduced the lag in several scenes and added more vibrant college moments, perhaps through flashbacks.
Despite a runtime of less than two hours, the film feels slow in parts. The emotional depth and anxiety of the protagonist could have been explored more effectively to resonate with the audience.
Shanmukh does well but needs to refine his expressions in emotional scenes to elevate his performance. Senior actors like Amani, Goparaju Ramana, and Rupa Lakshmi are underutilized, leaving their talent untapped.
Technical Aspects:
Director Pavan Sunkara makes an okay debut, with room for improvement in writing and pacing. Trimming unnecessary scenes would have helped the narrative flow better.
T.R. Krishna Chetan’s music is pleasant, and Anush Kumar’s cinematography captures the village atmosphere beautifully. While the production values are fine, the editing could have been sharper to enhance the viewing experience.
Verdict:
Leela Vinodham is a village love story that works in a few parts but ultimately falls short of being memorable. While Shanmukh and Anagha deliver commendable performances, and Mirchi Saran’s comedy provides some much-needed relief, the film struggles with pacing and emotional depth. It captures a nostalgic charm, but the innocence of the lead pair’s love story could have been portrayed more effectively to leave a lasting impact. Viewers might find other entertainment options more satisfying.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team