Release Date : November 25, 2022
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring: Ashwin Kumar, Varsha Bollamma, Sri Vidya P,Sameer Malla, Sathyaraj, Ruhani Sharma, Raaja Chembolu, Rohini, Aakanskha Singh, Surekha Vani, Dheekshith Shetty, Sripriya Iduri, Adah Sharma, Alekhya Harika, Shiva Kandukuri, Sunainaa, Sanchitha Poonacha, Govind Padmasoorya, Kivish, Kalyani Natarajan, DD Srinivas
Director: Deepthi Ghanta
Producers: Ghanta Naveen Babu, Prashanti Tipirneni
Music Director: Vijai Bulganin
Cinematography: A.Vasanth
Editor: Garry BH
Related Links : Trailer
Hero Nani’s sister, Deepti Ganta has turned director and is ready with her debut web series Meet Cute. The anthology series has five episodes and is now streaming on Sony Live. Let’s see how it is.
Story:
The first episode is titled ‘Meet The Boy’ and is about a young independent woman meeting a stranger for a marriage alliance. It stars Varsha Bollama and Ashwin Kumar as the leads. The second story is titled ‘Old is Gold’ and is about a wife who meets an elderly man and discusses her marital issues. It stars Ruhani Sharma and Satyaraj. The third story is titled ‘In L(ove)aw’ and is about a woman spying on his son’s girlfriend. It stars Rohini, Akanksha Singh, and Deekshith Shetty. The fourth story has been titled ‘Star Struck’ and deals with a doctor meeting a huge film star randomly. It stars Adah Sharma and Siva Kandukuri. Last but not the least, the last story is Ex-Girlfriend and deals with a woman meeting her husband’s ex-girlfriend. It stars Sunaina, Sanchita Poonacha, and Govind Padmasoorya.
Plus Points:
Meet cute is based on what happens when strangers meet and discuss life issues. Each story has a conflict point and has been showcased quite emotionally. Debut director Deepthi Ganta needs to be appreciated for her writing which is classy. The way she created a relevant conflict point and ended the stories with proper justification shows her prowess as a filmmaker. Deepthi’s characters, behavior, dressing, and emotional issues are so good and draw the attention of the audience.
Yet another major asset of the web series is the striking emotions that have been balanced so well without being melodramatic. There is fun, drama, and moreover a moral in each story which holds you onto your seats though the pacing is slow. The best of the lot is In L(ove)aw starring Rohini and Akanksha Singh. How an orthodox mother deals with her son’s choice in marriage is showcased wonderfully and the performance of Rohini and Akanksha are stunning.
The best part of these stories is that they are under thirty minutes and do not bore you anywhere. Varsha Bollama, Adah Sharma, and Siva Kandukuri play their parts with utmost honesty. The last episode has a very good twist as Sunaina and Sanchita Poonacha deliver good performances. Each story has its own charm and the one which strikes you hard is the story of Satyaraj and Ruhani Sharma. The understanding between a mature couple and how it influences the character of Ruhani has been elevated quite well.
Meet Cute is all about conversations and they are wonderful. The intense facets of life are discussed in a simple manner and this is what makes this series click. The stories do not have forced emotions and are easy to take in. Dialogues need a special mention as they are daily life conversations and yet leave an impact. Last but not the least, the casting and performances are subtle as each actor lives in their character and gives their best.
Minus Points:
The makers have produced this web series for an OTT audience. So, the usage of English is a lot. Though it will not be an issue, a section can find it a bit hard. The story of Star Struck looks weak as there is no proper emotion that is derived here. The concept of a man meeting a star without knowing about her looks nice on paper but is not executed properly.
As said earlier, the pace in a few episodes is a bit slow. The series suits the sensibilities of those who like soothing romance and drama. So, the ones who look for entertainment might be disappointed a bit as the series has different sensibilities.
Technical Aspects:
Meet Cute is mainly watchable because of its wonderful production values. Though there is not much money involved, each location chosen is showcased wonderfully by the cameraman. The costumes are classy and the music by Vijay Bulganin is splendid. The small song bits are soothing and leave you wanting more. The editing is good and so was the production design.
Coming to the director Deepthi Ganta, makes an endearing debut and wins brownie points for her narration. For a first-timer, she is too good and has the sensibilities to make good films in the future. There is a natural flair in her writing and depth in her characters. The way she evoked subtle comedy and emotions in a subtle manner shows that she has surely a long way to go as a director.
Verdict:
On the whole, Meet Cute, as the name suggests is a simple yet breezy web series filled with endearing emotions and stellar performances. The casting, runtime, and cute moments hold your attention. Nani should be really proud of his sister as she makes a striking debut as a director and narrates a story filled with simple life lessons. Though the pacing is slow in places, each story has its own charm and neatly suits the mood for a perfect OTT viewing and can be watched with the entire family without a doubt.
123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team