Kushi

I was with the majority here who wants to see both VD and Siva comeback strong, but, unfortunately, we have to wait for their next outings. Kushi is definitely not their comeback.

That being said, the movie is not completely bad either. It has it's beautiful moments too.

The first one hour of the movie is silly where the writing could have been way more better. Interval is the only decent to good part of the entire first half.

The second half started well with few good scenes & laughter and eventually faltered during the pre-climax and climax. Siva could not find the right balance between the two layers he tried to present in this movie.

Siva's stories are always familiar but they all used to have an x-factor in them. Kushi lacks that X-factor. Also, thinking back now, Siva made his entire second half favoring a certain gender. So, maybe, this movie will work for them.

But for me, this movie did not work except for few comedy scenes in the second half and the screen presence of VD.

I watched the first day first show with a lot of anticipation and the movie really disappointed me. Before I get to that, the positives, the cinematography, especially Kashmir mountains are a joy to watch. Devarakonda does well as a modern, besotted lover. Samantha looks ill and lazy throughout the movie. Maybe she just was looking to complete the movie and her health did not support. Beyond all this, the movie is narrated from the woman's perspective on marriage largely. That is what I disliked the most. In many ways, this movie is similar to Alai Paayuthey, the Mani Ratnam classic. The storyline bears an eerie resemblance of two couples from polarising backgrounds coming together and going against parents to marry. Reality hits them hard after marriage and with parents alienated, they have nowhere to go. It's then that a couple outside the family (here Rohini and Jayram) and their Arvind Swamy and someone else show them what a true marriage is. That was a big, big letdown.

Ordinarily regular story telling yet entertaining initial half!!

Simple intro to characters and their world... dives right into breezy love track!!

The humor is executed well and adds to the experience!!

Few unnecessary fillers during the movie setup are bearable... Exceptional production values... impressive in most of the parts, technically could have been better!!

Emotionally engaging later half!!

Throughly developed characters with perfect blend in arcs!!

Not so conventional conflict point, few forced sequences disrupt the viewing experience... Songs & BGM are the most impressive part of the film!!

VD & Sam nailed their roles, their chemistry is just perfect!!

Final 30min of the movie is where lies it's heart, emotionally exceptional!!

Although there are some drifts in the screenplay, resulting in a slightly lengthy narrative, anticipating these flaws makes the movie a good watch... 3/5.

"Kushi," featuring Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha in lead roles, is a film that encapsulates the essence of youthful romance. While it possesses some commendable attributes, it also grapples with certain shortcomings. In this in-depth review, we'll delve into the movie's strengths and weaknesses, shedding light on why it stands as a one-time watch.

One of the most striking aspects of "Kushi" is its music. The film boasts a delightful soundtrack that not only enhances the viewing experience but also leaves a lasting impression. The songs are a blend of melody and energy, perfectly capturing the essence of young love. Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha's on-screen chemistry truly comes alive during the musical sequences, and these moments are a highlight of the movie. The music serves as a potent vehicle for conveying the characters' emotions and adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative.

However, a notable drawback of "Kushi" is its extended runtime. At nearly three hours, the film's pacing becomes a cause for concern. While certain portions of the story are engaging and emotionally charged, there are extensive stretches where the narrative slows down considerably. This extended runtime may test the patience of viewers, especially those accustomed to faster-paced storytelling. A more concise and tightly edited version of the film could have amplified its impact and made it more accessible to a wider audience.

"Kushi" firmly falls into the category of a one-time watch. It offers moments of humor, romance, and drama that can provide a decent evening's entertainment. However, it lacks the depth and innovation necessary to leave a lasting impression. The storyline, though relatable, adheres to a predictable trajectory, making it relatively easy to anticipate the unfolding events. While the chemistry between Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha is undeniable and adds charm to the film, "Kushi" ultimately fails to break free from the shackles of conventionality.

The central love story in "Kushi" follows a familiar and somewhat routine path. It revolves around two individuals, (Vijay Devarakonda) and (Samantha), who start off on the wrong foot but gradually develop feelings for each other. While the initial clashes between the characters provide moments of humor and tension, the transition into love and the subsequent challenges they face feel formulaic. Viewers who have seen similar love stories may find "Kushi" lacking in originality. The film misses an opportunity to offer a fresh perspective on the age-old theme of love.

One can't help but feel that "Kushi" could have benefited from a more impactful and innovative conclusion. The movie builds up a considerable emotional investment in the characters and their journey, but the resolution falls short of leaving a lasting impact. A more thought-provoking or unconventional ending could have elevated the film and left a stronger impression on the audience. Instead, it adheres to a somewhat conventional and expected conclusion, which, while satisfying, doesn't stand out in the crowded landscape of romantic dramas.

In summary, "Kushi" is a film with notable strengths, particularly in its music and the chemistry between Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha. However, its extended runtime and adherence to a routine love story formula hinder it from becoming a cinematic gem. It can be enjoyed as a one-time watch, offering moments of laughter and romance, but it may not linger in your memory for long. While the film has its merits, it leaves room for improvement in terms of storytelling and innovation, especially in its conclusion. Nonetheless, fans of the lead actors will find their performances endearing, and the catchy songs will stay with you even after the credits roll.

Kushi is just a pan India film for name sake but it has no aspects of being pan Indian film except music and songs. Kushi has better first half especially the Kashmir Sequence but then after the story loses its pace and runs towards routine boredom. Second half seems to be old style of Bollywood film. The film lits up in its climax and delivers a good message but this message couldn't find to be impactful because of the loose writing. Overall performance of Vijay is better. Samantha also gives her best despite of her disease and being medically weak. The bond and relationship between the characters is good. Songs are the soul of the film. Shiva Nirvana sir had a good chance to deliver a romantic drama after majili but he failed due to lengthy and loose narration. Direction is good but it is not the best. Overall it is one time watch movie. But you will not feel re-watch it.