Ram Yogi Velgapudi's EVOL: A Love Story in Reverse is a film that desperately wants to be different. And to its credit, it is. This is not your typical love story. In fact, it's not really a love story at all-it's more like an exercise in cinematic rule-breaking. Velgapudi has thrown the traditional playbook out the window, and the result is a film that's as bold as it is baffling.
First, let's talk about the good stuff. This film is a visual feast. Every frame is meticulously crafted, and the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The lighting, the camera angles, the overall aesthetic-it's all pitch-perfect. If you're someone who appreciates the technical side of filmmaking, you'll find plenty to love here. Velgapudi and his team have clearly put a lot of thought into how this film looks and feels, and their efforts have paid off in spades.
But when it comes to the story? That's where things start to fall apart. The reverse narrative structure is an interesting choice, but it quickly becomes more of a hindrance than a strength. Instead of drawing me into the story, it pushed me further away. I spent more time trying to figure out what was happening (or had already happened) than actually connecting with the characters or their emotions. It's hard to care about a love story when you can't even follow it.
That being said, I do admire Velgapudi's willingness to take risks. Telugu cinema has long been stuck in a rut, and EVOL is a breath of fresh air in that regard. It's not afraid to be different, and that's something worth celebrating. Even if the film doesn't quite stick the landing, it's exciting to see a filmmaker push the boundaries of what's possible.
So, should you watch EVOL? If you're a fan of experimental cinema and you're willing to overlook some narrative shortcomings, then absolutely. If you're looking for a straightforward love story, though, this one might leave you scratching your head.
