Iddarammayilatho is one of those films where I really wanted to enjoy myself. From the moment the first action sequence kicks off, the film promises a high-energy, visually appealing experience. The cinematography is undeniably top-notch-there's no shortage of gorgeous locales and sleek fight choreography. And Allu Arjun, as expected, delivers in the action department. His athleticism and charisma in those moments are hard to ignore, and to be honest, they are some of the best parts of the movie. Even the music and some of the dance numbers are enjoyable, giving the film a fun, energetic vibe.
But here's the problem: everything else falls flat. Iddarammayilatho suffers from a plot that just doesn't hold up. The story feels overly convoluted, and not in a clever way. The whole setup with diaries and flashbacks feels forced, and the narrative never really comes together in a satisfying way. I found myself losing interest halfway through because the plot seemed to be going in circles, and even when it tried to deliver twists, they were predictable and unconvincing.
And let's talk about the characters. For a film that's supposed to hinge on romance and action, the characters are either irritating or simply unlikable. Allu Arjun's lead character, while a great action hero, comes across as emotionally shallow and inconsistent. There's very little depth to him, making it hard to root for his romantic struggles. Amala Paul and Catherine Tresa, who play the female leads, are underused and reduced to stereotypical roles, lacking any real substance. Instead of being engaging or relatable, they come across as one-dimensional, which only adds to the film's frustration.
The villain is even worse. One-dimensional doesn't even begin to cover it. The antagonist feels more like a cartoonish stereotype than an actual threat. There's no nuance, no depth, and certainly no motivation that feels believable or compelling. It's like he's there just to give the film something to resolve in the final act, but there's no emotional weight behind it.
The film's length is another major issue. At nearly three hours, Iddarammayilatho feels bloated. There's simply not enough story or character development to justify the runtime. It drags on, especially in the second half, where scenes feel repetitive and unnecessary. By the time the climax rolled around, I was more than ready for it to end.
I can't deny that there's some enjoyment to be found in the film. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the technical aspects, like the cinematography and music, are solid. But beyond that, the film is a letdown. It's a case of style over substance, and while that might work for a short burst of entertainment, it's not enough to carry a full-length film.
In the end, Iddarammayilatho feels like a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be an exciting blend of romance and action, but instead, it gets bogged down by a weak plot, unlikable characters, and a bloated runtime. For all its flashy visuals and energetic set pieces, the film just doesn't offer enough to keep me invested.
