Ala Telugu Movie

Ala Ela is probably the most bromantic film to have come out from Tollywood in a long time and that’s no mean feat. Rahul Ravindran, Vennela Kishore and Shaani, who played the three lead roles in the film, hit the ball out of the park with this ‘onscreen chemistry’ and it’s a treat to watch the three of them indulge in one funny conversation after another. It is a small film with a big heart and despite its share of flaws the film is full of surprises.

There’s Karthik (Rahul Ravindran), a youngster, who is stunned when he sees the photograph of a prospective bride and tells his grandmother that he’s ready to get married as soon as possible. He hatches a plan to make the girl Divya (Khushi) fall in love with him and so, he sets out on a road trip along with his childhood friends Keerthan (Vennela Kishore) and Kalyan (Shaani). Once he reaches Rajole, where Divya lives, Karthik meets Shruti (Hebah Patel) and the story takes a different turn from there on.

Director Aneesh Krishna has a great flair for comedy and it’s quite evident from all the gags he has written for the three lead actors. It also helps that Vennela Kishore and Shaani, who are in top form, pull off every scene quite well. The film also depicts Vennela Kishore as a henpecked husband, with Bhanushree Mehra playing the role of his wife and it’s one of the hilarious subplots in the film. The film also marks a comeback of sorts for Rahul Ravindran, who is quite at ease with his role and it’s quite easy to empathise with his characterization.

On the other hand, the film drags a lot in parts and the whole subplot revolving around a multiple sclerosis patient makes an otherwise fun film needlessly melodramatic. More than anything, the lack of romance between the film’s lead pair, Karthik and Shruti, is a big letdown. For a film which has all the makings of a new-age comedy, it’s a wonder that the director still chose to insert an item number in the middle of the film. These are some of the factors which never quite let the actors or the director from exploring the full potential of the film.

In the end, Ala Ela ends on a positive note which will bring a smile on your face and makes you yearn for more bromance. There’s so much to like about the film, especially the sharp writing, bromance, pleasant music. And it makes you question if the film could have been much more than what it aims for, but there’s no denying that it strikes the right chords for most part.