Slumdog Husband Movie Review: An Emotional Entertainer with Mixed Reactions

The much-anticipated film “Slumdog Husband,” directed by AR. Sreedhar and produced by Appi Reddy and Venkat Annapareddy hit the screens on July 29, 2023. With Sanjay Rao and Pranavi Manukonda in the lead roles, the movie garnered considerable attention due to the success of the producers’ previous ventures, “George Reddy” and “Pressure Cooker.” However, as the film received mixed reactions from the audience, let’s delve into the various aspects of “Slumdog Husband” and see how it fared.

Plot and Performances:

“Slumdog Husband” revolves around the love story of Lachchi (Sanjay Rao) and Mounika (Pranavi Manukonda), who belong to a lower-middle-class background. When their parents decide to get them married, a shocking revelation about their horoscope mismatch disrupts their plans. To resolve this issue, a priest suggests that Lachchi must marry either a tree or a dog. This is where the hilarious and emotional roller-coaster ride begins.

Sanjay Rao, in his lead role debut, showcased the emotions of a lower-middle-class youngster with conviction. He delivered good expressions and dialogue delivery, but critics pointed out that he needs to work on his looks and body language to excel further. Pranavi Manukonda, making her debut in Telugu cinema, looked charming and performed well, especially in emotional sequences. Veteran actor Yadamma Raju added value to the narrative with his compelling performance.

Entertainment and Execution:

AR. Sreedhar’s story idea had the potential for an entertaining and emotional drama. The film’s first half succeeded in engaging the audience with youthful elements and romantic sequences between the lead pair. However, the introduction of the dog, Baby, in the second half seemed to be more forced than natural, affecting the overall coherence of the storyline. The screenplay and direction faltered in the second half, leading to a drop in the fun and entertainment quotient.

Technical Aspects:

Srinivas Reddy’s cinematography captured the slum ambience naturally and realistically, adding authenticity to the setting. The background music by Bheems Ceciroleo received a mixed response, with some tracks standing out while others seemed forgettable. The songs, choreographed well, added to the film’s mass appeal. However, the editing by Vaishnav Vasu could have been crisper, as several repetitive scenes affected the film’s pacing.

Audience Reception and Critic Ratings:

“Slumdog Husband” received a polarized response from the audience. While some appreciated the emotional depth and a couple of foot-tapping songs, others criticized the excessive use of obscene dialogues and routine comedy scenes. The slow pace of the movie also emerged as a drawback for many viewers.

“Slumdog Husband” attempts to be an emotional entertainer with a unique storyline. While it does showcase Sanjay Rao’s potential as an actor, it falls short of executing the plot effectively. The film’s mix of emotions and comedy didn’t resonate well with everyone, resulting in varied reactions from the audience. With a more focused screenplay and direction, “Slumdog Husband” could have delivered a more impactful cinematic experience. Cinejosh rates the film with 2.0 out of 5 stars.

Note:

“Slumdog Husband” brings a blend of emotions and entertainment to the big screen. While Sanjay Rao’s performance impresses, the film’s execution receives mixed reviews. If you enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of humour, “Slumdog Husband” might be worth a watch. However, be prepared for some adult content that may not be suitable for family audiences. As the film sparks varied opinions, it’s best to experience it for yourself to form your own judgment.

Also Read:  RRR 2: Rajamouli’s Epic Sequel to be Set in Africa, Script in Development