Ante Sundaranikki (Movie Review - Telugu )

I haven't written a movie review for a Telugu movie in a long time. I usually watch these as a one-time mass-entertainer movies, the ones you immediately switch your brains off, close Netflix/Prime and forget about it immediately.  

But Ante Sundaranikki, that released a couple of months back and is now available on Netflix - was a movie that entertained me to no end and left me pondering as well. On the face of it, it's a rom-com family drama, a boy-meets-girl romance and how they finally manage to convince their orthodox family to come around and agree to their marriage. But director Vivek Athreya's story and direction is absolutely phenomenal, a fresh approach to the stale old rom-com dramas. In a twisted narrative, with enough highs-and-lows to challenge, infuriate and satisfy any thriller-fans, Vivek dishes out a social drama laced with  laugh-out-loud moments aplenty and some absolutely shining performances from all his characters, including the leads Nani and Nazriya. 

So, the basics of the story is thus: Sundara Prasad ( Played by a charismatic in-form Nani - and that's just his last two names! His actual name, in true tradition of most Telugu-ite is pretty long and makes for interesting situational comedy in the movie!) hails from a very orthodox family, who believe in scriptures, astrology and traditions are sacred. Because of which, he's had a hard time growing up and coping. Take for example, his ambitions to visit America - when he's spotted for his 'acting' prowess in a school play. His family has to circumvent traditions, invent new rituals to appease their society as traveling overseas is a 'sin'. Growing up in a over-protective family, Sundara Prasad is made to tonsure his head in an un-even manner for the multiple 'homams' to appease the countless Gods ( The twin gods of Thathasthu are an absolute riot! and make for very interesting turning point in the movie later on), ride a BSA lady-bird for safety among multiple other things. 

On the other end, Leela (played by the ever-bubbly and infectiously charming Nazriya) doesn't have it easy either. Despite being born to a more 'progressive' Christian family, where her advocate father (Azhagam Perumal ) and mother (Nadiya) allow her a lot of freedom and independence to choose her 'path' for life. But the only issue being, Leela is so strong-willed that she realizes she is an outsider and doesn't have much friends.  

How these two childhood friends meet up - and sparks fly - is the major part of the first half. However, Vivek follows a very unconventional approach to storytelling, using Sundar's character as a story-teller. The thing with Sundar is, he has no control over his tongue and frequently slips in lies/plausible ones into his stories, to get to his convoluted goals. This very thing leads to many interesting complications and seriously funny moments. Consider, how he starts off his story with his childhood ambitions of flying to the US and tries to convince his co-worker and his boss with a concocted white lie, to enable him to travel.

When these two very different worlds collide. Sundar as usual, slips into his own defensive armor plied on with lies to protect himself and his 'dear' ones. But this web of lies and conceit soon starts to weigh heavy on not just them but their whole families. The second half is well balanced, insanely funny - with Sundar's traditional father ( played so brilliantly by Naresh) leading the funny-act.

With respect to performances, Nani is in his elements. Getting his comedy acts and emotional beats perfectly well. His frustration with his family and his scenes with his boss in the restaurants are downright hilarious. This movie totally belongs to Sundar, portrayed brilliantly well by the ever-dependable Nani. His partner-in-crime, Nazriya lends able support and is a natural. For me - being a Mallu, I was curious about how a grown-up Nazriya (She being the darling of all Mallus having watched her grow from strength to strength all these years! ) will be on-screen in her first Tollywood outing, paired with 'Natural' superstar Nani. But the best part about the movie, is through the script, Vivek has ensured that every single side-character gets interesting roles to play and will remain etched in our memories. Naresh and Rohini, playing Sundar's parents are an absolute riot. The others like the Grandma, who loves her sitar, the Uncle, Sundar's Boss and co-worker, Leela's family including her pregnant sister - all have a very crucial role to play in the mess that builds up to a nicely crafted climax that doesn't let down. 

It's difficult to write comedy which is not over-the-top. Especially in an industry that believes in blowing up scorpio cars for every other shot. So Vivek's efforts are exemplary and I really enjoyed the moments in the movie. Vivek also casually questions our society's cloak of 'tradition and values' that tend to mask over good intentions and kindness. This absolutely realistic depiction of a modern family, flawed and endearing in all their faults, hits home and is a highly recommended watch.