Movie: Honeymoon Express
Cast: Chaitanya Rao, Hebbah Patel, Suhasini, Thanikella Bharani, Ali, Ravi Varma, Surekha Vani and Others
Release Date: 21-06-2024
CBFC Rating: A
Run-time: 1 Hr 59 Mins
Music: Kalyani Malik
BGM: RP Patnaik
Editor: Umashankar
DOP: Sistla VMK
Written, Directed & Produced By: Bala Rajasekharuni
Chaitanya Rao, Hebbah Patel starrer ‘Honeymoon Express’ manages to draw attention with its innovative promotional content. ‘Honeymoon Express’, Directed by Bala Rajasekharuni, produced by NRI Entertainments and A New Reel India Entertainments Production, was released in theatres today (June 21). Lets check-out the review
Plot:
Sonali (Hebbah Patel) and Ishaan (Chaitanya Rao) fall in love at first sight. They get married and however, their marital bliss soon gets disturbed by compatibility issues. They consult a relationship counselor for guidance. With no help coming from any quarter, they ultimately decide to separate.
But here is when the universe conspires to give them a chance. An elderly couple, Bala (Tanikella Bharani) and Tripura Sundari (Suhasini), intervene and advise Sonali and Ishaan to visit a resort romantically named Honeymoon Express. The film explores the changes this trip brings to their lives and whether they reconcile. The motives of the elderly couple and the couple’s ultimate fate remain a mystery that unfolds in the course of the film.
Performances:
As the film is about couples relationships and their chemistry, lead actors should be in a comfortable space with each other. Chaitanya Rao and Hebbah Patel rise to the occasion. The former is known for playing a variety of roles in movies in recent years. Chaitanya is effortless. Hebbah brings forth her experience and did well in the role of stubborn wife. They both make a good pair onscreen and bring in believability.
Suhasini and Tanikella Bharani with their impeccable talent contributed immensely to the narrative. Suhasini, especially aces her part and brings warmth to her scenes. Ali offers a few laughs. Surekha Vani and Ravi Varma are also adequate in their roles.
Highlights:
Chaitanya Rao, Hebbah Patel
Relatable Conflict Plot
Songs, BGM
Drawbacks:
Too Many Novel Elements
Analysis:
Director Bala Rajasekharuni comes up with a relatable theme about modern relationships. The film explores the rising trend of young couples separating due to petty egos and flimsy differences. The film emphasizes the importance of respecting each other’s wishes in a marital relationship. The film cleverly weaves social commentary about how young couples today prioritize the kind of liberty they enjoyed in their pre-marital phase.
The narrative builds in a way to showcase the psychology of the husband-wife duo. The film also navigates through a youthful entertainer providing an experience along with a social message, featuring the romance between the female lead and her husband.
On the downside, addition of too many novel elements like, the science-fiction and time-travel concepts might not gel well with core theme. But, the film ultimately delivers the director’s intended message with boldness. ‘Honeymoon Express’ gets its messaging right. It is also filled with some engaging moments despite a few hiccups.
Kalyani Malik has a knack for giving rom-coms/relationship dramas a melodic flavour. In the case of ‘Honeymoon Express’, he gets to be different. RP Patnaik, one of the most sought-after composers from the 2000s, is good with the background score. The lyrics by Kittu Vissapragada enhance the purpose of the songs. Umashankar G (USA) has edited the movie, while Sistla VMK has taken care of the cinematography. Production values are impressive.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: Hop On To The ‘Honeymoon Express’ For An Entertaining Roller-coaster Ride