Title: Kushi
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-Time: 2 Hrs 45 Mins
Release Date: 01-09-2023
Banners: Mythri Movie Makers LLP
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vennel Kishore, Murali Sharma, Sachin Khedekar, Rahul Ramakrishna and Others
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Cinematography: Murali Vardhan
Editor: Prawin Pudi
Producers: Naveen Yerneni, Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili
Written & Directed By: Shiva Nirvana
Kushi right from its announcement is surrounded with positive vibes. The fresh pairing of Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha has generated buzz about the film. Shiva Nirvana is known for handling love stories and Mythri Movie Makers popular for delivering quality content are behind this film adding more value to it. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music became an instant chartbuster and raised expectations for the film. Kushi was released in theatres on 31st August. Let’s see how it turned out to be in the review.
Story:
The story begins in Kashmir where Viplav (Vijay Deverakonda), the son of atheist Lenin Satyam (Sachin Khedekar) falls for Aara Begum (Samantha), daughter of religious Chandrarangam (Murali Sharma). But, Aara is actually Aradhya who is in disguise as a Muslim girl. Viplav earns the love of Aradhya but it’s only the beginning of their love story. As both families are quite in contrast to each other, the rest of the story is about the conflict between the married couple and their families.
Performances:
Vijay Deverakonda is back to his boy-next-door looks. His smart looks and his character develop instant likeability towards him. He did the role of Viplav with ease. He is equally good as a sincere lover and as a frustrated husband who is yearning for the love of his wife.
Samantha looks gorgeous onscreen. She maintained silence as per her role throughout the first half and she did very well in the later half. Her chemistry with Vijay Deverakonda is a treat to watch.
Casting is another asset for the film. Murali Sharma, Sachin Khedekar, Saraya, Lakshmi, Vennela Kishore, Jayaram, Rohini, Rahul Ramakrishna… everyone does well as per their character.
Highlights:
Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha
Lead Pair Chemistry
Shiva Nirvana Direction, Lyrics
Entertainment, Emotions
Songs, BGM
Production Values
Drawbacks:
Gets stretched at times in second half
Analysis:
Director Shiva Nirvana who is known for inducing pain in love stories once again did it with Kushi but without a love failure this time. The story takes off without much delay as it showcases Viplav falling in for Aradhya and making her fall for him. All these go smoothly with beautiful songs and entertainment. The story takes a turn at the interval block.
After a pleasant first half, the second half deals with conflict between the married couple. The chemistry between Vijay Deverakopnda and Samantha stands as the main highlight and it made many scenes worked out. Though it feels a bit stretched in the second half, the emotional final 20 minutes paid off well making the film an entertaining and emotional watch.
The music by Hesham Abdul Wahab stands as main asset of Kushi. His songs and BGM lifted the film. The cinematography by Murali vardhan is beautiful and captured Kashmir aesthetically. Editing by Prawin Pusi is adequate. The production values by producers Naveen yerneni, Rai Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers are topclass.
Rating: 3 / 5
Bottom line: Pleasant & Emotional Rom-Com
