Date:10/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101055590200.htm

Film: Kottha Bangaru Lokam

Cast: Varun Sandesh, Swetha Prasad

Direction: Srikant Addala

Most romantic films look alike especially when it comes from debutantes and relative newcomers. ‘Kottha Bangaru Lokam’ that released on Dassera offers a platter garnished with all emotions to it’s audiences. The artistes, Svetha Prasad and Varun Sandesh, have let themselves free before the camera, without any trace of stiffness or pretentiousness. They fill the screen and give the film both its title and heart. The impact of the story is not only in words but in the way the mood, acting build the story into a cool and an absorbing drama. At the very best the dialogues and the emotions add narrative clarity and will stir the parents and their teen aged children into reflecting and analyzing their relationship. Balu (Varun Sandesh) and Swapna (Swetha Prasad) fall in love in college. Balu shares a warm relationship with his parents yet keeps his love story a secret.

Swapna, the only child of a village honcho, Ahuti Prasad, too doesn’t disclose as she is aware that confrontation with her father will not yield any positive result. While the love pair steals some moments, their photo in a compromising position in the newspaper lands them in trouble. The rest of the film is just not about how they convince their parents and get together in the end.

To err is human, be it parents or a child, sometimes things go out of control and one falters despite any amount of love and understanding. Neither of them can be blamed, but anything grave can be averted by sharing and communication. Jayasudha spells deftness, Prakash Raj is as usual intense and Ahuti comes out with yet another riveting performance.

From little college vignettes to large relationships, Srikant Addala constructs a film that tugs you at the heartstrings and makes you crave for ideal parent-son relationship. This film will ensure the longevity of many actors….

- Y.Sunita Chowdhary