Junior film evaluation: Genelia, Kireeti-starrer is a partly-entertaining, albeit dated drama

A protagonist who is nearly all the time cheerful reiterates his need to make recollections — tales he can sooner or later narrate to his kids, and look again on fondly when he’s 60. But what if this concept of reminiscence, initially lighthearted, later turns into a haunting echo? What if a reminiscence is so deeply hurtful that it renders one other character emotionally withdrawn?

Director Radhakrishna Reddy’s Telugu-Kannada bilingual movie Junior explores these prospects by a drama that nods to the mainstream Telugu cinema of a decade or two in the past. Some plot factors evoke the emotional world and writing model of Trivikram Srinivas, the veteran of household dramas. While a number of scenes entertain and construct intrigue, the movie’s contrived moments may also go away seasoned viewers with a nagging sense of déjà vu.

Junior ambitiously makes an attempt to sort out ageism, advanced household dynamics, lady baby empowerment, digital literacy in rural India, and company social duty, all whereas doubling as a launchpad for Kireeti Reddy, son of politician Gali Janardhana Reddy.

The opening campus scenes are loud and shiny, with composer Devi Sri Prasad setting a high-energy tone. Abhi (Kireeti) fairly actually leaps into the body, sprinting by school corridors in what looks like an motion hero entry, minus the precise battle. He is portrayed because the all-rounder who can ace teachers, sports activities, and even parkour stunts, all whereas his completely gelled hair doesn’t transfer an inch.

A prologue introduces mother and father who embrace late parenthood and face ageist remarks, setting the stage for a father-son dynamic between Abhi and his doting father (V Ravichandran). Their relationship — marked by the daddy’s overbearing affection and Abhi’s rising claustrophobia — is performed out with humour and heat.

The light-hearted tone continues into Abhi’s courtship of Spoorthi (Sreeleela), which unfolds in formulaic style. The comedian aid is basically powered by Abhi’s gang of mates, particularly Harsha, who steals the present in a second that even sparks Spoorthi’s envy.

The plot shifts gears with the arrival of Vijaya (Genelia Deshmukh), making a return to Telugu cinema after 13 years. Her character initially teeters on cliché — the strict, unapproachable boss — till her backstory provides emotional depth. These segments echo the tone of a Trivikram Srinivas household drama, and whereas the writing makes an attempt nuance, the narrative feels too contrived to really land.

Kireeti’s breezy presence contrasts sharply with the emotional heft Genelia is tasked with. Known for her bubbly roles in movies like Bommarillu, she brings maturity and restraint right here. It is a pleasure to look at her on display, as soon as once more. Some of her scenes with Kireeti are thoughtfully written, however each actors are constrained by a plot that turns into more and more predictable.

There are glimmers of good storytelling, like a second involving {a photograph}, however total, the movie misses the chance to discover relationships with a more energizing lens.

Cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad ship inside the constraints of the fabric. Meanwhile, Sreeleela’s character vanishes after the early parts, solely to resurface for the ‘Viral Vayyari’ dance quantity, that includes a blink-and-miss cameo by Brahmanandam.

In the top, Junior performs out like an prolonged showreel for Kireeti Reddy, highlighting his display presence, dancing chops, aptitude for motion, and skill to properly up on cue. All whereas that gelled hair by no means falters.