Tharun Bhascker, a popular figure among the youth, has unveiled his latest creation, the crime comedy “Keedaa Cola,” featuring a stellar cast. The film, which has generated considerable anticipation, hit the screens today, and let’s explore its merits.
Plot Overview:
Vaasthu (Chaitanya Rao), coping with Tourette syndrome, resides with his grandfather Varadharaju (Brahmanandam) and earns a livelihood by selling patient simulators. A legal entanglement ensues when Vaasthu accidentally damages a patient simulator, leading to a lawsuit. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Vaasthu discovers a cockroach in a soft drink he buys for his grandfather. With the guidance of his lawyer friend Lancham (Rag Mayur), Vaasthu decides to file a consumer forum case for compensation. Their journey intertwines with Jeevan (Jeevan Kumar), an aspiring Corporator, setting the stage for the unfolding story.
Highlights:
Similar to Tharun Bhascker’s previous works, “Keedaa Cola” delivers unique and situational humor. The second half is pivotal, offering engaging moments and a thrilling, eccentric climax. Tharun Bhascker’s signature comedy style is evident in various sequences, leveraging visuals for comedic effect, as promoted before the release.
Notable moments include Tharun Bhascker prompting Jeevan Kumar to speak in English, an old song playing amusingly during Tharun’s use of cuss words, Vishnu Oi’s comical antics, and Raghu Ram’s interactions with professional killers. Tharun Bhascker’s performance as Naidu is impressive, and the ensemble cast, including Jeevan Kumar, Rag Mayur, Chaitanya Rao, and Vishnu Oi, steals the spotlight. Technically, “Keedaa Cola” excels with impactful soundtracks, solid visuals, and a fitting runtime of 2 hours for this crime comedy.
Drawbacks:
The primary drawback of “Keedaa Cola” lies in its thin storyline. Despite a well-executed second half, the plot lacks substance to elevate the film. Those expecting robust content from the director might feel somewhat let down. The initial hour is subpar, dedicated mostly to character introductions, with a scarcity of exciting scenes. Some jokes fall flat, and the pacing occasionally drags. Brahmanandam’s commendable performance is hindered by limited screen time, possibly disappointing fans eager for more of the legendary comedian.
Technical Aspects:
Vivek Sagar’s lively background score and AJ Aaron’s exquisite cinematography stand out as the film’s pillars. Both contribute significantly to enhancing the viewing experience. The production values are commendable, and the editing is decent.
Director Tharun Bhascker, while aiming for a whimsical journey, succeeds in infusing humor into the narrative. The film’s strength lies in its comedy, compensating for the straightforward storyline. Tharun Bhascker’s dual role as director and actor adds value, extracting commendable performances from the cast.
Verdict:
In summary, “Keedaa Cola” is a watchable crime comedy-drama, with a particularly engaging second half and a chaotic climax. Tharun Bhascker’s directorial imprint is evident, with humor dominating the latter part. While lacking a robust storyline and facing challenges in the first half, the film manages to be a passable weekend watch, fueled by crazy moments, situational humor, and strong technical values.