'Ustaad', a coming-of-age conversational drama, hit the screens today in Telugu. The film, despite being smaller in terms of budget, has been released in the same week as Chiranjeevi's 'Bholaa Shankar' and Rajinikanth's 'Jailer'.
The biggest surprise is Sri Simha Koduri, the male lead, himself. Easily, this is the best performance by the young son of MM Keeravani. Simha made his acting debut in a lead role with the 2019 film 'Mathu Vadalara'. 'Thellavarithe Guruvaram' (2021), 'Dongalunnaru Jaagratha' (2022), and 'Bhaag Saale' (2023) had him in underwhelming roles. The role in his first film demanded him to look semi-frustrated and panicky. On the other hand, 'Ustaad' needed him to be subtle and nuanced. And he is both in the film.
'Ustaad' marks a total turnaround. Simha excels in the role of an aspiring pilot who faces a major setback in his love life. Almost the entire second half takes the form of a conversational drama. Given this genre, the lead performance had to be solid. Simha makes us root for him by delivering an authentic performance.
Directed by Phanideep, the film co-stars Kavya Kalyanram, Gautham Menon, Ravindra Vijay, and Anu Haasan. Its music by debutante Akeeva B is another major highlight.
