'Slum Dog Husband' falls into the category of madcap comedies that Telugu cinema has always revelled in. Making an oddball comedy film is not everyone's cup of tea. Does writer-director AR Sreedhar get the basics right? Are the tone and tenor of this film's comedy cool? Let's find out...
Plot:
Lacchi (Sanjay Rao) and Mounika (Pranavi Manukonda) are lovers in a Hyderabadi slum. They plan to get married with their elders' blessings. There comes an unpredictable twist when a Pandit (Duvvasi Mohan in a cameo) predicts bad luck if Lacchi gets married to Mounika without diluting the effect of negative 'dosham' in his horoscope. Lacchi's friend Santu (Yadamma Raju) advises him to marry a dog. Lacchi's marriage with a dog named Baby results in unforeseen consequences, including a court trial. Is there more than what meets the eye? Can Lacchi marry Mounika as planned or will he be troubled by the law?
Performances:
Senior artist Brahmaji's son Sanjay Rao honestly looks dull unlike his father, who refuses to age. He needs to work on expressions and looks. It is not like a hero has to always look great and vibrant. But looking dull (like Sohel Ryan of Bigg Boss fame in recent movies like 'Lucky Lakshman') is not done. Pranavi Manukonda, who was earlier this year seen in 'Amigos' as Kalyanram's sister, is somewhat over-the-top.
The film takes a courtroom comedy turn in the second half, with Fish Venkat presiding over occasionally absurd arguments as the judge. Brahmaji and Saptagiri clash as self-obsessed, legally unsound lawyers. Yadamma Raju is better used for serious roles. Raghu Karamanchi and Ali's cameo don't help.
Vennela Kishore makes his presence felt in the form of the dog's voice-over artist. His dialogue delivery is fun to listen to.
Technical Departments:
Bheems Ceciroleo's songs fit into the flavour of the comedy the film is trying to sell. The background score may not be novel but it is not low-end either. The cinematography by Srinivas J Reddy is decent.
The film, produced by Mic Movies, doesn't rely on extravaganza. It's a low-stakes comedy entertainer with a slightly sad twist in the second half. So, the technical team didn't have to exert itself. The music director rises to the occasion and lends a Hyderabadi flavour.
Merits:
The twist in the pre-climax phase.
The poignant message about animals.
A few weird situations that lead to a legal battle.
Fairly decent technical output.
Demerits:
Lack of proper fleshing out of some key characters.
The feeling of a sudden bond between Lacchi and the dog.
A few ideas that seem far-fetched. For example, the legal arguments made by the lawyers in the court are absurd.
Vox Verdict:
'Slum Dog Husband' would have made for a rare experience had the focus been on satire and social commentary. Instead, it is content with derivative comedy. Despite its rib-tickling premise, the comedy becomes stagnant and turns repetitive.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
