'Miss. Shetty Mr. Polishetty' is out in theatres. Despite being a rom-com with no massive action blocks, the film was in the making over a period of 2.5 years. Now that 'MSMP' is out, what to expect from it? Is the film worth a watch? At a time when it is becoming difficult to predict the audience's verdict (last week's 'Kushi' had a great start but the film's commercial potential fizzled out after the first weekend), what can be said about the latest release with certainty? Here we tell you in the review:
Plot:
Siddhu Polishetty (Naveen Polishetty) and Anvitha Shetty (Anushka Shetty) are separated in a lot of ways. The former lives in India, the latter lives in London. He is a stand-up comic, while she is a sought-after chef. He is yet to find his footing, while she is already an achiever.
Upon her mother's death following a terminal illness, Anvitha decides to get pregnant through artificial insemination. But she doesn't want to get pregnant with the sperm of some random male person. He has to have certain qualifications. Her search ends when she crosses paths with Siddhu. Siddhu enters into a relationship with her not knowing what she stealthily expects from him. What happens when he comes to know about her motives? The ramifications can be emotionally troubling. That's what the crux of the story is about.
Performances:
Naveen Polishetty became a mini-star with 'Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya' and a star hero with 'Jathi Ratnalu'. More than two years after his previous film was released, the actor makes a comeback to showcase a mild range of emotions. This time, though, he is not content with retorts and funny interludes. His scenes with Anushka Shetty are somewhat unsteady in the beginning, but they work once the story finds its groove. The actress, on her part, sheds her majestic star image endowed by 'Baahubali' to play a character that feels real. She essays a not-so-relatable character with grace and conviction. She holds her own even in boring moments (especially in the third act of the film).
Murali Sharma, as Siddhu's father, makes an impact. Abhinav Gomatam, as Siddhu's all-weather friend, is routine. Sonia Deepti of 'Happy Days' fame plays Anvitha's friend. Tulasi is seen as Siddhu's mother. Harshavardhan (as a fertility specialist) and Nassar (as Anvitha's boss) are okayish. Jayasudha is limited to a cameo as the heroine's ailing mother.
Technical Departments:
Radhan of 'Arjun Reddy' and 'Jathi Ratnalu' fame composes songs that feel generic and not whimsical enough. Yet, they are enjoyable in the rom-comish space the film finds itself in. Gopi Sundar's background music is focused.
The cinematography by Nirav Shah can only do so much when the production design is hardly interested in emotional resonance. The editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao passes muster. The film's running time is 150 minutes.
Merits:
The humour quotient. At least four scenes are a laugh riot.
Naveen Polishetty's acting.
The premise of a woman wanting to get pregnant without commitment/marriage.
The emotional quotient evident in Siddhu's heartbreak.
The rare profession of the male lead leads to some interesting comedy situations.
The scenes involving Siddhu and his typical parents.
No needless dose of double-meaning dialogues.
Demerits:
The first 15 minutes are boring.
The third act could have been done in a better way.
An element of predictability kicks in after Siddhu parts ways with Anvitha.
Vox Verdict:
This film makes for a good time-pass watch. Naveen Polishetty's comic timing, storyline, and the writing in general are among its merits.
Rating: 3/5
