'Maruthi Nagar Subramanyam', presented by Thabitha Sukumar and released by Mythri Movie Makers, hits the screens this Friday (August 23).
Story:
Subramanyam (Rao Ramesh) is a middle-aged middle-class man whose perennial wait for a government job has made him a laughing stock in his social circle, especially among his family members. His wife Kala Rani (Indraja) is a job-holder and is the sole breadwinner. His son Arjun (Ankith Koyya), jobless at the age of 25, is a day-dreamer who gets to date a beautiful, childish neighbor named Kanchana (Ramya Pasupuleti). In an incredible turn of events, Subramanyam's bank account is credited with ten lakh rupees, potentially wiping out his financial problems overnight. The consequences of what he does with the bounty are what the rest of the film is about.
Performances:
Rao Ramesh and Ankith Koyya are the protagonists, with the former stealing the show with his inimitable comedy style. In the past few years, he hasn't been seen much in movies. He makes use of the film under review to give his best shot at playing a leading role. Ankith Koyya, most recently seen in 'AAY', is good with his comedy timing, complementing Rao Ramesh's presence.
Indraja and Annapurnamma, as Subramanyam's wife and mother-in-law, respectively, are good. Ajay plays a moneylender who comes with an ulterior motive. Harshavardhan plays a bank employee who reveals his true character in the second hour. Mirchi Kiran and Praveen are seen in bit roles that are largely generic but not inconsequential. Sivannarayana, as Subramanyam's comical neighbour, is adequate.
Analysis:
In a society that is obsessed with government jobs, 'Maruthi Nagar Subramanyam' bases its story on a true incident that once happened in Andhra Pradesh. Set in Chittoor, the film is directed by Lakshman Kaarya.
Subramanyam is always in a certain mood: he is either anxious/tense or angry or overjoyed like a juvenile. The conversations between him and his son are exaggerated, occasionally enlivened by physical comedy. Their conversations are often interrupted by incoming phone calls that they dread to attend. Most of the screenplay focuses on the duo's antics and recklessness, indulging them as equally important lead actors. They have a dedicated score catering to their slapstick.
Outside their middle-class house is the not-so-sprawling Maruthi Nagar, which resembles more a studio than a lived-in place. The story has a direction and purpose. However, the undercurrent theme remains elusive for the most part.
The brand of comedy on display is crowd-pleasing although sometimes over-the-top. In one scene, Rao Ramesh gets to imitate two superstars and gets to dance to a 'Waltair Veerayya' tune. When he is not relaxing by boozing or smoking, he exists between naivete and dependence. His equations with his son are static; they don't graduate to the next level because both he and his son are equally foolish. The one thing he values is his wife's commitment to her job.
The film should have become a drama in the second half, especially after an 85-minute first half. When the story must be advanced, some or the other rare event (for middle-class individuals) is introduced. Despite this shortcoming, the film doesn't seem excessively inadequate.
Vox Verdict:
'Maruthi Nagar Subramanyam' is a coming-of-age family comedy that essentially unfolds in a domestic setting between a father and son. Director Lakshman Kaarya proves his mettle as a filmmaker.
Rating: 3
