Madhave Madhusudana review: A heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice

Reincarnation romance is a trope where two people are so deeply in love that they will meet and fall in love every time they reincarnate.

Madhave Madhusudana, the new box office release in Telugu, runs on the same lines.

If looking within ourselves can help us draw on who we are and how we see the world, eternal love is something so strong that nothing can stop the intense feelings that two people have for each other.

Read the review here to know what the film is all about:

Synopsis

Madhav (Tej Bommadevara) is a happy-go-lucky Gen X youth whose life is busy revolving around friends, pubs, and booze.

However, his parents are concerned about his career goals and one day, Madhav is forced to go to Bengaluru where he has a software company to take care of.

When he boards a train to Bengaluru, destiny has something in store for Madhav. Halfway into the deep valleys of Araku, the trains stop at a deserted platform.

A lone passenger, Aradhya (Rishiki Lokhre) awaits on the platform. The eerie-looking station suddenly changes its mood with a pleasant breeze.

As Madhav gets down to fetch water, he gets bewitched by Aradhya’s beauty. The first interaction with her slowly turns into a strong friendship for Madhav.

Only after she comes to Madhav’s home do people realise that she is an invisible girl, a departed soul languishing on earth after her death.

Why is she invisible to others? What is the backstory? — is the gist of Madhave Madhusudana.

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Analysis

For every love story, there is certainly a conflict. But it is essential to address these conflicts with whom and why.

The first half of the film is filled with good fun. Since there is no antagonist as such in it, director Bommadevara Ramachandra Rao seems to have faced a great challenge in providing a compelling opening with a racy screenplay where he convincingly manoeuvres its limited characters.

The first half is not devoid of errors though.

The fight sequence at a pub, over-the-board dialogues, and repetitive one-liners will eventually trouble you.

The sidekicks — Josh Ravi and Shiva — try to tickle your funny bones but at times jarring.

Director Rao holds the dark horror devil theme upright without any distractions.

The second half delves deep into Madhav’s tragic past. When his parents strive for honour, widespread respect, and admiration for the way they live life, Madhav wants to keep it simple and marry a low-caste girl which doesn’t go well with his father.

How does the story unfold after Madhav’s reincarnation? What are the sacrifices made by these two? — are depicted well.

However, the sad ending to the couple’s eternal leaves the audience with moist eyes.

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Rishika Lokre is here to stay

Tej Bommadevara, as Madhu Sudhan and Madhav in two lives, has done a fabulous job. Nevertheless, he needs to bring more refinement to his expressions. Some of the initial frames of him are amateurish.

Rishika Lokre has a striking resemblance with Jhanvi Kapoor. Her gifted looks and expressions are her assets to excel in showbiz.

Jabardast comedian Rocking Rakesh and senior actor Suman did a cameo.

Josh Ravi and Shiva Teja are good as sidekicks.

Music and singles are the USPs of Madhave Madhusudhana. Rich visuals, production design, and neat camera work complement the film.

The picturesque locations of the Araku Valley and various other parts of Visakhapatnam add colour to the film.

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Final take

Bearing a few sluggish episodes and an overdose of dialogues, this romantic tale stays true to its vision in telling a compelling yet heartbreaking story of eternal love.

(Views expressed here are personal.)