Cast: Varun Tej, Rashi Khanna, Priyadarshi, Hyper Aadi, Suhasini and others
Director: Venky Atluri
Rating: 3 stars
Venky Atluri is entering the film world with his debut Tholi Prema with Varun Tej and Rashi Khanna as the lead pair. The film got released in India on Saturday and the movie lovers Overseas would get to see it from coming Friday. Two decades ago, actor-cum-producer Pawan Kalyan’s film Tholi Prema was one among the blockbusters. Now, Pawan’s nephew Varun Tej is planning to steal the limelight in the same title. The plot of the film begins on the lines of famous film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, as Aaditya aka Aadi (Varun Tej) meets a girl Varsha (Rashi Khanna) on a train journey and falls in love with her on the first sight. Before they reach Hyderabad, Aadi proposes her but she does not respond immediately.
After a few months, they meet again. This time, the rendezvous is in the college where they both study. Here, the love story begins. After a few days, Aadi decides to propose Varsha again but an incident at the college changes his mind. They break up and the third phase of romance begins after many years. The reason for the break-up and the reunion is the suspense.
Love, break-up and reunion is not a new point but the direction and sequences here follow a different line. Venky has tried to make his debut an entertaining one. The director has made a sincere attempt to make the scenes fresh and appealing. The couple’s meet in train and follow-up scenes, including the romantic thread have a beautiful narrative. As the scene shifts to college, the atmosphere turns lively and we all will connect ourselves to a stage in our life here. Justice has been done in using the title Tholi Prema as both the films suited the time in which they are set in. Music and Background score by S.S. Thaman has been done well. George Williams have shot some beautiful scenes showcasing beautiful locations in the UK. Choreography is good. The lead pair Varun Tej and Rashi Khanna have done justice to the film and have put forward their best performance. Varun Tej appears in two shades — once as a teenager and later as a more matured person. Tej has been improving a lot since his first performance. As for Rashi, this is the best film after her Oohalu Gusagusalade and has given a commentable performance. The chemistry between Tej and Rashi is simply superb. Priyadarshi and Jabardast fame Hyper Aadi give some relief in the second half in their humourous roles. Senior actress Suhasini appears as Varun Tej’s mom and her presence is an added advantage to the film. The dialogues are catchy and entertaining. On the whole, Tholi Prema is a beautiful love story that appeals youth with the backing of good music and cinematography.
