“Kushi” brings together an ensemble of well-known faces in Indian cinema, particularly from Tollywood. Vijay Deverakonda plays Viplav, a man keen on carving his own destiny. His recent failure in “Liger” places him in a precarious position where he is expected to prove his mettle again. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who plays Aara aka Aaradhya, is another seasoned actress with an array of successful films behind her. She is also looking for redemption after her Bollywood venture “Shaakuntalam” did not fare well. Director Shiva Nirvana, grappling with the after-effects of his last film “Tuck Jagadish,” aims to make a grand comeback. With all these heavyweights coming together under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers, the anticipation is high, and so are the stakes.
What is the Plot of Kushi?
The movie’s plot blends romance, culture, tradition, and contemporary debates around faith and reason. Viplav, an atheist engineer, meets and falls for Aara, who he thinks is a Muslim woman from Pakistan, while he’s working in Kashmir. Aara is not who she appears to be, and this revelation leads to a roller-coaster of family dynamics, beliefs, and love. Their families’ differing ideologies act as a barrier to their love. The movie sets up a dialogue between modernity and tradition but unfortunately loses steam and focus as it progresses.
How Does Kushi Fare on Screen?
The beginning of the film starts promisingly, setting up an intriguing romantic and philosophical premise. The idyllic locations in Kashmir and the chemistry between Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu are captivating. However, as the film transitions into the lives of the newlyweds, it struggles to maintain its thematic clarity. Vijay and Samantha do their best, but their characters lose depth and dimension as the narrative becomes one-sided, focusing mostly on the male perspective.
What Went Wrong in Kushi?
The film’s major shortcoming is its inability to keep its thematic focus. Initially, it promises to be a complex love story wrapped around a debate between faith and reason, but it ultimately fails to deliver on both fronts. After a strong start, the movie deviates into a more traditional narrative that loses the essence of its initial promise. The subplot involving Rohini and Jayaram does not add significant thematic value. Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s character dwindles into a mere supporting role, raising questions about the gender dynamics at play.
What Are the Technical Highlights?
Technically, the film stands out in terms of its visuals and sound. Cinematographer Murali’s camera work deserves praise for capturing the serene and scenic vistas of Kashmir. Hesham Abdul Wahab’s songs and background music also add a certain emotional depth, although they can’t save the film from its narrative flaws.
Final Thoughts: Is Kushi Worth Watching?
“Kushi” is a cautionary tale, telling of what might have been–an intricate love story with profound sociocultural implications. Unfortunately, despite its star-studded cast and initial promise, the film quickly devolves into an average romance, losing much of its essence along the way. While its intention may have been to shed some light on faith versus reason debates, many questions regarding its female lead remain unanswered in this film. “Kushi” may appeal to die-hard fans of Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, but if you’re looking for a compelling, balanced narrative, you may end up asking, “Where is Kushi?”
