14(2024) - Detailed Review

Directed and written by: Dangeti Lakshmi Srinivas

Starring: Noel Sean, Ram Rathan Reddy, Vishakha Dhiman, Shrikanth Iyyangar

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: India
Language: Telugu

Plot:

The film centers around Ratan, the son of the Chief Minister, who is enjoying life with his friends until he meets Neha, a junior doctor. They develop a romantic relationship, but their happiness is short-lived as both are found dead in Neha's house. The police label the case as a suicide and close it. However, Subbu, a journalist, along with his friends, starts an independent investigation to prove that it was a murder. The movie begins with the discovery of the deaths and follows the investigation by Subbu and his team, who challenge the official narrative and dig deeper into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Performances:

• Ram Rathan Reddy(Ratan): Ram Rathan Reddy delivers a decent performance, especially in the romantic scenes with Vishakha Dhiman. However, his character lacks depth and fails to engage the audience fully.
• Vishakha Dhiman (Neha): Vishakha does well in her role, particularly in the romantic moments. She brings a certain charm to her character.
• Posani Krishna Murali: As the Chief Minister, Posani is convincing in his role, adding gravitas to the political aspects of the story.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting actors, including Ram Rathan Reddy and Shrikanth Iyyangar, perform adequately, contributing to the overall narrative.

Technicians:

• Direction and Writing: Dangeti Lakshmi Srinivas’s direction and writing have several flaws. The story starts with promise but quickly loses steam. The narrative fails to build sufficient curiosity, which is crucial for a thriller.
• Cinematography: The cinematography is average, with no particularly standout moments.
• Editing: The editing is inconsistent, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily.
• Music: The soundtrack is forgettable, failing to enhance the emotional or suspenseful aspects of the film.

Strengths:

• Performances: The lead actors, particularly Ram Rathan Reddy and Vishakha Dhiman, shine in their romantic scenes, which are a highlight of the film.
• Initial Setup: The premise of the Chief Minister's son's death and the journalist's investigation starts with potential.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Suspense: The character of Noel is revealed too early, leading to a predictable and unexciting climax. The film fails to build and maintain suspense.
• Forced Romance: The romantic subplot, while well-acted, feels forced and detracts from the main narrative.
• Unconvincing Plot: The storyline lacks coherence and fails to engage the audience. The final revelation feels anti-climactic and forced.

My Personal Take on This Film:

"14" begins with an intriguing premise—the mysterious deaths of a political scion and his lover. The film initially promises a compelling mix of romance and mystery but falters due to its execution. The romantic scenes between Ratan and Neha are well-done but seem more like an attempt to draw viewers rather than integral to the plot. The director fails to create a sense of urgency or intrigue, which is essential for a thriller. The investigation by the journalist Subbu starts off strong but quickly becomes predictable, leading to a lackluster climax. The forced scenes and the underwhelming plot twists make the movie less engaging.

Overall, "14" had the potential to be a gripping thriller but falls short due to its inability to maintain suspense and deliver a coherent narrative. The movie ends up being a disappointment despite its promising start and decent performances by the lead actors.

Rating: 1.75/5