Darling (2024) - "Multiple split personalities with a comic touch."

Directed by: Aswin Raam
Written by: Aswin Raam
Produced by: K. Niranjan Reddy, Chaitanya Reddy
Starring: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Nabha Natesh
Cinematography: Naresh Ramadurai
Edited by: Pradeep E. Ragav
Music by: Vivek Sagar
Production company: Prineshow Entertainment
Release date: 19 July 2024
Running time: 161 minutes
Country: India
Language: Telugu

Plot:

Raghav (Priyadarshi) dreams of a honeymoon in Paris with his wife, but his life is turned upside down when his bride elopes on their wedding day. Devastated, he contemplates suicide until he meets Anandhi (Nabha Natesh). After sharing his story, he proposes to her, and she agrees to marry him. 

The movie starts with Anandhi exploring different places and then finding Raghav. Learning about Raghav’s problem, Anandhi suggests he face it. Later, Raghav discovers Anandhi has a split personality, which is revealed to be multiple personality disorder.

Performances:

• Priyadarshi Pulikonda (Raghav): Priyadarshi brings a lively comic touch to the character, effortlessly fitting into Raghav’s shoes. His emotional range, especially in the interval scene where he cries near an unknown body, is both funny and intriguing. He excels in both comic and emotional scenes.
• Nabha Natesh (Anandhi): Nabha Natesh returns after a long gap and delivers a solid performance, reminiscent of her initial days in the industry. Her portrayal of multiple personalities is commendable, and she effectively showcases her acting talent in intense scenes.

Technicians:

• Direction: Aswin Raam handles an intriguing concept, trying to balance the film with comic elements. While he succeeds to some extent, there are areas where the execution could have been tighter.
• Cinematography: Naresh Ramadurai’s work is adequate, capturing the essence of the film without standing out.
• Editing: Pradeep E. Ragav’s editing could have been crisper, especially in the first half, which feels prolonged.
• Music: Vivek Sagar’s background score is noteworthy, especially in emotional scenes. The music elevates key moments, adding depth to the narrative.

Strengths:

• Performances: Priyadarshi and Nabha Natesh deliver standout performances, with their chemistry adding charm to the film.
• Comic Elements: The humorous conversations, particularly those involving Priyadarshi, add a light-hearted touch to the narrative.
• Emotional Scenes: The second half of the film features strong emotional moments, with the music enhancing the impact.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: The first half feels prolonged and somewhat distracting, affecting the overall narrative flow.
• Character Development: The multiple personality disorder of Anandhi’s character should have been explored more deeply to create a stronger connection with the audience.
• Climax: The climax is predictable, lacking the necessary punch to leave a lasting impression.

My Personal Take:

"Darling" is an intriguing concept with moments of brilliance, particularly in the performances of the lead cast. Priyadarshi and Nabha Natesh carry the film with their engaging portrayals. However, the film suffers from pacing issues and a somewhat predictable climax. The narrative could have benefited from a more detailed exploration of Anandhi’s multiple personalities. Despite its flaws, the film offers a fresh take on relationships and personal struggles.

Rating: 2.25/5