Actor Nandu, after 19 years in the industry without a strong breakthrough as a hero, has reinvented himself by producing and starring in “Psych Siddhartha”. Directed by Varun Reddy, the film’s promotions have grabbed attention.
Psych Siddhartha Story: Siddharth Reddy (Sri Nandu) is cheated by his lover and business partner, leaving him broke and directionless. Just when his life hits rock bottom, Shravya (Yamini Bhaskar) enters his life, changing his journey.
Performances: Yamini Bhaskar stands out as the real hero of the film, delivering a mature and effective performance in a well-written role. Nandu convincingly portrays a Gen Z mindset, showing clear effort in his body language and look.
Priyanka performs well as Trisha. The actor playing the friend has a decent presence but could have been stronger, while Pradyumna also impresses in his role.
Technical Aspects: Prateek’s editing feels fresh and experimental. At times it seems overdone, but overall it gives the film a different tone. The cinematography has a strong indie feel, with several scenes shot in a raw, guerrilla style.
Director Varun Reddy attempts a new format and succeeds to an extent. While it may not fully engage all audiences, his sensitive handling of child abuse stands out. The film introduces a new cinematic grammar, and as an experiment, Psych Siddharth works partly.
Analysis: The promotions worked to an extent, but the experimental first half may not appeal to everyone. The second half balances emotions better and improves the experience. Overall, the film suits audiences looking for something new, while regular viewers need patience in the first half to enjoy the satisfying second half.
Verdict: An experimental film. The first half needs patience, but the second half offers a satisfying payoff. A one-time watch for those who like new formats.
Bottom Line: Different and engaging.
Rating: 2.5/5
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