Initially, the families on both sides assume they will get married eventually. However, as time passes, Giri's parents lose money and property, whereas Raaji's father rises to the next level. The economic inequality puts a barrier between them.

The movie's basic story is how Giri wins Raji's love and his father-in-law's appreciation. The circumstances that lead to his rise in stature are what comprise the film's basic plot.

Performances

Giri's role is tailor-made for Harsh Roshan. He is a youngster with attitude who always finds a way to stand on his own, irrespective of the circumstances. Harsh manages the attitude and carries forward the energy seen in his previous film. Towards the end, he does well in the emotional scenes that are necessary for the proceedings to reach a proper culmination.

Sridevi is a perfect pair for Harsh. Together they make a nice couple. However, they are not utilised that effectively in the first half. It is during the second half, particularly towards the end, that they manage to show some spark together, and it's here that Sreedevi shines without going overboard anywhere.

Analysis

Sathish Javvaji writes and directs Band Melam. One shouldn't be misguided by the title and look at the trailer. It is what the movie promises, a rom-com set in a small town, but with a complete commercial vibe.

Band Melam is the kind of outing that Raj Tharun made when he burst into movies more than a decade ago. The two families on opposite narratives, with the lead pair destined to marry each other eventually, is the kind of story that has been told many times before. What makes the difference is the fresh pairing, music and writing that turns the routine into contemporary viewing from time to time. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen here.

From the start, the humour reminds us of the past Kona Venkat works in the entertainment genre. The punches and sharp quips are of that style. While they are okay on their own, when seen as part of the narrative, they lack the freshness of the present.

The way the movie opens with a childhood portion and then proceeds to the conflict reminds us of a movie that came out recently, which was heavily criticised for its outdatedness. While Band Melam is not in that zone, the narrative oscillates in that zone far too often.

The first half is mostly filled with building the hero's attitude and the track involving the band (music), along with the love story. They all culminate decently into the interval, which makes one look forward to the second half.

Post-interval things start on the same note as before, but with a little bit more drama. However, the fast-paced narrative, routine, and predictable sequences don't let the emotion settle anywhere. Some action, in fact, looks far too over the top and exaggerated.

It's only towards the end, the pre-climax and climax, that some emotional connection can be felt. It is too routine, but it works. However, the scenes leading to these moments get very repetitive after a point. One gets the point, but it's pushed a lot. Some change in heart moments feel very abrupt and quickly done.

Overall, Band Melam comes with a predictable premise and offers a routine romantic comedy. Parts of its offer some fun, but story-wise, it lacks any freshness, which is essential for films like these to work. It ends up as boring fare even if one were to keep the expectations and bar very low.

Performances by Others Actors

The movie has a decent supporting cast, with Sai Kumar being the most noticeable name. His character starts with a promise and potential, but it turns out disappointing in the end. The hero's mother has a better role compared to the father, who comes across as a one-note characterisation.

The friends gang are decent, but none get a scene or block to stand out from the crowd. They are part of the proceedings, with a few delivering funny lines at times. The rest of the cast is adequate for what they have been given.

Music and Other Departments?

Vijai Bulganin provides the music and the background score for the movie. A song sounds nice, and its usage as BGM works well in the narrative. Visually, the movie could have been much better given the setup. The editing gives a mixed feeling. While things are kept racy, the key moments and emotions don't register due to the quick cuts. The writing offers some fun in parts with its rhyming bits, but that is all it has to offer.

Highlights?

Pre-climax, Climax

Few Moments Of Fun

Drawbacks?

Routine Story

Hackyened Narrative

No Emotional Connection

Feels Lengthy

Repetitive In Parts

Did I Enjoy It?

No, barring a few moments here and there in both halves.

Will You Recommend It?

No. There are some fun parts, but they don't come together as a whole to deliver a satisfying narrative.

Reviewed by Kalyan, M9 News

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