Nuvve Nuvve returns to theatres: Trivikram’s directorial debut, starring Tarun, Shriya Saran, has aged beautifully

The trend of re-releases is working big time in Telugu cinema. While this initiative is largely planned for the birthdays of the lead actors, it’s a different case with Nuvve Nuvve, the Tarun, Shriya Saran starrer that re-released commemorating its director’s (Trivikram) birthday earlier this week. Days into its second release, the film is running to packed crowds across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. After all, what makes the film tick after 20 years too? We take a look.

The story, well, is quite straightforward, and more of a one-liner. Anjali is very much fond of her over-possessive father Viswanath. Viswanath, a millionaire, loves Anjali a lot as well. When his darling daughter falls in love with a middle-class boy Rishi, to what extent will Viswanath go to protect Anjali? Chandramohan, Prakash Raj, Sudha, Pragathi Suresh, and Anitha Chowdary too played important roles in the film.

In Nuvve Nuvve, Tarun is cast as a youngster who sounds casual but showcases his depth when it matters the most. Tarun gives his best to play Rishi to perfection. His performance is unforgettable in sequences where he confronts Prakash Raj and consoles Shriya. Shriya, who took up the film, in the early part of her career, is innocent and charming, expressing herself wonderfully with her eyes and is sensuality personified.

As Anjali, a girl sandwiched between the love of an obsessive father and her middle-class boyfriend, Shriya’s performance strikes a chord. Prakash Raj’s controlled performance is an asset to Nuvve Nuvve. Though the film required him to be an over-obsessive father - a role which he has been playing for years - he makes sure that the histrionics do not remind us of any of his earlier roles. Sunil plays 'Pandu' with ease and entertains audiences, though his role is barely meaty.

Despite being a first-time director, Trivikram’s brilliance as a director and a screenplay writer is evident in every frame. He weaves the story beautifully among the three pivotal characters - Rishi, Anjali and Viswanath. He has a thorough understanding of how women think and behave and infuses the same spirit and undercurrent vulnerability in the female characters. He starts the film by presenting Rishi as a carefree guy with an attitude and explores the depth of Rishi's thinking as the movie progresses.

The best character in the film however is Viswanath. Though he sounds more like a villain, the character is moulded in such a way that he has reasoning behind every act. The melodies - Naa Manasukemayyindi, Niddurapothunna and Nuvve Nuvve Kavalantundi - uplift the spirit of the film. The background music is apt and meets the requirement of the various situations. Hari Anumolu’s effectiveness comes through in the sequences shot in the night.

Suchitra Chandra Bose and Shankar’s dance choreography makes an impression and it takes a tasteful producer like Sravanthi Ravi Kishore to trust a newcomer and back his instincts. The first half of the film is fun and is catered towards the youth. However, it's the second half where 'Nuvve Nuvve soars to great heights. The two halves are for distinct audiences - masses and classes.

The narration is slow and leisurely at times and an hour is lost just to establish the film’s premise. For the uninitiated, this film is loosely based on the Hollywood flick 'Father of the bride'. Trivikram Srinivas is known for picking up stories where the heroine is forced to get marry a guy of her parent's choice and finally lands up in the lap of the hero. And this story is no different either but its treatment is why it has aged beautifully over two decades.

(The film is streaming on SunNXT)