Review: Ambajipeta Marriage Band!

Headline: An Intensely Emotional Rural Drama!

Story:

In the year 2007, `Ambajipeta Shivamani` Malli (Suhas) is a barber by profession, and a drummer by passion. His doting sister Padma (Saranya Pradeep) and his parents are his world. He is head over heels with Lakshmi, the sister of the village`s dominant head Venkat (Nithin Prasanna). When Padma is dishonoured in a fateful turn of events, Malli seethes with rage against Venkat. Since an element of caste conflict is involved, the upshots are both social and emotional.

Performances:

Suhas`s filmography is so underrated that it is unfortunate that `Colour Photo` and `Family Drama` were not released in theatres. The film under review is his first opportunity to become an emerging star hero (more than `Writer Padmabhushan`, which had a basic idea with a good climax and nothing more). He makes use of the opportunity presented by `AMB`. Saranya Pradeep, who plays the second most consequential role in terms of screen time and plot, is very good. She does get to dominate the male protagonist at times.

Nithin Prasanna`s dull performance sticks out like a sore thumb. He is capable of only rage and haughtiness. Shivani Nagaram, seen as Malli`s teen girlfriend, is natural. Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari of `Pushpa` fame is driven to portray extreme emotions with subtlety. Goparaju Ramana and other tertiary characters implore the viewer to soak into the plot in the second half. They get to shine in some scenes.

Technical Departments:

Music: Sekhar Chandra`s songs are better than the BGM.

Cinematography: Wajid Baig`s work is engaging.

Editing: Smooth.

Action choreography: Not inventive.

Production Values: GA2 Pictures and Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainment enhance the appeal of this rural film.

Analysis:

As a village-based emotional drama, `AMB` is stuffed with the familiar elements. The lower caste communities are beholden to feudalists from upper castes because of economic reasons. And the latter hold evil intentions in the garb of helping the needy. Since the film is set in the 2000s, an effort is made to fill the scenes with nostalgia. Everything is referenced without scope for offence.

The film doesn`t offer specific highs but two of the plot turns are extremely satisfying. The interval sets the tone for an emotionally shattering second half. The entire film is executed without commercial deviations as realistically as possible. There are subtle hints and references to Caste Related movies that come out of Tamil cinema, but this never goes overboard like most of them and sticks to 2 families and village. This has been a Good one-time watch for its good balance of content with entertainment.

Merits:

1. The portrayal of skirmishes and duels fueled by arrogance.

2. The feudalist-police nexus in the village.

3. `Gumma` is a sprightly song that revs up the mood.

4. The nervousness of the young lovers who invite violent responses from their elders.

5. The revolt by the wronged is staged well.

6. The absorbing climax is made special by the grounded performances.

Demerits:

1. The shock factor feels like an attempt to ape Tamil films.

2. There is a dearth of originality in the way the social conflicts and the love story are set up.

Movie Rating: 3/5