'Tillu Square', produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, was released in theatres today (March 29). In this section, we are going to review the latest box-office release.
Plot:
Tillu and Lilly become fling partners after they bump into each other at a night club. Lilly becomes pregnant and Tillu is conned into accepting the responsibility for her pregnancy. Expectedly, Lilly is like Radhika when it comes to nursing hidden motives. Tillu is now inevitably dragged into a mess even as his past threatens to come back haunting.
Performances:
Siddu Jonnalagadda is at his self-deprecating humorous best. While his 'DJ Tillu' act had a scent of freshness, his performance in 'Tillu Square' feels a bit repetitive. He single-handedly delivers goods. It is a one-man show.
Anupama Parameswaran appears in her career's first bold role, playing a grey character without appearing vulnerable. Her character was written with conviction.
Muralidhar Goud, Murali Sharma and the artists who play Tillu's friends are good. Prince Cecil and Neha Shetty from the first part are also seen.
Technical aspects:
Cinematographer Sai Prakash Ummadisingu keeps the colour palette tailored to Tillu's flamboyance. At a run time of two hours, editor Navin Nooli had little wriggle room. He honours the structure of the story and lets the comedy have a free flow. AS Prakash's art direction is replete with familiarity.
The songs have been composed by Ram Miriyala ('Ticket Eh Konakunda', 'Radhika') and Achu Rajamani ('Oh My Lily'). Bheems Ceciroleo's background music is not a riot, though. With the first part, it was Thaman's sophistication that lent an urbane touch.
Post-Mortem:
It is no small deal to repeat the magic of a reputed comedy caper. 'DJ Tillu' remains stunningly fresh more than two years after its release. Its sequel unapologetically builds on its reckless energy and vibe.
In the first part, Tillu looked effortlessly vulnerable. In the second edition, he verbalizes his timidity and keeps making multiple references to his helplessness. He is tasked to pull off a major con in collaboration with the system. Pop cultural references to films like 'RRR' work.
The humour density improves in the second hour. This is also the segment where the plot becomes dense. No matter how many elements populate the plot and how many characters up their game, Tillu doesn't stop his style of humour and dialogue delivery.
The film should have made use of its source material to build a more believable premise. It's not like anybody expects logical coherence in comdies, but showing Tillu as a more cautious person wouldn't have hurt. Picture a scenario of Tillu approaching Lilly with a Plan B, only to be outmanouvered despite his homework.
A particular scene involving all key characters is witty. Murali Sharma's character has not been reduced to a cardboard cliche. Director Mallik Ram and writer Siddu use their skills to raise the stakes for Tillu. However, the reintroduction of certain elements and threads from the first part are too convenient.
Closing Remarks:
'Tillu Square' builds on the genre-specific strengths of its predecessor. Hilarious performances and dialogues save this film despite the absence of freshness.
