'Love Me', produced by Dil Raju Productions, was released in theatres today. In this section, we are going to review the latest theatrical release.
Plot:
Arjun (Ashish Reddy) is an inquisitive YouTuber who is interested in obscure stories. When he comes to know of the existence of a haunted mansion inhabited by a ghost named Divyavathi, his curiosity skyrockets. Much against the wishes of his well-wishers, he embarks on an adventure to befriend Divyavathi, who he believes is not dead. But he might just be interacting with an unlikely person. And is Divyavathi good or dangerous?
Performances:
Ashish is average as an atypical youngster. His role is quite in contrast to the one he played in 'Rowdy Boys'. Although he is too stiff in some scenes, his performance is a winner. Vaishnavi Chaitanya of 'Baby' fame is good although her character is barely as nuanced as the one she played in 'Baby'.
Technical aspects:
MM Keeravani's songs are refreshing in the context of a horror-thriller. 'Aatagadhara Shiva' is inspired. 'Raavaali Raa' is not unconventional and yet engages. 'Stupid Heart' is failed by poor placement. 'Ghost Love' feels like a song from an indie movie, almost one composed by Kalyani Malik. 'Kothaga Kotha Kothaga' is profound. PC Sreeram's cinematography and Avinash Kolla's production design are so-so.
Post-Mortem:
The film was touted to be a Ghost Love story designed to deliver chills, thrills and a stunning new experience on the big screens. Debutant director Arun Bhimavarapu stages an unusual premise in a familiar setting. But the result is not even average.
Arjun starts off by believing that ghosts are fictional. He is a practical-minded person who asks others to move on and accept the reality. He is so rational that he goes about exposing a quack ritualist. When he has a tryst with the ghost, he declares that he respects her rules. This ghost, ostensibly a female with a fashion sense and an aesthetic of her own, can understand English. Eventually, the hero turns into a Sherlock Holmes in his own right.
As the titles unfold, Simran Chaudhary's character is shown doing something rare. This skill of hers comes in handy in the later portions. In a village on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, a bizarre incident that shook everyone took place. Then there is Divyavathi, the ghost without a purpose.
The biggest flaw with the film is that the scenes that were meant to be poetic seem like they are conversations taking place between a patient in a mental asylum and a psychiatrist. The place where the ghost dwells has an uncanny sense of order. The ghost is made to appear desirable even though her face is never shown. The audience can't wait to see her manicured face and start hating everyone who has conned us into believing that ghosts are fearsome. This weird idea deserved better execution and smarter writing.
Anyone who walks into the haunted building risks manifesting the impossibility of finding danger sexy. The script presents quite a few red herrings. The film even enters the Sukumar territory when weird characterizations and idiosyncracies are sought to be normalized and celebrated.
Closing Remarks:
'Love Me: If You Dare' is not the inventive film it wanted to be. Avoidable!
