Kiran Abbavaram is an actor who has earned more respect than success with Ka. His latest film, Dilruba, marks the directorial debut of Vishwa Karun. With the songs becoming hits and the promotional content reaching the masses, expectations for the film were high. Let’s see how well it has entertained the audience.
Dilruba Story: Siddhu (Kiran Abbavaram) loses both his beloved father and his childhood love, Meghana (Kathy Davinson), on the same day. Devastated, he decides not to get close to anyone again and joins an engineering college in Mangalore. There, he meets Anjali (Ruksaar Dhillon). Just when it seems like Anjali might bring some change in his life, she too leaves him. Why does everyone leave Siddhu? Where is the problem? Is it his character, his attitude, or something else? The answers unfold in the film.
Performances: Kiran Abbavaram effectively showcases his mass appeal in the film. His styling and body language bring freshness to his character, and the careful selection of costumes enhances his stylish look. In terms of acting, there are shades of Puri Jagannadh’s hero archetype, but Kiran manages to deliver a performance that resonates with the youth.
Ruksaar Dhillon brings great energy to the role of Anjali. Though she struggles with lip-sync in a few places, she makes a strong impression as an actress, and the film adds a positive boost to her career.
In another key role, Kathy Davison puts in an earnest effort, but her character lacks proper development. Supporting actors like Sathya and John Vijay are underutilized. Meanwhile, Kranthi Killi tries to make an impact as a stylish villain.
Technical Aspects: Sam CS’s music is one of the biggest strengths of the film. His background score is especially impressive, with the KCPD song and the interval fight sequence adding a solid impact. Daniel Vishwas deserves appreciation for his cinematography. He pays close attention to every frame, and his careful use of color combinations enhances the overall visual experience. The design and composition of the action blocks are commendable, particularly the interval fight, which appeals to the mass audience. The editing could have been sharper. The college sequences drag unnecessarily, and the climax fight could have been paced better for a stronger impact.
Analysis: There are many types of love stories, and every love story thrives on emotion. However, the key to success lies in presenting that emotion in a way that connects with the audience. Dilruba fails to establish that emotional depth.
Director Vishwa Karun’s influence from Puri Jagannadh is evident, particularly in the hero’s characterization. While the concept of an ex-lover returning to help with a current relationship had potential, its execution falls flat. Shot composition and emotional depth are crucial elements of storytelling, but Vishwa Karun fails to handle them effectively.
As a result, while some scenes work, most fail to make a lasting impact. While the fight scenes are well-executed, the film lacks equally intense dramatic moments to match them. Additionally, the attempt to introduce a fresh angle to villainy does not succeed. That said, Dilruba might still appeal to youth audiences and college students who enjoy mass entertainers.
Verdict: Overall, Dilruba showcases Kiran Abbavaram in a new avatar. While he does well, the rest of the proceedings are not that great. The masses might like the film but otherwise, it leaves us with mixed feelings.
Bottom Line: Kiran Abbavaram in a new avatar
Dilruba Rating: 2.5/5