Mani Aegurla

Cast: Priyadarshi, Harshith Malgireddy, Mani Aegurla, Sri Gouri Priya Reddy, Vannarn, Srikanth Palle, Ravinder Bommakanti and Anusha Netha.
Director: Uday Gurrala
Producer: Priyanka Dutt, Swapna Dutt
DOP: Uday Gurrala, Shyam Dupati
Music Director: Sweekar Agasthi
Editor: Hari Shankar TN

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows on OTT, our today’s pick is Mail, the latest Telugu film on AHA. Let’s now see how it is.

Story

The story is set in the early 2000s when the small villages were also getting to know what a computer is. Mail is chapter one in the series of Kambalapally Kathalu. Hybath(Priyadarshi) is a small-time photographer who brings a computer to his village and attracts the youth. Ravi(Harshith reddy) is the one who is super curious about the computer. He creates a mail-id and one fine day, gets a fake email that he has won a sum of 2 crores as a lottery. How does Ravi’s life change after this email is the whole story of the film?
Plus Points

The story of the film is quite cute and is set up nicely in the small town of Telangana. The earthy characters, the innocence of youth, and how small-town people perceive issues are showcased nicely. Harishith Reddy, who plays the main lead has done well in the film. He acts so naturally in the role of a confused youth and the way the young actor showcases excitement, fear, and interest in learning computers is good to see.

Last but not the least, Priyadarshi is amazing in his small but important role. His subtle comedy and fun expressions are solid in the film. Priyadarshi is the sheet anchor and his simple facial expressions convey a lot in the film. The comedy generated through the computer is handled well. The climax part of the film is also justified quite naturally.

The film has a few nostalgic moments that remind you of the old school lives in small towns. The romantic thread is also good. More than anything the honesty in the characters is the best part of the film. A panchayat debate on viruses is super fun.

Minus Points

One of the biggest drawbacks of the film is the slow pace. Though the story and characters are established well, the narration is very slow and might go against a section of the audience. Priyadarshi’s role should have been etched a bit more effectively in the film.

Also, the characters and how they are brought into the story should have been a bit more effective. The film is not mainstream and has a documentary kind of a feel. Something should have been done to make this aspect more mainstream so that the effect would have been better.

Technical Aspects

Mail is super strong in the technical department. The production values of the film are top-notch and the amazing camerawork showcases the village atmosphere in a cute manner. Dialogues are earthy, the production design is top-notch and the whole writing has honesty. Editing could have been better. Costumes and make up looks apt.

Coming to the director Uday Gurrala, he has done a decent job with the film. His writing is sincere and that is showcased superbly through the performance of the star cast. But he has delayed the narration a bit with his slow pace and if the film would have been one and a half hours, the impact would have been even superb.

Verdict

On the whole, Mail is a cute drama, that has some sincere performances and an interesting storyline. The innocence of the youth in small towns, situational comedy, and befitting climax are good assets. Barring the very slow pace and a few dragged scenes, Mail is a film that can be given a shot for its honest narration.

Rating: 3/5

Click here to watch Mail movie on AHA