‘Bhale Unnade’ Movie Review: A Unique Hero and a Missed Chance

Manisha Kandkur delivers a strong performance in her debut, but even with a concept that has the potential to stand out, writer-director Siva Sai Vardhan seems to get tangled in familiar clichés and predictable storytelling elements.

Just before the interval in “Bhale Unnade,” Krishna, the female lead, makes a heartfelt effort to connect with Radha (the hero), creating various situations that could lead to intimacy. This charming segment is filled with humor, sweetness, romance, and a touch of poignancy. In that brief moment, the essence of the film’s narrative is encapsulated. It balances emotions without falling into melodrama, showcasing a simple interaction between two individuals with contrasting desires, where a straightforward resolution seems unlikely.

“Bhale Unnade,” featuring Raj Tarun and Manisha Kandkur in the main roles, had the potential to be a quirky, light-hearted romantic comedy that explores a unique theme—the concept of masculinity and a man’s role in relationships. However, writer-director Siva Sai Vardhan fails to fully realize this potential, ultimately delivering a script that leans heavily on familiar tropes and clichés.

The story revolves around Radha (Raj Tarun), a professional saree draper who defies traditional masculine norms. He cooks for his mother, enjoys creating Rangoli on his porch daily, and is unbothered by mockery for being true to himself. In a humorous twist on the typical hero moment, Radha confronts a group of tough-looking men to retrieve his friend’s stolen purse, accompanied by dramatic background music. Yet, moments later, he emerges with a bruised face, leaving the restaurant quickly, while the same music continues to play, adding to the comedic effect.

On the other hand, Krishna stands out with her honesty and desire for affection in love. She is quickly captivated by Radha’s culinary talents.

The film includes some entertaining musical numbers that seamlessly integrate with the storyline, allowing us to delve deeper into the characters. It has all the essential elements of a lighthearted romantic comedy.

However, where the film struggles is in crafting a clear and coherent narrative around its central theme. The dynamic between two characters navigating their differing sexualities may not seem substantial enough for a compelling plot, leading the writer-director to force in various devices and clichés at the expense of Radha’s character. The story unfolds through the perspective of a fellow hospital patient named Darabont (VTV Ganesh), an aspiring filmmaker who constantly ridicules Radha for his perceived lack of masculinity. To exacerbate the situation, there’s an elaborate musical number featuring Radha dressed as a eunuch, where he performs a lively song and dance—just in case we needed a visual representation of his embarrassment. Even during poignant moments, like when Radha’s mother expresses her appreciation for him as her support system, the film interrupts with random misogynistic comments from their neighbors. The director often confuses the audience by juxtaposing homophobic jokes with refreshingly candid discussions among women about their sexuality.

The second half of “Bhale Unnade” struggles to find a balance between comedy, drama, and moral lessons, ultimately failing to do so. It resorts to a predictable trope where the ideal man is defined solely by his role as a protector. While some unrelated comedic scenes about a pill overdose or the impending marriage of an older bachelor might be acceptable, the film’s reliance on the clichéd sexual assault trope to elevate the protagonist is disappointing.

Manisha Kandkur, who portrays Krishna, brings a strong presence to the screen and adeptly navigates both comedic and serious moments. However, Krishna is positioned as the lead primarily because “Bhale Unnade” lacks the boldness to engage with its themes authentically. Early in the film, we learn that Radha has a certain apprehension towards physical intimacy, which becomes a central conflict around the midpoint. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this fear are not revealed until the final thirty minutes. Even then, while the film includes a detailed flashback about Radha’s mother, it fails to adequately explain Radha’s character and his struggles.

Raj Tarun deserves credit for portraying the ‘effeminate’ aspects of his character with a gentle touch, avoiding over-the-top mannerisms. However, in other scenes, he seems to lack the emotional depth and intensity needed for his role.

Ultimately, “Bhale Unnade” ends up feeling like a missed opportunity, marred by a jumble of poorly executed ideas.

BHALE UNNADE

Cast: Raj Tarun, Manisha Kandkur, Leela Samson, Abhirami, VTV Ganesh

Director: Siva Sai Vardhan