Aa Okkati Adakku Review: Vintage Allari Naresh is Back.. Is ‘Aa Okkati Adakku’ a hit?

Cast: Allari Naresh, Faria Abdullah, Vennela Kishore, Jamie Lever, Harsha Chemudu, Ariyana Glory, and others.

Director: Malli Ankam

Cinematographer: Surya

Music: Gopi Sundar

Producer: Rajeev Chilaka

Production Company: Chilak Productions

Release Date: May 3, 2024

The new movie starring Allari Naresh and Faria Abdullah, ‘Aa Okkati Adakku‘, directed by Malli Ankam, has generated anticipation as Allari Naresh makes a comeback to the comedy genre after a lengthy hiatus. Released on May 3, did this film engage the audience? Did it mark another triumph in Allari Naresh’s career? Let’s delve into this review to find out.

What’s the story?

Ganapathi (Allari Naresh), employed in a sub-registrar’s office, has faced a “half-century” of unsuccessful marriage proposals. Due to his age and the fact that he has a married brother, he struggles to find a willing partner. One day, he falls for Siddhi (Faria Abdullah) after seeing her profile on a matrimonial site. Although she initially rejects him, they strike up a friendship. Rumors soon begin to swirl that Siddhi has been misleading men on the matrimonial site. What is the real story behind her actions? Who is Siddhi, and what’s her past? How did the matrimonial agency play a role in deceiving these men? Did Siddhi and Ganapathi ultimately come together? That forms the crux of the story.

How did they perform?

Allari Naresh seamlessly embodies the role of Ganapathi, showcasing his natural comedic timing that harks back to the classic Naresh style. Faria Abdullah gives a solid performance as Siddhi, although the role limits her range. The playful exchanges between the leads are captivating, with Jamie Lever’s animated expressions and dynamic performance standing out. Vennela Kishore and Harsha Chemudu consistently deliver laughs in their screen appearances. The other cast members perform competently within the confines of their roles.

How was the direction?

Director Malli Ankam has selected a theme that strikes a chord with today’s youth, delving into the challenges they encounter on matrimonial sites. Despite the promotional materials portraying it as a straightforward comedy, the film offers more than just laughs. It addresses prevalent issues, such as scams involving NRI grooms, frequently highlighted in the media. While the fake bride concept introduced a somewhat novel element, the comedy surrounding it fell short. The humor in the first half was adequate, but it faded in the second half. The narrative seemed overly prolonged by the director.

Technically

Technically, the music by Raj Sundar was satisfactory. The track ‘Rajadi Raja…’ stands out and merits a repeat listen. However, the background score was unremarkable. The cinematography was well-executed. The editing could have been tighter to enhance the pacing of the film. The production values were appropriate and matched the scale of the movie.