Cast: Chaitanya Rao, Hebah Patel, Tanikella Bharani, Suhasini, Aravind Krishna, Ali, Surekha Vani, Ravi Varma, and others
Director: Bala Rajashekharuni
Music: Kalyani Malik
Background Music: R.P. Patnaik
Producers: K.K.R., Balaraju
Release Date: June 21, 2024
Chaitanya Rao and Hebah Patel team up for the first time in “Honeymoon Express,” directed by Bala Rajashekharuni and co-produced by K.K.R. and Balaraju. Tanikella Bharani and Suhasini also play significant roles. Released on June 21, did this film captivate audiences? Did it bring success to Chaitanya Rao and Hebah Patel? Let’s explore these questions in this review.
What’s the Story?
Ishan (Chaitanya Rao) and Sonali (Hebah Patel) first meet through a minor accident, which blossoms into romance and leads to their marriage. However, they have different approaches to life; Sonali is fast-paced, while Ishan is methodical. This disparity often causes conflicts between them. One day, they encounter a senior couple who introduce them to a game called “Honeymoon Express” and invite them to a resort. What exactly is “Honeymoon Express”? Does the game help resolve the conflicts between Ishan and Sonali? Does it enhance their romantic life? This forms the crux of the story.
How Did They Perform?
Chaitanya Rao, known for his charm in a series of films, delivers another impressive performance in this movie, skillfully playing dual roles. Hebah Patel once again tries to captivate audiences with her beauty, and their chemistry is likely to appeal to the youth. Veteran actors Tanikella Bharani and Suhasini consistently entertain with their seasoned performances, bringing laughter to the theaters. The story mainly centers on these four characters. The other cast members performed competently within their roles.
How is the Direction?
The increasing frequency of young couples separating shortly after marriage has become a notable trend. Director Bala Rajashekharuni has chosen this issue as the theme of his movie. The film aims to convey that couples should make an effort to understand each other’s preferences post-marriage. However, the director struggles with his storytelling, introducing elements such as science fiction and time travel, which lead to confusion. Some scenes designed to appeal to the youth may be perceived as overly bold, possibly deterring family audiences. Nonetheless, the innovative concept of the characters coming from the future to fix their lives adds a fresh twist to the narrative.
Technically…
On the technical front, the songs by Kalyani Malik are good, and the background score by R.P. Patnaik is adequate. The cinematography is passable. Better editing could have improved the film. Production values are also adequate.
Plus Points
– Acting by Chaitanya Rao and Hebah Patel
– Contemporary themes
– Music
Minus Points
– Narrative and screenplay
– Protracted scenes