‘Perfume’ is the latest film at the Telugu box office starring actors with relatively new faces. Amidst the big-ticket films like ‘Kota Bommali PS’ and Vaisshnav Tej’s ‘Aadikesava’, let’s see how the film fares at the box office.
Story
Vyas (Che Nag) is no less than a wandering monk, who chooses photography as an artform to express himself. However, his natural ability of detecting odors causes him unexpected damage more than what he presumed. This psychological disorder gives him orgasm every time the scent goes through nostrils and arouses his senses. Leela (Prachi Thaker), who wants to study the criminal’s psychology, gets to know some shocking facts about Vyas. Will she ever change this man who is on the cusp of becoming a threat to women in society?
Analysis
Perfume delves deep into the artistic nature of men while exploring the ugly side of psychological disorder of smelling obsession. Very few films in Tollywood have the protagonist turning a baddie. Here, the protagonist is on the verge of turning into a psycho killer which is a threat to the safety of the public.
While taking a good sweet time, the story makes a good attempt to slowly reveal the characters and their vulnerabilities. By the end of the first half, Perfume makes you emotionally invested into the story. The momentum that is seen in the first hour, slowly diminishes when in the latter half. However, the movie do not trudge bearing a few slight deviations here and there.
The episodes of protagonist Vyas struggling with the mental disorder, the romantic track between him and Leela, the pre-climax block are some of the highlights that the story banks upon.
The second half drifts away when it comes to depicting the backstory of Vyas. The traumatic childhood days, the first love with his batchmate, while the friendship slowly transforms into love, the boy gets targeted by the upper caste community. All the suffering, discrimination and the events of childhood adds to his suffering. How the love of Leela transforms psychologically ill Vyas is well depicted in the end.
Performances
Actor Che Nag , who played the protagonist Vyas, does a fair job as a psychologically sick man. However, the makers could have taken a call on casting him as the lead opposite Prachi Thaker. On the other hand, Prachi does a brilliant performance. As a classical Bharatanatyam dancer and criminal psychology student Prachi’s character has given her good scope to perform.
Abhinaya too does really well as a strict and upright police officer. Others too have done their bit to add muscle to the story.
Music and Technicalities
Ajay Arasada’s music has certainly elevated the story, the bgm has been terrific. The songs in the movie Evi Evi Ekkatledu and Ilanti Prema Eshwarude struck a chord with audiences. The camera work could have been better.
What’s Good
Unique subject
Performances
What’s Bad
Second half
Mediocre camera work
Verdict
Perfume has a refreshing story with unique treatment. It covered several aspects of woman safety and psychological disorders men suffer. Director JD Swamy does well in his debut film with confidence.
Rating: 2.75 / 5
