MM Keeravani’s son, Sri Simha Koduri is trying hard to impress one and all with his film. But he is yet to taste proper success in his career. He is ready with his new film Ustaad, and read our review to find out if the film has any juice in it or not.
Plot
In “Ustaad,” Simha Koduri takes on the role of Surya, a carefree young man who warmly christens his first bike as Ustaad. Over time, he finds himself drawn to Meghana, portrayed by Kavya Kalyanram. Yet, a minor hiccup in their love story triggers a transformative shift in Surya’s life. His bike metamorphoses into a wellspring of inspiration, propelling him toward his lofty goal of becoming a pilot.
Performances
The growth in Simha Koduri’s acting prowess is palpable. His performance has notably improved compared to his past works. Successfully portraying a character across three distinct life stages deserves applause. Kavya Kalyanram’s contribution adds depth to the film, and her on-screen chemistry with Simha is worth noting. Gautam Menon’s pivotal role is well-executed, though the remaining supporting cast members offer average performances.
What’s Good
Sri Simha Koduri’s performance
A few scenes with the bike
What’s Bad
Slow pace
Too preachy
Lengthy runtime
Analysis
Ustaad revolves around a young underdog aspiring to pilot a plane with the support of his cherished bike. The blend of drama, humor, and romance is rejuvenating, although the screenplay falls short. The storytelling is respectable, effectively depicting how the young protagonist draws motivation from his bike. Nonetheless, the story’s rhythm fails to fully engage the audience.
While the film boasts some enjoyable moments, they necessitate enduring its runtime, which may challenge the attention span of today’s youth. In essence, the film holds its ground with a decent presentation, yet it doesn’t introduce anything particularly novel
The editing would benefit from improvements, as the movie’s leisurely pacing and delayed engagement test patience. On a brighter note, the camera work and picturesque settings provide visual appeal, accompanied by commendable production values. The bike’s design and the overall setting are skillfully handled. However, Akeeva B’s music lacks impact, and the background score doesn’t seamlessly align with the narrative.
Ustaad marks a high point in Sri Simha Koduri’s filmography, showcasing his strong performance. However, the film’s pace drags at times and this can get on to your nerve. This film is for those who like sensible dramas. But for others, it is a bore.
Bottom Line – Slow and boring coming-of-age drama
2/5
