S/O Satyamurthy

Starring: Allu Arjun, Rajendra Prasad, Upendra, Samantha, Adah Sharma, Brahmanandam
Directed by Trivikram Srinivas
Rating: ***

Skinny fit trousers, a faux hawk hairstyle a la Cristiano Ronaldo, pastel shades and a blush form a major part of Allu Arjun’s character, Viraj Anand, in S/o Satyamurthy. Arjun pulls off the rich boy-turned-middle class role effortlessly. Director Trivikram’s scr­eenplay has too many sub-plots, but the dialogues sparkle, especially when mouthed by vete­ran actors such as Rajendra Prasad, who plays a cynical wealth-hoarder.

The story revolves around a young man who sacrifices much of the family fortune rather than manipulate the stockmarket. All this to uphold the charitable values of his deceased father, Satyamurthy (perfectly played by Prakash Raj). Viraj’s family transits from ‘Jubilee Hills to Ameerpet’—he keeps the Armani watch but sweats it out in sha­red autos. Just as we won­der if this is one dreary trip back to wea­lth, Anand morphs into a wedding planner. This is where romance blossoms with the diabetic Samantha, whose hypoglycemia att­acks, stran­gely, inject humour. Allu Arjun dances like a dream and impresses in the song Seethakalam Suryudulaga koncham koncham chustave. Hum­our is a big draw, and the best is saved for Brahmanandam.

The second half of the film is shot in Tamil Nadu, making one wonder if the Andhra-dominated film industry will avoid Hyderabad as a backdrop. Kannada star Upendra comes late and does a confused turn. But does he have a presence! Chocolate heroes, please stand aside!