Review of 'Majili': A Romantically Unfulfilled Sports Drama

Before diving into the review, if you're new to this, 'Majili' is a 2019 Telugu romantic sports drama directed by Shiva Nirvana and produced by Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi. The film stars Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles, with music composed by Gopi Sunder and background music by Ss Thaman.

Introduction to 'Majili'

My journey with the movie began with its soundtrack, particularly the song 'Priyathama', which centers around Samantha Ruth Prabhu's character Sravani’s unrequited love towards Poorna Chaitanya. The raw emotions in the song, whether happiness, heartbreak, or defeat, drew me to the movie, and I found myself watching it multiple times just to re-experience her character's journey.

Movie Analysis

The First Half

The movie spends a significant amount of time developing the first love story and Poorna's early cricket successes in the first half, which unfortunately leaves the second half feeling rushed. We don't get a fully developed story of the second and arguably more important relationship, and how Poorna gets back on his feet. This hasty development makes the reconciliation journey feel like an afterthought, confined to a single song and the last 10 minutes of the film.

The Cricket Journey

While the movie does a good job of showcasing the pitiable state of Poorna and Sravani's marriage and their characters, the journey towards reconciliation is limited to a song and the movie's conclusion. Similarly, Poorna's cricket journey is only mentioned in passing, with plans to start a cricket academy being a brief thought near the climax. It's ironic that the film, which aims to showcase the lead characters' personal and professional journeys, dedicates mere minutes and a few one-liners to thanking its supporting storyline.

The Supporting Characters

Despite the flaws, the supporting cast puts in commendable performances. Samantha Ruth Prabhu's performance as Sravani stands out. Although initially portrayed as meek, she is strong-willed, silent in her strength, and witty in her comebacks. My skepticism about a character who unconditionally loves an indifferent and wastrel husband dissipated as I rooted for her and Poorna. The fathers in the film, played by the friends Jonty and Anshu’s daughter Meera, add significant depth to the narrative. My favorite was the portrayal of Meera as a plot device that helps Sravani and Poorna reconcile. Divyansha, as Anshu, also deserves praise for her role.

Chaitanya's Performance

Naga Chaitanya's performance as Poorna has mixed reviews. While he handles the role well, his acting during some emotional sequences falls short, particularly in the last scene of the film. There's a belief that the movie could have been slightly better if Poorna's emotions were more effectively conveyed. However, Chaitanya's portrayal of Poorna’s journey and struggles are commendable.

Conclusion

In summary, 'Majili' is an enjoyable Telugu romantic sports drama with well-written characters and excellent music. However, the movie fails to utilize these elements properly, leading to an average film. Despite the shortcomings, the movie's heart is in the right place, and it has all the necessary ingredients to elevate it to a higher rank. With a better execution of character development and storyline, 'Majili' could have been a stronger film in the genre.

Lastly, if you are a fan of romantic sports dramas, 'Majili' is worth watching for its performances, especially those by Samantha and Chaitanya. However, be prepared for a plot that, while emotionally engaging, can sometimes feel rushed.