'అప్పుడో ఇప్పుడో ఎప్పుడో' - మూవీ రివ్యూ

Nikhil, known for choosing diverse scripts that bring him steady success, returns with Appudo Ippudo Eppudo, directed by Sudheer Varma. Nikhil gained nationwide recognition with Karthikeya-2 and previously collaborated with Varma in Swamy Ra Ra and Keshava. While Swamy Ra Ra was a turning point in Nikhil’s career, this latest release – made during the pandemic for OTT platforms but now released in theaters – seems less promising.

Plot Summary
Rishi (Nikhil), an aspiring car racer, dreams of making it big. In his journey, he falls for Thara (Rukmini Vasanth), but a misunderstanding from a friend keeps their love story from progressing. Driven by his passion, he moves to London to pursue his racing dreams, balancing training with a part-time job. In London, he saves a woman named Tulasi (Divyansha Koushik) from danger, and they soon fall in love, even deciding to marry. However, when Tulasi mysteriously disappears at a temple, Rishi sets out to find her, only to unexpectedly encounter Thara again. The movie unfolds around why Thara is in London, what happened to Tulasi, and how the powerful Don Badri Narayana (John Vijay) is connected to them all.

Analysis
Appudo Ippudo Eppudo attempts to blend a crime thriller with a love story, but falls short in delivering the thrill or intrigue typically associated with such genres. The plot lacks compelling points or suspenseful moments. The romantic angle is similarly underdeveloped, leaving audiences wondering why certain relationships evolve the way they do. The narrative is burdened with flashbacks and uninteresting twists, which fail to add excitement and often feel forced and tedious. Slow pacing further detracts from engagement, leaving viewers without the anticipated intrigue or surprises.

Both halves of the film test audience patience, offering little substance or entertainment. Despite the inclusion of comedians like Sathya, Sudarshan, and Praveen, the film fails to deliver humor or charm. Overall, the film feels outdated, lacking any engaging or fresh elements to keep the audience invested.

Performances
Nikhil does his best in the role of Rishi, though the script doesn’t provide him with much opportunity to showcase his acting range. Rukmini appears charming and performs decently, while Divyansha Koushik also does justice to her role. The comedians, including Sathya, Sudarshan, and Harsha, attempt to inject humor but fail to make an impact. Among the technical crew, the cinematography stands out, capturing scenes with skill, but other technical aspects contribute little to the film's appeal.

Verdict
Appudo Ippudo Eppudo attempts to weave a complex story with numerous twists, but its lack of a coherent, strong storyline makes it a tedious experience. The outdated concept and lack of engaging content may struggle to appeal to contemporary audiences. Despite its release in theaters, the film may not offer the captivating experience that viewers expect from a thriller.