Chitralahari

Sai Dharam suits the loser’s role in a superb manner. He has caught the emotions in the character perfectly and drives the film through his expressions. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of the film is the pace. Things take forever to come to the actual point. Also, the proceedings have a dejavu kind of a feel as such emotions and break up in love stories have been showcased in many films previously.

On the whole, Chitralahari is the emotional story of an underdog with some decent moments in both the halves. But the slow pace and serious tone of the film may not be liked by a section of the audience who come expecting entertainment. 

Chitralahari starts off promisingly with its truthful story that connects to Youth. A youngster with plenty of ideas doesn’t get any break career-wise. With a supporting father, Vijay leads life happily with occasionally trying for a break.

Sai Tej has shown a significant maturity in performance in Vijay character. In this boy next door character, Sai Tej attempts to cater to family audience. Posani Krishna Murali gets a good character as father of Sai Tej. 

 Chitralahari has a story that connects to youth, preaches to believe in self! The director honestly tries to deliver an inspirational message, but fails as a movie maker. This film is just an average film.

 

Sai Dharam Tej made a conscious attempt to look different and perform like never before. He appears just alike any normal youngster instead of showing heroism.

Songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad for 'Chitralahari' are better than his recent albums. 'Prema Vennela' and 'Glassmates' stand out. Rest of the songs are just okay.

To conclude in one sentence, 'Chitralahari' is the success story of an underdog. The Protagonist succeeded finally after successive failures.

Sai Tej is looking to shed his mass hero image by totally staying away from action scenes and punch dialogues. It is a welcome change. There is a lot of subtlety in his performance too. 

Kishore Tirumala sets up the tone for the film with a good introduction of characters and well written initial portions.

Story of underdogs is not new to Telugu cinema audience. There were numerous films that dealt with the underdog theme and turned successful.

Mixed Chitram

Leaving the baggage of mass-hero image behind completely, Sai Dharam Tej has surrendered to this youngster character. His thick-beard look has also come in handy for the transformation. He has done fantastic job here.

Devi Sri Prasad has given good songs to the film. They are major plus to this romantic entertainer.

Director Kishore Tirumala has tried to give a message to the youth about how to handle rejections and failure in life. He has begun the story well.

With Chitralahari, Kishore Tirumala takes up the gargantuan task of holding the audience’s interest while telling a tried and tested tale – that of an underdog who’s branded a loser by society but is in reality nothing short of a genius inventor. 

Chitralahari is a well-intentioned film that starts out wanting to tell the story of an underdog who does not give up till he reaches his goal, ably supported by his father.

Sai Dharam Tej delivers a stupendous performance as the underdog wanting to catch a break, a refreshing change from the ‘supreme mega hero’ roles he usually plays.