Starring: Nikhil Siddhartha, Anupama Parameswaran, Dinesh Tej, Ajay, Posani Krishna Murali, Brahmaji, Sarayu Roy
Director: Palnati Surya Pratap
Producer: Bunny Vas
Music Director: Gopi Sundar
Cinematography: A. Vasanth
Editor: Naveen Nooli
Nikhil and Anupama Parameswaran, who previously worked together on Karthikeya 2, have teamed up again for 18 Pages. Surya Pratap directs the film, which was written by director Sukumar. The film was released today, so let’s see how it goes.
Story:
Siddhu (Nikhil Siddharth), an app developer, falls in love with a woman, but she cheats on him. This causes Siddhu to become depressed, and it is during this time that he comes upon Nandhini’s (Anupama Parameswaran) diary on the side of the road. Siddhu begins reading it and gradually falls in love with her. Siddhu discovers many fascinating information about Nandhini, and when he attempts to meet her, a major plot twist occurs. What exactly is it? Has he met her? Siddhu, did you convey your affection for Nandhini? This is the film’s climax.
Plus Points:
There have been a few films in which the lead couple falls in love without ever meeting. 18 Pages falls into the same genre, and the creators are successful in portraying the love part fairly. It is difficult to depict love in this day and age without having combo sequences of the lead couple, yet Sukumar’s narrative includes nice moments that keep the audience involved.
Even though they don’t meet till the end, one can sense the spark between Nikhil and Anupama. The writing is well-balanced, with equal parts joy and love. The narrative is driven by songs, which are well-placed and have profound lyrics. The first half is created in a light and straightforward style, including nice comedic elements. The climax is once again nice and uncomplicated, which works beautifully.
Nikhil has selected a fresh storyline this time, and the actor has delivered a strong performance. He is just too wonderful in the comedic sequences, and the emotional scenes reveal the actor within him. Anupama Parameswaran is a natural in the role of Nandhini, and you root for her from the first scene. Her parts are well-written, and she is convincing as a small-town girl.
Sarayu gets a terrific full-length role and performs admirably. A few crucial social themes, such as how social media and mobile devices effect human relationships and interactions, are also depicted rather nicely. Nikhil explains in a little sequence that one should give their time to their elderly parents, which has inner depth.
Minus Points:
While the first half is appealing and full of lovely moments, the graph plummets in the second half. The pace is languid here, and the moments are lackluster. Naturally, one anticipates a strong second half, but the outcome is unimpressive.
Anupama’s character has a suspense element to it, but it becomes quite generic after a while. The flashback is very conventional, and the momentum is not sustained in this episode. Because the thrilling components lack punch, the film becomes repetitive in places. Ajay and Shatru’s characters are unimportant, and they portray standard antagonists.
Technical Considerations:
Gopi Sundar composed every song in the film, and the background score is also lovely. The production values are adequate, but the editing could use some work, particularly in the second half. Vasanth’s cinematography is excellent, and the songs are well staged. The viewing experience is hampered by a few dubbing errors here and there.
Surya Pratap, the film’s director, did an adequate job. He was successful in bringing out the best in the lead duo, but he should have been more cautious in the tension and important passages. Director Sukumar has written a feel-good story and leaves his imprint in a few points.
Verdict:
Overall, 18 Pages is a decent love story that provides spectators with a unique experience. Aside from the primary pair’s outstanding performances, a few significant themes are also addressed. For the most part, the picture maintains a lighthearted tone. If you can overlook the slightly slow second half and the repetitive flashback scenes, the film is a good weekend viewing.
