Since the word 'comrade exists in the title of the story, don't expect it to be a war film. Well, at least I hoped that Dear Comrade might have some shades of discipline or way of life or various other things. Turns out, it is just another romance flick which tries to pack a punch with a plethora of human interest issues but fails. Vijay Devrakonda, who seems to have dethroned Prabhas to become the next Tollywood star as the nation's heartthrob seems to have reprised his role as the angry and passioned man who would go to extreme lengths to fight for the right. Not his rights to be specific but for what is perceived as the rights of an individual. Rashmika Madanna, who plays his love interest in the film is promising and delivers. The film is directed by Bharat Kamma with music by Justin Prabhakaran. How did the movie fare? Did it live up to the hype? Read on to find out. Dear Comrade: Sai Pallavi Rejected Vijay Devarakonda’s Film Over Lip-Lock Scene?

The plot of the film revolves around Bobby, a student union leader who has the fists of fury. If he cannot tolerate the injustice that happens, he goes on a full-throttle defence to ensure that the system caves and gives people their rights. Life is going on when his paths cross with Lily, his childhood friend. Now Bobby and Lily meet and sparks eventually fly. She is a State-level cricket player who is too good for words. Lily can give the guys a go for their money with her impeccable batting and manages to win over the heart of Bobby. Of course, their romance is shortlived as she sees Bobby's violent streak and his inability to think straight when he is angry. Things don't end there for them as Bobby returns in Lily's life as a brand new person with a calmer temper and a better personality. However, things aren't the same as Lily has undergone a lot of trials and tribulations which prompt her to quit her flourishing career in cricket. Arjun Reddy Star Vijay Devarakonda Throws Surprise Party For Fans

The actors have done a phenomenal job as they have played their roles to perfection. I have absolutely no problem with them. Be it the way their characters have undergone various changes, Devrakonda's taming from being a wild child to Rashmika's strong persona turning into that of a meek cat but eventually rising like the phoenix. Everything about the way they both portrayed their personalities on the big screen is commendable. Both, Vijay Devrakonda and Rashmika Madanna as Bobby and Lily are fabulous characters. Dear Comrade Teaser: Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna’s Sizzling Chemistry, Sid Sriram’s Love Song in the Background, Leave Fans Impressed! Watch Video

Director Bharat Kamma tackles with a string of concerns that haunt many individuals in today's time. Problems such as sexual harassment at the workplace, people's inability to grasp the term 'no' and accept it, impulsive violence, depression and more. It is brilliant how the filmmaker chose such pivotal subjects to tackle in his film. Sadly though, the way certain topics are handled in the movie is unrealistic, non-convincing and very questionable. Some sequences even lead to the point of mockery as a panel is judging the character of two individuals, a sexual offender and a victim, with the least bit of seriousness.

Which brings me to the primary concern about the movie, the script. It tries to tackle several subjects, several pertinent and strong issues. But the way that Kamma chooses his characters to deal with the issues is concerning. Be it including sound therapy for depression or holding a panel to discuss the allegations of sexual misconduct by the BCCI officials (towards a guy who has been accused of such behaviour several times in the past), the way the writing goes is not convincing. It is unreal to the point of being a joke! As I said, the actors are phenomenal, the cinematography and even the visuals chosen are amazing. The film keeps you entertained and even makes you think. But perhaps by the end of it, Kamma seems to have made a very haphazard approach towards tying the loose ends.

Yays

- Vijay Devrakonda's performance as Bobby, the angry young man!

- Rashmika Mandanna's stunning transition from being a strong character to becoming a meek one and eventually finding her strength.

- The cinematography capturing the scenic beauty of North India

- A well-intended film with necessary issues to tackle

- Great performance by the supporting leads

- Impeccable chemistry between Vijay Devrakonda and Rashmika Mandanna

Nays

- A badly penned script

- Lack of research

- Inability to tie the loose ends of the film

- Underwhelming second half

Final Word 

Dear Comrade starts off on a good note. Even when the script starts to fail in the second half, the actors continue to hold onto the ends and try to put up a good show. Concern begins with the second half starts to make you question a lot of ways used to tackle issues by the characters in the film. So yes, the first half is a good watch but the second half has too many elements to focus on which makes it a half baked work. Should you watch it then? Well, if you are mesmerised by Devrakonda's looks and acting then you should. The chemistry between the stars would make you want to give it a watch. But otherwise, it is anybody's guess.

Rating:2.5

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2019 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).