Kumari 21F Review: A coming-of-age film

The kind of love stories Tollywood has been manufacturing since ages hardly went beyond the Mars- versus-Venus wars or stalkers love tales. Given the history of Tollywood’s love stories, path-breaking is the word for Kumari 21 F. It is written by Sukumar who is known for creating unique characters for his leads especially when it comes to the way the lead ‘loves’. This time that unusual lover is in the form of the female protagonist of the movie- Kumari , played by Hebbah Patel.

In all the love stories that Sukumar dealt, the hero’s antics entertained us. They were distinct but there were no layers. Kumari has layers which are beautifully unveiled slowly and timely.

This is a love story set in a middle-class colony with looks of an aged railway quarters. Siddhu (Raj Tarun) lives with his mother, and aspires to be a chef in Singapore. He hangs around with three friends played by Noel Sean, Sudharshan and Naveen Neni. Kumari is a new entrant in the colony and falls in love with Siddhu at first sight and proposes to him. Kumari is a model, hangs out with guys, has vodka shots with no inhibitions and gives Siddhu his first kiss when in their 3rd meet. Siddhu is confused with Kumari’s behavior. On the other side, his friends influence him with their opinions and inferences. What is Kumari all about and to what level does Siddhu understands forms the crux of the story.

The movie doesn’t start off promisingly. In fact the first hour, as the movie proceeds, it would be perceived as Jagadam’s heroine’s sleaziness expanded in full-length. Only during the pre-interval the movie takes a big leap and just keeps rising till the end. The last 45 minutes is nothing less than extra-ordinary. Sukumar has greatly crafted the story and unimaginably underlines a great message for the current youngsters. The movie is aptly bold, but that would restrict the audiences to ages 15-35. The sleaziness in the beginning could be seen as the only drawback of the film.

Performances were perfect. The casting seemed so correct. Noel, Sudarshan and Naveen scored some extra brownie points than the lead pair itself. They were not the usual side-kicks. Raj Tarun has definitely improved from the Uyyala Jumpala days and Hebbah should be lucky for getting such a character. DSP’s tracks were good and in-place too. Ratnavelu’s work was adept too.

Some scenes really stand out in the film and especially the scene where Siddhu washes the saree of Kumari is work of a master. Greatly thought scene that was.

The director Surya Pratap translated the script to the screen very well and the movie is so aptly placed.

Kumari 21 F is definitely a coming-of-age film which demonstrates, explains and clarifies a very common question when a boy is confused about a girl and the question is “Love Cheyyaala Vaddha?”

Raj Tarun, Hebah Patel’s ‘Kumari 21F’ is gearing up for its release on 20th of this month. As there is some buzz over this film’s story and content, we have something that really interest’s you while reading.

As per the reports the movie is said to be holding a bold and youthful content is making such talk a true word.

On record, this film is said to have three to four lip lock scenes between Tarun and Hebah. This was recently revealed by Hebah who further said that it was extremely difficult situation while filming those scenes.

With a group of rows gathering around the shooting, spot made Hebah tense while picturizing the romantic scenes. But it was then her workshop classes that she attended before the shooting, helped her to do those scenes quite confidently.

The Mumbai girl recalls, “I got myself mentally prepared for this kind of thing in a workshop I had undergone before the shoot. It also helped that I became good friends with Raj Tarun and that made things way less awkward.”

“The chemistry between us both will be dazzling. Youth and youngsters will connect to it. Hebah and I have put in a part of us into the characters to make the romance more believable,” says Raj Tarun.

Sukumar’s maiden production venture ‘Kumari 21F’ is all set to hit screens on 20th of this month. Director Surya Pratap, who had earlier tasted failure with ‘Current’, is directing this bold love story.

Talking about the film and Sukumar, he said, ‘I joined as a writer in Sukumar’s team for ‘Arya 2.’ When I got a chance to direct ‘Current,’ I tried. Then again, I came back to Sukumar sir and worked for ‘1 – Nenokkadine’.

Sukumar sir itself penned the story of ‘Kumari 21F’. This movie is not a copy of any Hollywood film but few incidents happened in his life inspired him to write this bold love story.

‘Kumari 21F’ is a bold concept, a love story between a boy & girl. Every youth could relate to the lead characters.’

Raj Tarun and Hebah Patel played the main lead roles in the movie. Devi Sri Prasad scored the music.

Director Sukumar is presently busy with the shooting of his upcoming movie with Jr NTR and currently progressing in London. Apart from direction he is also producing a film titled “Kumari 21F” under his own production house Sukumar Writings. The shooting of the film has been completed and also shot four songs. Sukumar has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues for this movie.

Uyyala Jampala fame Raj Tarun and Hebah Patel playing the main lead roles in the film and it is being directed by Palnati Surya Pratap, who has earlier assisted for Sukumar films. R Rathnavelu is the cinematographer and Devi Sri Prasad is composing the music.

Now the latest buzz is that “Kumari 21 F” movie team planning to rope in Jr NTR to launch a special promotional video of the film. However, no one confirmed officially on this by the movie team.

The movie team planning to release the film for Dussehra in October.

Watch out this space for latest updates on Kumari 21F movie!!