A Love Story... in Reverse? Or a Nightmare on Repeat?"
Ram Yogi Velgapudi, congratulations! You've managed to throw every single rule of Telugu cinema out the window with EVOL: A Love Story in Reverse. I never knew a movie could be so determined to break free from narrative conventions-actually, it seems like the only rule you followed was "follow no rules." And I mean that, sincerely.
This "bold" attempt is nothing short of a cinematic rebellion, but let's not kid ourselves. Sure, the reverse storytelling is cool. But did it have to feel like someone was playing the film on rewind while half-asleep? I get it, we're going backwards. But my brain wasn't prepared for the sheer headache of keeping up with a love story that's more of a dissection than a narrative. Bold choice, Velgapudi. Very bold.
What really worked was the technical brilliance. The cinematography was stylish, sleek, and unapologetically modern-props for that. Telugu cinema has long needed someone like Velgapudi to push the boundaries, and that he does. The camera work is hypnotic at times, weaving in and out of moments as if trying to mirror the emotional complexity of the characters, or, well, what would have been emotional complexity if we could understand them.
But the screenplay? Oh, dear. It feels like a maze with no way out. Unconventional, yes. Genius? Maybe, if you're a pretentious film student trying to impress your professor. For the rest of us? We're just trying to figure out if the characters are actually saying anything profound or just spouting cryptic nonsense. The film drags you along, and by the time you figure out what's going on-spoiler alert-you don't care anymore.
Still, I can't completely knock it. There's something refreshing about this kind of madness in Telugu cinema. Bold content, Velgapudi claims. Sure, it's bold. But I have a sneaking suspicion some viewers will just call it "incoherent." If you're tired of predictable masala flicks, give EVOL a shot. Just make sure you bring some aspirin for the headaches.
