‘Buddy’ Movie Review: A Tired Take on Soul Exchange Action

All in all, this buddy action film highlights once more that Allu Sirish has a knack for selecting captivating themes.

In his Telugu directorial debut, Sam Anton ventures into the buddy action thriller genre with Allu Sirish playing a versatile pilot and a teddy bear as a key character. The film centers around the romantic relationship between pilot Aditya Ram and air traffic controller Pallavi, portrayed by Gayatri Bharadwaj. The plot is built on the classic theme of a secret identity romance; Aditya and Pallavi bond over their radio conversations, unaware of each other’s true identities. The mystery unfolds as Pallavi’s disappearance links to an international organ trafficking ring.

Many elements of the story seem tailored for a younger audience, including a hastily introduced reincarnation theme. After a brief explanation from the usual spiritual guides and alternative healers, we are presented with the rather dull twist that Pallavi has transformed into a teddy bear, aptly named Buddy.

The first 45 minutes dedicated to developing Aditya and Pallavi’s romance come off as cartoonish, largely due to the overuse of green screen effects and subpar background integration. The flying sequences lack the convincing visuals expected from a post-2010 film. The color grading, with its odd green hues and oversaturation, detracts from the viewing experience. Just when you start to invest in the love story, the film abruptly shifts into the realm of the supernatural.

The teddy bear’s comedic moments, like reciting meme-worthy dialogues and shouting ‘Jai Balayya’ as a rallying cry, fall flat, especially since Pallavi lacks depth as a character. At the beginning, she comes across as a bland, one-dimensional heroine who struggles with many aspects of life. Yet, once transformed into a teddy bear, she suddenly becomes a gun-toting figure.

Hiphop Tamizha provides a score that prominently features the violin, but the romantic theme fails to leave a lasting impression. Thankfully, the film doesn’t overwhelm viewers with a plethora of songs. The cinematography by Krishnan Vasant is marred by unusual lighting choices and questionable color grading. Additionally, Ruben’s editing does little to establish a gripping pace typical of thrillers. The split-screen technique used during the interval, showcasing photos of all characters, feels reminiscent of early 2000s films.

In essence, this buddy action film serves as a reminder of Allu Sirish’s knack for selecting intriguing subjects. While watching the romance unfold, I was reminded of Allu Sirish’s previous work in Okka Kshanam, directed by Vi Anand, which presented a captivating love story despite its cinematic leaps. That film also took its time to engage the audience but ultimately succeeded in drawing them in. Allu Sirish has a unique talent for choosing narratives that many of his peers might shy away from. However, Buddy could have benefited from more technical polish to craft a more compelling story.

Buddy

Cast: Allu Sirish, Gayatri Bharadwaj, Ajmal Ameer, Ali, Mukesh Rishi

Director: Sam Anton

Rating: 2/5