Reviews : Movie Reviews : Journey

Film: Journey
Cast: Sharwanand, Jai, Anjali, Ananya, and others
Dialogues and lyrics: Sahithi
Music: Satya
Cinematography: Velraj
Editing: Kishore
Co-producer: C Pradyumna
Produced by: Suresh Kondeti
Story, screenplay and directed by: M Saravanan
Release date: December 16, 2011

What's it about!
It is about two love stories and a bus accident. Amrutha (Ananya) comes to Hyderabad from Vijayawada on a job interview but she doesn't know how to reach to the office. She takes a help of a youngster Gautham (Sharwanand) standing at the bus stand. And their love story begins from there. Another love story runs on parallel in Vijaywada. Krishnakanth (Jai) works in a metal industry falls for the charms of a girl Madhumati (Anjali) residing opposite to his room. She is a nurse working in a hospital. A bus accident changes their lives forever.

Analysis
Journey is dubbed version of Tamil super hit movie, Engeyum Eppothum, directed by M Saravanan. This riveting drama is second film for Saravanan having made his debut in Telugu with Ram's Ganesh (2009). He has shown so much maturity in handling of this story that deals topical issue - road safety. What works in favour of this film are the simplicity of story, lifelike characters, realism, and excellent performances by lead actors.

Journey is nice film with a good script and fresh narration. The way two romantic stories interweave leading to a bus journey and a stunning climax has novelty. It also has message in subtle way.

While the first half is a bit slow and drags on, second half of the movie is riveting. Jai and Anjali's romantic thread is cute and very interesting while Sharwanad and Ananya's romance is not that convincing though.

Performances
Anjali as beautiful but pragmatic nurse steals the show. Though she was good in Shopping Mall (movie), she has given her best performance in this movie. The guy who played her lover Jai and Sharwanand also have done well. Ananya as simple village belle fits in her role. The film completely focuses on these four and they are true to their characters. Music is catchy. Velraj’s camera is good - some of the shots of buses cruising through the highway are terrific. Shahithi's dialogues are very clichéd. Producer Suresh Kondeti has tried to give the film local touch. Director Sharavan should be commended for not deviating from the storyline and portraying realism.

Bottom line

Journey is heart-warming love story told in a fresh manner. The lead actor's performance, and two crackling romances work in its favor. It has its own share of blemishes but on the whole a refreshing movie.

Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by JP

Comments

Top of Page