Arjun Reddy is a 2017 Telugu film. It is a bold film, something unlike anything Indian Cinema has seen so far. Needless to say, its release created controversies. People either loved Arjun Reddy or hated it—there was no in-between.
I belong to the former category.
Right from its unconventional opening scene, a couple in bed on the beach, Arjun Reddy had my attention.
Arjun Reddy is the antithesis of a Good Boy. He is selfish, and he is cruel. He has no control over his anger. He only thinks of himself and his needs. No one else matters. The only emotion Arjun Reddy seems to feel is lust. Arjun Reddy is reckless to the point that it makes you wonder if he is even human. He goes utterly unhinged after a breakup, and how!
Is that reason enough to hate him? Yes! And reason enough to love the brilliant characterization and unapologetic script.
I loved the script because Writer and Director Sandeep Vanga didn’t play it safe. His main protagonist was a man shaded in grey and black. His lack of remorse added to the characterization. There were no explanations for why he was like this, nor was there any attempt to paint him differently later.
Another aspect that wowed me was that this is probably the first film I have seen where what a man goes through after a breakup is shown openly and brutally. Arjun Reddy can’t stand rejection, can’t bear to see his lady love move on, and resents the fact that everyone is happy except him are facets of human character that are filed under ‘negative’ and stashed away undercover.
With Arjun Reddy, Sandeep Vanga has thrown back the covers and showed us the ugly side of human nature, and kudos to him for that! Share on X In a debut film that too! It is a refreshing, unconventional story, and shades of dark humor. And a smokin’ Vijay Deverekonda playing the lead. What’s not to like?
Arjun Reddy is now being made for Bollywood with Shahid Kapoor. Thankfully, Sandeep Vanga still holds the reins. I, for one, will be eagerly awaiting the release!
Yet to watch this movie. But as you mentioned, I heard only two different set of comments on it.
“Yes, a must watch movie.”
“No. That movie totally sucks.”
So now I have read and heard mixed reviews about this movie, Most have loved it, and a considerable portion havent too. I need to watch this now.
Hope you watch it soon, Ramya.
I have heard a lot about this movie. So many of my hostel mates at Hyderabad last year talked about it. Had their whatsapp status as one of the clips from it’s songs. I understand now why there were mixed reactions. Haven’t watched it yet as I couldn’t find one with subtitles. Hopefully would watch the bollywood one.
Thanks for reading, Pratikshya. I lucked out as I watched it in Chennai, with sub titles. I hope they do justice to the Hindi version.