Ori Devuda, streaming on aha, is a watchable rom-com with pleasant music and good performances

Vishwak Sen, who’s had a good start to the year with the romance Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam, followed it up a feel-good rom-com, Ori Devuda, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. While film features Victory Venkatesh in a cameo, Mithila Palkar and Asha Bhat make their Telugu debut with the project. The film is now streaming on aha.

The story of Ori Devuda, revolves around Arjun Durgaraj (Vishwak Sen) and Anu Paulraj (Mithila Palkar), who are buddies since their childhood. Upon Anu’s request, Arjun marries her and start a new chapter in their life. Arjun joins his father-in-law’s office but is not too happy about it. At the same time, he develops feelings for his senior, Meera (Asha Bhat). Arjun and Anu eventually apply for divorce, but the almighty gives the former a second chance to resurrect his life.

While Ori Devuda could’ve been a regular love story, the director brilliantly gives the fantasy touch. Venkatesh’s character adds novelty to the proceedings and generates interest. The veteran is as ever charming and excels in his cameo. His body language and looks are perfect, to say the least. While Vishwak Sen was seen in a softer role in his earlier release, with Ori Devuda, he once again proves that he can fit into diverse roles as well.

Vishwak performs well in the emotional scenes and acts subtly as per the film’s demands. The actor shows ample variations in his role. Mithila Palkar strikes a chord as the chirpy girl and her on-screen chemistry with Vishwak Sen is a delight to watch. Her acting in the climax portions stand out in particular. Asha Bhat also gets a meaty role and her character is smartly written. She gets a peppy dance number to showcase her dancing skills (and we’re not complaining at all).

The film’s second hour is a fun ride with a few dramatic moments. The story moves at a good pace here. The comedy portions are enjoyable, given the dialogues are written by Tharun Bhascker. The light-hearted treatment ensures simplicity and the treatment is mature and neat for the most part. The only issue with Ori Devuda is the time it takes to arrive at tis core plot. It is only during the second half that much of the story unfolds, and the first hour feels less convincing in comparison.

Ori Devuda feels dragged at places, and the editing could’ve been shaprer. A handful of scenes lack the punch, and this is when the film becomes slightly dull. Anu’s characterisation required greater depth too. The VFX work in the film is patchy at places and looks. This rom-com may not gel with all the sections of the audience and at the same time, the film isn’t overwhelming as well. It just needed more sparks for it to be magical.

The music by Leon James is pleasant - Gundellona and Avunanava songs stand out and add impact to the drama. The camerawork by Vidhu Ayyana is impressive and the film has been shot on a lavish scale. Director Ashwath Marimuthu does a decent job with the remake. He extracts fine performances from Vishwak Sen, Mithila, and Asha Bhat.

On the whole, Ori Devuda is a passable rom-com that offers pleasant drama in the second half. All the lead actors do well, and the songs help the film big time. Barring the okayish first half, the movie is a watchable rom-com this weekend.