If you think a grown-up, mature romance has little to do with song and dance or fireworks, then Maruva Tarama, now streaming on ETV Win, could be just what you are looking for.
Made by Chaitanya Varma Nadimpilli, starring Hariish Dhanunjaya, Athulya Chandra, and Avantika Hari Nalwa, this Telugu movie does not try to break new ground. What it does well, however, is to bring back that old-school feeling, where every look, every gesture, counts.
A love triangle, yes, but one built on familiarity rather than spectacle. A beautiful young woman caught in a complicated web of emotions, a whole-hearted man who loves with all his heart, and a third figure whose emotions are simmering beneath the surface. It’s a setup you may have seen a thousand times before, and you probably have, but there is something here that makes it all work.
Mood is everything. Gentle light, quiet camera work, beautiful landscapes, and a score that lingers long after each scene has ended. The score is almost a character in its own right, lifting scenes that could be ordinary into something special.
As far as the performance is concerned, the actors are quite grounded. Hariish is sincere in his performance, and that is exactly what the film needed. Athulya and Avantika are also quite good as they add an emotional quotient to the film without going over the edge. Their pairing is quite natural and not forced.
Of course, the film is not perfect. The first half is quite slow, maybe a little too slow, as it tries to find its bearings. The film is quite safe as far as the writing is concerned. If you are expecting some major twists and turns, you will find the film quite predictable.
But the thing is that the film is not made to be a major cinematic spectacle. It is that calm and sincere watch that you can enjoy on a quiet evening with a cup of coffee or a drink. It is like an old love song that you listen to not because it is surprising or groundbreaking but because it is comfortable.
Final Verdict: The film is a mellow romantic drama that is sincere and emotional. If you are looking for something soft and sincere to watch on a relaxed weekend afternoon or evening, you can give the film a shot.
