A Director’s Journey

Keedaa Cola: Tharun Bhascker, the creative genius behind the delightful “Pelli Choopulu,” made his directorial debut in 2016, leaving an indelible mark on the Telugu film industry. The movie garnered numerous awards, multiple remakes in various languages, and introduced Vijay Deverakonda to Telugu audiences. However, following this success, Tharun embarked on a different path, exploring writing, TV presenting, and even stepping into the limelight as a lead actor with “Meeku Mathrame Cheptha” in 2019.

After a hiatus of five years, Tharun Bhascker returns to the director’s chair with “Keedaa Cola,” a quirky crime comedy. True to his style, Tharun brings fresh, up-and-coming actors into the spotlight, with talents like Chaitanya Rao, Rag Mayur, Jeevan, and Vishnu sharing significant roles. The “Comedy King” Brahmanandam, known for his uproarious performances, adds a subtly underplayed character to the mix. Additionally, MTV Roadies’ Raghu Ram makes his debut in Telugu cinema.

Keedaa Cola: Unraveling the Quirky Crime Comedy

“Keedaa Cola” is a crime comedy that prioritizes its eccentric characters and situations over an intricate plot. The story revolves around Vaastu (Chaitanya Rao) and ‘Lancham’ Kaushik (Rag Mayur), friends who find themselves entangled in a series of unfortunate events. Varada Raju (Brahmanandam), Vaastu’s wheelchair-bound grandfather suffering from kidney failure, adds another layer of complexity to their lives.

Their misadventure begins when they discover a cockroach in a cola bottle they’ve purchased. Seeing an opportunity to make a quick buck by suing the soft drink company, they set their plan in motion. Little did they know that ex-convict Bhakta Nayudu (Tharun Bhascker) and his accomplice Jeevan Nayudu (Jeevan) were orchestrating a web of deception that this seemingly simple act would lead them into. Their goal? To extort funds from the cola company’s CEO, portrayed by Ravindra Vijay. To accomplish this, they must outsmart the CEO, Muralidhar Goud, who leads a team of sharpshooters.

A Race of Wits and Absurdity

The core of “Keedaa Cola” lies in its peculiar characters and their ludicrous predicaments. Vaastu’s character introduction highlights his stammer, lack of confidence, and the challenges he faces. However, some elements in the story, such as the Barbie doll setting and the courtroom scenes, feel somewhat disconnected. Jeevan’s introduction as a bully further adds to the initial detachment.

The arrival of Tharun Bhascker as the enigmatic killer Nayudu brings much-needed coherence to the narrative. Nayudu’s daily rituals, his humorous English-speaking sessions, and his aphorisms inject humor and authenticity into the plot. As the story progresses, the entry of Getup Sreenu adds to the comedic elements. The clever incorporation of old songs in a particular sequence elicits laughter from the audience.

The second half of the film is notably more cohesive, with all narrative threads receiving equal attention and pace. The Sergio Leon-style Western influence in a kidnapping scene adds an enjoyable twist. While the characters’ destinies undergo a transformation, the film’s ending could have delivered more dramatic and comedic justice to the events.

Tharun Bhascker’s portrayal of Bhakta Nayudu is restrained and dignified, offering a refreshing change. Jeevan’s depiction of a grumpy goon-politician is entertaining, while Brahmanandam’s understated performance highlights his versatility as an actor.

An Accompanied Fizz

“Keedaa Cola” possesses a soundtrack that complements the on-screen visuals effectively. Tharun’s team has crafted dialogues that add depth to the characters and their interactions. The screenplay, however, takes time to build momentum, and the conclusion is somewhat predictable.

In summary, “Keedaa Cola” is a commendable comedy that thrives when approached without preconceived notions. With its zany characters and offbeat settings, the film offers the right balance of fizz and “keedaa” (quirkiness) for an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Cast and Crew

• Tharun Bhascker
• Brahmanandam
• Chaitanya Rao
• Rag Mayur
• Jeevan
• Ravindra Vijay

Director

Tharun Bhascker

Rating

2.5 stars