Jathi Ratnalu (2021)

Jathi Ratnalu proves yet again why no one does full-fledged comedy like TFI. The script is filled to the brim with jokes, and the best part is that all of them land- all of us in the audience were laughing constantly, not even kidding. The characters are so brilliantly sketched that there was anticipatory laughter for many scenes too. Well, if not anticipatory laughter, then at least there was anticipatory giggling, and yes, it counts. 

Everyone in the movie did a fab job, but honestly, Naveen Polishetty outshone them all. He owned the movie with his strong portrayal of an often-moronic loser, and I could not stop gushing about him to everyone who'd listen (including my best friend who isn't a fan, but she's my best friend so she has to listen anyway). It's the kind of performance that is single-handedly responsible for turning someone into a fan, and what can I say, I'm part of the Naveen Polishetty fan club now.

It also made me super happy to know that Nag Ashwin produced this movie. Maybe I can move on from the Pitta Kathalu debacle after all.

Thanks to my partner for pointing out that it was so nice to see Naveen's character written and portrayed in such a progressive and sensible way. At no moment does he feel ashamed of what he does at his father's "ladies' emporium"- he is only irritated by that being his sole identity marker. He never shies away from displaying his enviable skills, and does not hesitate to even berate his love interest for wearing the wrong shade of bangles. He is comfortable in his masculinity, which can be seen through his body language as well. We really have no choice but to stan.

I do wish they hadn't revealed what that video was in the end. To leave it unknown would have been much better because the reveal was kind of lame. And stupid. Choosing the path of letting it be an unanswered mystery would have been the cooler thing to do for sure. The fact that it comes right at the end doesn't help either, because it leaves you with kind of a bitter and confused taste, even though the rest of the film was a continuous laugh riot. That's pretty much my biggest problem with this movie.

Special mention of course to the line "Life has become zindagi". And to Naveen's climax monologue in the courtroom- a work of pure comedic art. Special mention also to Faria Abdullah, who did such a wonderful job as Chitti. She was as funny as Naveen and matched him brilliantly. The comic chemistry was electrifying, and I lowkey hope we get more of this pairing in the future too, especially in a non-romantic context. For some reason I think that that would be even more fun. Oh, and before I forget- Vennela Kishore was one of the best parts of this movie, especially in the bit where he reminisces about his 2008 batch. I am chuckling just thinking about it- what a scene, what a performer.

In conclusion, Brahmanandam can do a cameo and still be one of the most memorable parts of that movie? Someone better give him a National Award or something already, it's been way too long a wait. JK, no one cares about an award that chose K*ngana over Tabu. Brahmi doesn't need those awards, they need HIM. And that's on my king-u. King-u!!!!