Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali - Strangers on a Train

Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali 

2022, Telugu

Directed by Sripuram Kiran

Stars  Ali, Mouryani, Naresh, Pavitra Lokesh, Manju Bhargavi

Mohan's Measure ⭐

In many ways, I am disappointed in myself for not having seen Vikrithi, the original Malayalam film for which this is the official remake. From how critics describe, it ranks high among the already praised Malayalam movie industry. 

Even without seeing it, however, I can say with some confidence that the difference between the original and "ABAD" would be on the level between Drishyam and Papanasam. 

ABAD is one really bad movie. It is an laughable attempt to force fit a Malayalam art film into Pan Indian, albeit undoubtedly Telugu, fluff.

From growing up in this culture, I can say with much certainty that we Andhras are a sentimental community, but not a very expressive one. Our hearts want to say a lot, our propriety prevents us. 

Hence, the overarching sense of soap-opera-like histrionic, a feeling that the actors really don't take to heart what their characters should feel. There are no moments of utter rage, nor feelings of true guilt for actions that cannot be undone, and most certainly no Deity to repent before.

So in what is supposed to be the powerful closing scene, the very notion of forgiving thine enemies is treated lightly, more as an act of heroism than a true statement of universal morality.

If there is a such a thing as cultural misappropriation, then Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali is a fine example of it.