Ala Ela

Ala Ela is a Telugu romantic comedy-drama film released in the year 2014 and features a talented cast of actors that includes Rahul Ravindran, Hebah Patel, Kushi, Vennela Kishore, Bhanu Sri Mehra and Shani Salmon. The film was directed by Annish Krishna in his debut and its music is composed by Bheems Ceciroleo. Produced by Ashok Vardhan, the movie successfully integrates a blend of romance, drama, and comedy in a light-hearted storyline and thus, was well-received by the audience and critics alike.

Ala Ela is a down-to-earth story about the pursuit of love. The protagonist, Karthik, played by Rahul Ravindran, is a young and vibrant individual who's not particularly eager to rush into marriage despite the constant pestering by his parents. Karthik is a simple man who wants to marry a girl who connects with his heart, not just on paper. His search for the perfect life partner takes an unexpected turn when he's forced into seeing a girl for an arranged marriage possibility.

This girl named Anjali, played by Kushi, on the other hand, doesn't win his heart at first sight. She is an introverted and simple girl who doesn't strike Karthik as ‘the one’. However, due to familial pressures, Karthik agrees to marry Anjali despite not being truly in love with her.

However, things flip over when Karthik accidentally meets another girl, Deepika, portrayed by Hebah Patel. Deepika’s spontaneous charm and beauty immediately win over Karthik’s heart. From here, the plot unfolds with Karthik trying to juggle between his obligations towards Anjali and his newfound feelings for Deepika.

Moreover, the film introduces a parallel comic track involving actor Vennela Kishore where he portrays the role of a man desperately trying to win over his lady love. The storyline slips away from the main plot occasionally to follow his adventures, adding a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the plot.

The cinematography by Sai Sriram adds an extra layer of aesthetic appeal to the film, capturing both the urban hustle and bustle and the serene beauty of the countryside. Its heart-touching music, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, resonates with the emotions of the characters and complements the storyline, enhancing the tone of the film.

One of the highlights of Ala Ela is the strong performances by the cast members. Rahul Ravindran, known for his naturalistic acting, lives up to the expectations and portrays the dilemma and emotional conflict of his character convincingly. Kush and Hebah Patel both deliver impressive performances, bringing life to their respective characters. Vennela Kishore’s hilarious dialogues and comic timing provide the necessary comic relief in the film.

Ala Ela stands out not just because of its engaging story but its relatability. The nuanced storytelling, coupled with brilliant performances, makes it a memorable watch. The film tackles the common concept of arranged marriages vs. love matches and explores it in a new and refreshing way.

Despite the serious undertones, the movie is interspersed with humour, making it a wholesome entertainer. Even though the plot might seem familiar, the execution makes it unique, thanks to the director Annish Krishna who succeeds in putting a novel twist to the classic love triangle trope. Apart from the love story, the movie also explores the themes of friendship, familial pressures, and the quest for genuine happiness.

In conclusion, Ala Ela is a wholesome entertainer that offers more than a conventional romantic comedy. It's a journey of self-discovery, tangled in the web of love, emotions and commitments and served with a dose of humour, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality Telugu cinema.