Dear Comrade

Dear Comrade is a compelling 2019 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Bharat Kamma and stars Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna and Raj Arjun among others. This film does not follow the conventional sports drama or rom-com format. Instead, it artfully weaves romance with political subtexts that manage to address the pertinent issue of women's right to pursue their dreams without the fear of societal opposition.

The film unfolds in a refreshing way unlike the stereotypical Tamil-Telugu cinema and although, it is majorly in Telugu, Dear Comrade was also simultaneously released in other south Indian languages - Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. Deverakonda, famously known for his role in Arjun Reddy, once again manages to convey the angst of the youth in the country through a unique mixture of his despair and rebellion.

The young and talented Vijay Deverakonda brilliantly portrays the character of Bobby, a hot-headed and impulsive student union leader with a Comrade ideology. His character brings a lot of passion and intensity to the film. Bobby's romantic interest is Lily, a state-level cricket player portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna. Although Bobby is often temperamental, he is deeply in love with Lily and supports her against societal pressures. There is a solid chemistry between Deverakonda and Mandanna, which do full justice to their roles and make the love story believable and engaging.

At the heart of it, Dear Comrade cuts across the typical Telugu film features and is a layered story of love and liberation. The story is an exploration of a relationship impacted not only by the individual flaws of the characters involved, but also by the societal pressures and expectations surrounding a woman’s ambition. In the film, the spirit of the protagonist Bobby reflects the influence of the Comrade ideology, which essentially promotes individual equality and social justice.

The film also addresses the themes of sexual harassment and bullying in sport and other walks of life. In addition to romance, the narrative allows Mandanna's role to shine as it bravely handles the taboo subject of mental health. This exploration of the traumatic implications of abuse forms the crux of the film and is articulately conveyed through sharp and poignant dialogues.

The cricket angle is an important factor in the film, highlighting the struggle of women in sports and the obstacles they face. The film portrays beautifully the challenges faced by a young female cricketer trying to make it big in a male-dominated sport.

Dear Comrade is punctuated by a remarkable score, composed by Justin Prabhakaran, that significantly elevates the storytelling. The music is deeply ingrained in the storytelling and successfully enhances the emotional depth of the plot. Songs such as "Pularaadha" and "Gira Gira" have already resonated with the audience and possess the ability to tug at the heartstrings.

Director Bharat Kamma manages to create a beautiful narrative that encompasses the spirit of youth in love with the harsh reality of struggles, dreams, and ambitions. He begs viewers to question everything in life, reject whatever doesn't seem right and the resistance to join the dots and call it all life. The narrative, combined with the riveting performances, works as a clear reminder that love is all about supporting each other and fighting for what's rightfully yours.

With its unassuming storyline, subtle plot twists, memorable music score, and powerful performances, Dear Comrade is an assertive take on the struggles of the youth, the importance of mental health, standing up against social and personal issues and empowering each other. The film's daring take on significant societal issues along with its powerful performances makes it an absolute must-watch.

In conclusion, Dear Comrade is equal parts engrossing love saga and robust rebellion. It gives out the message that one needs to fight for their dreams and their rights, irrespective of whether those dreams comply with societal norms or not. This film explores the deeper meanings of love, rebellion, and most importantly, comradeship. It's a beautiful attempt to redefine love and political narratives in cinema.