Hello

Hello is a 2017 Telugu romantic action thriller, featuring Akhil Akkineni in the lead role along with debutant Kalyani Priyadarshan, and Jagapathi Babu in supporting roles. The film is directed by Vikram Kumar and produced by acclaimed Telugu actor and Akhil's father, Nagarjuna Akkineni.

Opening to the backdrop of metropolitan Hyderabad, the audience is introduced to the protagonist, Avinash/Akhil (Akhil Akkineni) who works as a free-spirited, disaster management specialist. Avinash has a unique talent; he can predict and handle disasters efficiently, a skill which finds itself working beyond his professional sphere into the very fabric of his personal life.

Characterised by glamorous shots of Hyderabad at different times of the day, Hello sets the stage for a poignant love story that similarly exists in varying shades of light and darkness. The film traces its roots back to Avinash's childhood and a bond he formed with a young girl named Priya when they were just kids staying at the same orphanage. After a fondly recalled period of angelic innocence, external circumstances drive them apart, leaving them with sweet memories and a plastic phone – a symbol of their commitment to each other. Despite the painful separation, Avinash never forgets Priya and continues to hold onto the hope that he would someday reunite with his childhood love.

Fast forward to their adulthood, a twist of destiny brings Priya, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, back to India after spending years in the United States. They cross paths under dramatic circumstances but fail to recognize each other. What ensues is a thrilling chase across the city, where fate, and a stolen cell phone, serve as key elements, pushing them closer to each other. Meanwhile, the audience is introduced to Prakash (Jagapathi Babu) and his wife Ramya, who play the roles of Priya's estranged parents, adding layers to the intricate tale.

As the narrative unfolds, Avinash's drive to find his lost love is tested by a series of hurdles. The film challenges his dedication, sets him off on daring missions, and places him in high octane fights. All these are beautifully woven into the storyline with intense drama and gripping moments which leave the viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, his unique talent keeps him going and moving.

Hello boasts of soul-stirring music by Anup Rubens, with the title song "Hello" becoming an instant hit among the audience. The action sequences and stunts have been choreographed magnificently, as they are appealing visually yet laced with realistic elements. The cinematography captures the changing hues of the bustling Hyderabad city at different time frames, which add to the feel of chase and exhilaration that the plot forwards.

Akhil Akkineni demonstrates exceptional acting prowess in the movie, not only in the romantic scenes but also in intense action sequences, showcasing a mix of vulnerability and strength. He explores the complexities of his role with vivid emotion and conveys the undying spirit of a lover who is ready to battle anything for his beloved. Kalyani Priyadarshan, in her debut, flawlessly embodies the essence of Priya, combining grace with an underlying strength, a perfect match for Akhil's character. Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu delivers a captivating performance as the estranged father.

Hello is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, episode, action, and love. While it is packed with high octane chase sequences, it simultaneously tugs at the heartstrings with its poignant narrative of childhood love. The film assures that even in a world loaded with hardships, love always finds a way. This well packaged cinematic delight is a must-watch movie for all those who cherish a beautifully narrated tale of unyielding love and destiny.