Mithai

Mithai is an unconventional dark comedy movie released in 2019, directed by Prashant Kumar and showcasing the talents of actors Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Rahul Ramakrishna, and Ravi Varma. The movie title 'Mithai,' which translates to 'Sweet' in English, emerges with a bit of irony as the plot of the movie unfolds.

The central character of the movie, Sai (played by Rahul Ramakrishna), is an IT-employee living a regular life until he loses his job three days before his wedding. His friend Jani, portrayed by Priyadarshi Pulikonda, is a relatively free-spirited and eccentric character. The story unfolds into a promising unconventional dark comedy as Sai and Jani set out on a journey across the city that might upend their lives. It serves as a thrilling ride that demonstrates both life’s inherent randomness and its more intentional moments of mischief.

This film breaks away from conventional Indian cinema’s traditional themes, embracing a candid yet absurd narrative filled with unexpected events and antic humor. While the movie is characterized by eccentric scenes, street lingo, unusual circumstances, and absurd events, it still pushes the plotline and character development forward.

The dark comedy takes further shape when the duo gets involved in an impossible mission to find a thief who has stolen Sai’s gold chain and Jani’s iPhone. In their hapless pursuit, they stumble upon a series of colorful characters, played convincingly by Bhushan Kalyan, Swetha Varma, Shanti Rao, and Kamal Kamaraju amongst others. Amidst the chaos and bizarre settings, they encounter, one begins to see the underlying deeper messages portrayed in the movie.

Ravi Varma, known for his sterling performance skills, adds further comic dynamism to the plot while simultaneously enhancing the intensity of the storyline. The mysterious role he takes on is left up to the audience's imagination and paves the way for a more engaging viewing experience.

The cinematography by Ravivarman Neelamegam paints a vivid and detailed picture of Hyderabad city’s life, juxtaposing elements of raw humor and irony against the backdrop of the Indian urban landscape. His framing and shot composition amplify the essence of the story and the characters, making Mithai visually compelling for the viewers.

The movie’s screenplay opens up an array of characters, with quirky dialogues that keep viewers hooked to the narrative. The plot adds social commentaries subtly knitting them into the storyline without them seeming out of place, hence enriching the movie's content even further.

For fans of music, Mithai also has a hidden treat in the form of music pieces by Vivek Sagar—one half of the Telugu band, Tapeloop. Sagar’s music contribution manages to underscore the eccentricity of the film by creating a contemporary, quirky, and eclectic soundscape. His blend of traditional Indian folk tones with modern arrangements is a treat for the ears. The songs connect spectators to the story with a deeper sense and effectively contribute to the storytelling.

Mithai takes the audience on a delightful ride through the streets of Hyderabad, seamlessly blending comedy and tragedy, levity and profundity. The seemingly preposterous transitions fit into the narrative perfectly due to Prashant Kumar’s unique storytelling style.

The beauty of the movie lies within its ability to make you laugh, all while providing a deeper message about life and the importance of seizing the day. It cleverly knits together themes of friendship, love, and the unpredictable nature of life, all bound within its unconventional humor.

The film, Mithai, stands out as daring, bold, and avant-garde in its interpretation of comedy while staying grounded in the reality that makes Hyderabad an integral part of the plot and narrative. The film creates a new benchmark in the Telugu Cinema by establishing a new genre of dark comedy amalgamated with drama and social satire. A brilliantly insightful, daftly absurd, and downright entertaining film, Mithai is not to be missed.