Starring: Manjunath Nayaka, Prajwal BP, Srivatsa Shyam, Gagan Ram, Shreyas Sharma, Bharath Vashist, Tejas Jayanna, Rishab Shetty, Pawan Kumar, Diganth Manchale, Tharun Bhascker, Rashmi Gautam
Director: Nithin Krishnamurthy
Producers: Prajwal B P, Varun Kumar Gowda, Nithin Krishnamurthy, Arvind S Kashyap
Music Director: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
The recent Kannada blockbuster “Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare” has now arrived in Telugu cinemas as “Boys Hostel.” Let’s dive into our review to uncover how this cinematic adaptation fares.
Story:
Meet Ramesh Kumar (Manjunath Nayaka), the strict warden of Frankfurt University’s hostel. Even the fearless Ajith (Prajwal BP) and his group bow to his authority. However, the unexpected suicide of the warden shatters the status quo. His suicide note implicates Ajith’s group, triggering a frantic bid to secretly conceal the body. The questions arise: Did they manage to hide the truth? What hurdles did they encounter? Why were their names mentioned? Answers await in this cinematic journey.
Positives:
“Boys Hostel” skillfully brings the magic of “Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare” to Telugu audiences, weaving a simple yet captivating narrative. The first half effortlessly grips viewers, setting the stage for an entertaining experience.
Manjunath Nayaka’s exceptional portrayal of the warden remains a pillar of the movie. The supporting cast, including Prajwal BP, Srivasta Shyam, Diganath Manchale, and Gagan Ram, seamlessly enrich the story’s dark comedic undertones.
The camaraderie among the central student characters injects hilarity into the proceedings, creating a humorous spectacle.
Tharun Bhascker’s cameo is a gem, marked by clever dialogues and expressive acting, triggering genuine laughter. Nithin Krishnamurthy’s depiction of Genie, a pivotal character, leaves a lasting impression.
Beyond the performances, the film excels with its dynamic screenplay, energetic musical score by Ajaneesh Loknath, and impressive cinematography by Arvind Kashyap. The incorporation of popular one-liners and iconic dialogues adds an extra layer of charm.
Negatives:
The film maintains its pace in the first half, but this rhythm stumbles after a game-changing twist. Sustaining momentum in the latter half proves a challenge. While efforts to keep the audience engaged are evident, a more intricate narrative peppered with additional twists could have heightened impact.
The large cast of characters, some unfamiliar to Telugu audiences, might hinder post-movie recollection.
Certain segments in the second half might test patience as anticipation builds towards the climax, leading to intermittent moments of monotony.
Rashmi’s character, although tied to Tharun Bhascker’s perspective, contributes minimally to the overall narrative.
Verdict:
On the whole, “Boys Hostel” presents a decent cocktail of black comedy and drama. The movie captivates in the first half but encounters minor hurdles in maintaining engagement in the latter part. The cast, especially the student ensemble and Manjunath Nayaka, adds charisma, complementing the solid technical facets. While a few repetitions and second-half sluggishness are evident, “Boys Hostel” will likely resonate well with younger audiences, though its appeal might not extend as strongly to family viewers. If these aspects align with your preferences, this could be a rewarding weekend watch.