Happy Journey Review: Bandi Sanjay Launches Poster, Film Delivers Mixed Emotion

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay unveiled the poster of the film Happy Journey, which released in theatres this Friday. The promotions created curiosity, but does the film actually offer a satisfying experience for the audience? Let’s take a look.

Low-budget films often rely heavily on publicity stunts, and this movie seems to follow the same trend. Despite filmmaking being an expensive industry, producers are increasingly using every possible connection to push their films. Even people from cinema and politics are taking part in promotions without really knowing the film’s content. Similar hype surrounded Happy Journey, which hit theatres after the makers finalized its release date at the last moment.

Recently, several films have highlighted how even well-educated women fall victim to emotional traps in the name of love. Happy Journey also attempts to deliver a cautionary message.

The plot revolves around Indu (Ishani Ghosh), a software employee who is betrayed twice by two different men she loved with the intention of marriage. Unable to cope with the emotional trauma, she becomes dependent on alcohol and loses interest in life. Eventually, she decides to end her life. Before leaving, she informs her apartment watchman (Sattanna) and hires a driver for a long trip, planning to die in Goa. During this journey, the driver begins to share his own past.

Indu once trusted her colleague Akash (Hari Prasad Kone) and becomes close to him physically. Akash secretly records their intimate moment. Another colleague, upset that Indu rejected his proposal, leaks the video online. Afraid of the consequences, Akash resigns and leaves town. Indu’s elder brother tries to support her through the trauma. Later, a doctor named Sagar (Hari Prasad Kone) agrees to marry her despite knowing her past. But within a few days, he forces her into divorce, using the old video as the reason. Around the same time, her brother dies suddenly, leaving her devastated and driving her deeper into alcohol addiction. Overwhelmed, she decides to end her life.

Who is the driver Srinu (also played by Hari Prasad Kone)? How does he change her perspective? What hope does he give her? The rest of the film reveals his background and the impact he creates on Indu’s life.

One unique aspect is that Hari Prasad Kone appears in three different roles — Akash, Sagar, and Srinu — which the director uses to connect the narrative. The movie consistently portrays the emotional suffering of a woman numbed by alcohol. The final 20 minutes offer an interesting twist, and Srinu’s flashback adds some freshness. Director Chaitanya Konda attempts to convey the message that no matter how badly life treats you, suicide is never the answer.

Bengali actress Ishani Ghosh, in her Telugu debut, delivers a convincing performance. Hari Prasad Kone stands out with four contrasting characterizations. Actors Sattanna, Sanjay Raichur, Anand Bharti, Duvvasi Mohan and others contribute well in their roles.

The film is directed by Chaitanya Konda and produced by Gangadhar Peddakonda. Even though commercial elements are included, the team also tried to blend in a sense of patriotism. The music by Chaitanya Raj is appealing, especially the background score. Arun Kumar Gnanavel’s cinematography is decent. Budget limitations are visible, and the film struggles to gain attention due to minimal promotions. Despite having a good core idea and an important message, the execution falls short, making portions of this “journey” feel dull and overstretched.