Patang Movie Review: Newcomers Shine in a Breezy Love Triangle Entertainer

With no major releases arriving during the Christmas season, the festive window has turned into an opportunity for smaller films. More than six movies hit theaters this week, and Patang is one among them. Pranav Kaushik and Vamsi Poojith, known for their appearances on Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, play the lead roles. Social media star Preeti Pagadala makes her debut as the female lead. The film is directed by Praneeth Prathipati, with Gautham Menon appearing in a special role. Released on the 25th of this month, the movie also earned appreciation from Trivikram and other young filmmakers. Let us examine how strongly the film connected with viewers.

Story

Aishwarya (Preeti Pagadala) is a young woman plagued by indecision. She struggles to make choices and finds it hard to settle on anything quickly. When faced with two options, she remains unsure. This confused young woman falls for a local boy from the basti, Vamsi Krishna, also known as Whiskey (Vamsi Poojith). Whiskey is a close friend of Arun (Pranav Kaushik), a wealthy youngster, and their friendship has lasted for twelve years. Through Whiskey, Aishwarya and Arun become acquainted, and emotions begin to develop. At what point does Whiskey realize that Aishwarya and Arun share feelings? How does he respond to that realization? Whom does Aishwarya finally choose? The film revolves around the resolution of this love triangle.

Analysis

Love triangle narratives are not new to Telugu cinema. Typically, such stories involve a woman torn between two men, often leading to one character being sidelined or sacrificing love. In this case, the twist lies in the emotional conflict, as both men matter to the woman, though she has no intention to deceive either. Her uncertainty drives the plot.

The first half delivers consistent entertainment. The romance between Aishwarya and Whiskey, along with her growing closeness to Arun, generates plenty of humor in theaters. The audience quickly becomes invested in the characters, and the interval arrives before one realizes it. The second half feels slightly prolonged, but the pace picks up during the kite-flying competition sequences. Everyday people and situations are portrayed authentically, making the scenes relatable. Dialogues include light punches and situational comedy, capturing the emotions of attraction and youthful romance that resonate with Gen Z audiences.

The cast and crew largely consist of fresh talent. Gautham Menon, a familiar name as both director and actor, adds value with his presence, and the humorous lines delivered at his character are well received. Preeti Pagadala stands out as the film’s core strength, effectively portraying Aishwarya’s confusion with a charming screen presence. Vamsi Poojith convincingly embodies the basti boy persona, while Pranav Kaushik appears polished and refined. Supporting actors, including SP Charan and Anu Haasan as Arun’s parents, perform their roles adequately.

Jose Jimmy’s music enhances the narrative with a fresh sound, and the cinematography creates a pleasant visual tone. Trimming about fifteen minutes could have further improved the comedic flow. The film was shot at realistic locations across Hyderabad, including the Khairatabad Ganapati Mandapam. Despite being a small-budget production, the visual effects maintain good quality. Since the makers promoted it as a love story, audiences expecting an intense or novel romantic plot might feel let down. However, the film offers around two and a half hours of lighthearted entertainment. The concluding message encourages young viewers to reflect, making it appealing to both youth and family audiences.

Tagline: Laughter upon laughter

Rating: 2.5/5