This Mahesh Babu P’s directorial is a romantic comedy/drama that reflects the modern day concerns of men and women.
By
Prabhatha Rigobertha
September 9, 2023
Miss. Shetty Mr. Polishetty is refreshingly different from what we generally see in Telugu Cinema. Director Mahesh Babu P uses the genre of a feel good Rom-Com to tell a story that is filled with many layers. On one hand it is about an older woman who wants a child but not through marriage. There is also a coming of age story exploring the art of standup comedy through the male protagonist character. The film has also got a distinct Ayushmann Khurrana hangover for those who have seen the likes of Vicky Donor.
Anvitha Shetty (Anuskha Shetty) is a top chef in London. Her mother (Jayasudha in an extended cameo) wants Anvitha to get married but Anvitha is someone who has no belief in either love or marriage. She doesn’t want to get into the complications of married life. The mother soon dies because of an ailment. After a while Anvitha decides to have a child outside marriage through IVF. In her search for a sperm donor she comes across Siddhu Polishetty (Naveen Polishetty).
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Siddhu works in software but his real passion lies in doing standup comedy. He does his shows without the knowledge of his parents. Anvitha is vastly impressed with his standup humour and feels that his sperm would be best for her child. In order to know more about him she gets into a friendship which Siddhu mistakes for love. The rest of the story is about the complications that happen when Siddhu comes to know about Anvitha’s real intentions.
Mahesh Babu P takes his own sweet time to establish the plot. The initial portions are dedicated to establishing Anvitha’s personality. The film actually gets going when Anvitha starts her search for a sperm donor. Naveen Polishetty’s entry as a standup comedian perks up the proceedings. The dynamics between Anvitha and Siddhu is not what we usually see in Telugu films and this gives a refreshing touch.
As mentioned in the beginning the film has a distinct Ayushmann Khurrana hangover in terms of the sperm donor angle; having said that it is still refreshing to watch because of Mahesh Babu P’s treatment.
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The director also deserves credit for how he sketched his two protagonists. Anvitha is someone who comes across as this very stubborn woman who is very clear about not wanting a partner. There is a big inner trauma within her. This stubbornness may have come across as cold hearted but the viewers understand why she is the way she is. Even when Anvitha realises her feelings for Siddhu she doesn’t want to accept it and prefers going away from his life.
Naveen Polishetty’s Siddhu on the other hand comes from a typical middle class family with an upbringing that is vastly different from Anvitha. As said earlier he does a software job just to please his parents but his passion is only standup comedy. Mahesh Babu P does a good job in exploring the art and intricacies of standup comedy. The reaction of Siddhu when Anvitha reveals what she wants feels very natural. The characters of Murali Sharma and Tulasi have an authentic middle class milieu. However the transformation of these characters particularly the father’s character when he takes his son’s autograph after a show feels quite rushed. Also the likes of Nassar could have been better used.
As the title suggests the film majorly hinges on Anuskha and Naveen Polishetty and both the actors do not disappoint. Anuskha Shetty plays a character which goes with her age. She fits the part of an older woman who is scared of getting into relationships. Anuskha carries the cold heartedness and the aggressive nature well.
Naveen Polishetty’s real life experience of doing standup comedy comes in very handy during the comic portions. The actor is an absolute live wire. He also does a swell job in the more dramatic portions.
Jayasudha’s cheerfulness brings a smile to the viewers face. Her fan act of Balakrishna in particular does raise some chuckles.
Music composed by Radhan goes well with the flow of the film. Lady luck in particular is an upbeat number. I am sure many young people would connect with the theme of the film.
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