Release Date : June 30, 2023
123telugu.com Rating : 2/5
Starring: Payal Rajput, Viraj Ashwin, Simrat Kaur, Rajath Raghav, Sunil, Prudhvi Raj, Srinivas Reddy, Himaja, Syamala and others
Director: Ramesh Raparthi
Producers: Magunta Sarath Chandra Reddy and Tharaknath Bommi Reddy
Music Director: Guna Balasubramanian
Cinematographers: Suresh Ragutu
Editors: D. Venkata Prabhu and Nav Cuts
Related Links : Trailer
Payal Rajput’s new movie, Maya Petika, has finally hit the screens today. The promotional content has generated curiosity about the film. Check out our review to find out how the movie has turned out.
Story:
Payal (Payal Rajput), a Tollywood star, receives a fancy smartphone as a gift from a producer. She likes it very much but gives it to her assistant due to a problem. The phone then changes hands and travels to various people in different places, each having their own experiences with it. Who are these people? Did the device become a boon or curse for them? The film will reveal the answers.
Plus Points:
Maya Petika tackles an interesting concept, and the credit goes to the story writer and director, Ramesh Raparthi, for that.
Despite her small role, Payal Rajput delivers a good performance. Viraj Ashwin and Simrat Kaur also do justice to their respective roles.
Srinivasa Reddy’s character and his emotional bond with his pet monkey, Jyothi, are portrayed well. Sunil and Shyamala also give their best performances.
The comedy scenes scattered throughout the movie are enjoyable. The innovative beginning titles featuring the Instagram handle names of the people connect well with the movie’s theme.
Minus Points:
While attempting a unique concept focusing on the journey of a smartphone and its possessors, the director fails to present the story in an engaging manner.
Each story in the film is unnecessarily prolonged, resulting in boredom for the viewers. Simplifying certain portions, such as Sunil’s middle-class life and Viraj Ashwin’s love story, would have been more effective.
Prithvi’s character becomes boring. The comedy in this part, though evoking a few laughs, is unsuitable for all audiences. The writer could have opted for healthier comedy.
Payal Rajput’s story could have been improved as it has an emotional angle that would have kept the viewers glued to the screen.
The director has made a big mistake by ignoring the fact that characters in the movie easily gave away their phones without deleting any data, which is a major plot hole.
Technical Aspects:
Ramesh Raparthi’s work as a writer is satisfactory but falls short as a director, and he fails to make Maya Petika an enjoyable movie. The music by Guna Balasubramanian and cinematography by Suresh Ragutu are alright. The editing team should have trimmed many unnecessary scenes from both the halves. The production values are decent.
Verdict:
On the whole, Maya Petika is an underwhelming film. A better story and screenplay might have made the movie a watchable fare. Apart from a few comedic moments and Srinivas Reddy’s episode, the film lacks novelty. It is recommended to skip this movie and explore other options this weekend.
123telugu.com Rating: 2/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team