Pareshan is a Telugu-language comedy that offers a genuine look into the lives and troubles of youngsters in rural Telangana. Presented by Rana Daggubati and directed by Rupak Ronaldson, the film strives to blend authentic local flavor with humorous storytelling. It takes the audience to the heart of Singareni collieries, where the chaotic lives of a group of friends unfold. This review explores whether the film’s heartfelt authenticity is enough to overcome its narrative shortcomings and provide a truly entertaining experience.

Cast and Crew

Role	Name
Director	Rupak Ronaldson
Producer(s)	Siddharth Rallapalli
Lead Actor(s)	Thiruveer, Pavani Karanam
Supporting Cast	Bunny Abhiran, Sai Prasanna, Arjun Krishna, Muralidhar Goud
Music By	Yashwanth Nag
Cinematography	Vasu Pendem

Story

The story of Pareshan is a simple one, focusing on the misadventures of Isaac and his close-knit group of friends—Pasha, Satthi, and RGV—in a small village in Telangana. Isaac, an ITI student, is constantly criticized by his father for his poor academic performance and his habit of idling away time with his friends. The plot is set in motion when Isaac’s father gives him a substantial sum of money to deliver to a friend. In a moment of loyalty, Isaac lends this money to one of his friends to help him avoid a police case, setting off a chain of chaotic events.

The emotional tone of the film is a mix of lighthearted comedy and the grim reality of its characters’ situations. The narrative takes a more serious turn when Isaac’s girlfriend, Shireesha, reveals she is pregnant and needs money for an abortion. This development adds a layer of genuine stakes to the otherwise comedic chaos, as Isaac must now desperately find a way to gather the funds he lost. The story becomes a race against time, testing friendships and forcing Isaac to mature quickly.

Ultimately, the plot serves as a vehicle to explore themes of friendship, responsibility, and the transition into adulthood. It is a comedy of errors that highlights how a single decision can spiral into a series of overwhelming problems, making life truly “pareshan” (troubled) for its protagonist. The strength of the story lies not in a complex plot, but in its relatable depiction of small-town life and the universal growing pains of youth.

Review

Pareshan is a film that dares to be authentic, and this is both its greatest strength and its most significant weakness. The screenplay, while filled with moments of genuine, earthy humor, often struggles with pacing, particularly in the second half. The initial comedy keeps the proceedings engaging, but as the film progresses, the director seems to run out of narrative steam, leading to a repetitive feel. The focus remains heavily on the friends and their antics, but the lack of a stronger, more impactful story makes it difficult to stay fully invested in their plight.

The direction by debutant Rupak Ronaldson shows promise. He successfully creates a world that feels real and lived-in, shunning the gloss often associated with mainstream cinema. His approach is indie-style, prioritizing raw performances and a natural setting over theatricality. However, the film’s emotional connection is inconsistent. While the premise of a man trying to fix his mistakes is relatable, the film’s indulgence in stereotypical depictions of rural life—particularly one alcohol-guzzling scene after another—sometimes overshadows the more heartfelt emotional core of Isaac’s journey.

In terms of originality, Pareshan deserves credit for venturing into a space that mainstream Telugu cinema often ignores. It presents a rural Telangana backdrop with a commendable focus on dialect and local culture. However, it is inevitably compared to other films from the same year, like Balagam and Dasara, which also portrayed similar milieus but with stronger emotional heft. Pareshan breaks conventions with its unknown cast and sincere storytelling, but its unconventional and sometimes meandering approach may not resonate with all viewers.

Technical Aspects

The technical elements of Pareshan work in harmony to create an authentic atmosphere. The cinematography by Vasu Pendem is a standout, capturing the rural landscape of Telangana without any artificial glamour. The visuals are grounded and effectively transport the audience to the villages near the Singareni coal mines, making the setting a character in itself. The production design is without cinematic frills, further enhancing the film’s realistic and indie feel.

Yashwanth Nag’s music and background score play a crucial role in accentuating the rural lifestyle and its quirks. While the songs themselves may not be particularly memorable, the background score effectively underscores the film’s emotional beats and comedic timing. The sound design complements the visuals well, immersing the viewer in the aural landscape of the village.

Where the technical execution stumbles slightly is in the editing. At times, the film has a messy feel, with scenes that could have been tighter to improve the overall pacing. The narrative flow is occasionally disrupted, making the 2-hour-11-minute runtime feel a bit long. Despite this, the technical team should be lauded for crafting a production that, while modest in budget, feels sincere and cohesive in its vision.

Performances

The performances in Pareshan are one of its most significant assets. Thiruveer, in the lead role of Isaac, delivers a convincing and natural performance. He perfectly embodies the good-for-nothing youth who is forced to confront his irresponsible behavior. His comic timing is spot-on, and his expressive face effortlessly conveys the confusion and desperation of a man caught in a mess of his own making. He is a compelling anchor for the film.

Pavani Karanam, as Shireesha, provides a sincere and earnest portrayal of a young rural woman. Her performance is understated and close-to-real, offering a gentle counterbalance to the chaos brought by Isaac and his friends. Among the supporting cast, Muralidhar Goud, who plays Isaac’s father, delivers a fine performance once again, having become a staple in stories set in Telangana. His scenes, particularly those involving his character’s attempts to translate a pastor’s words into grammatically incorrect English, are endearing and fun to watch.

The actors playing Isaac’s friends also befit their parts, blending seamlessly into the environment and contributing to the film’s authentic group dynamic. However, while the main cast is strong, some of the other cast members’ performances can feel amateurish, lacking the polish of trained actors. This occasionally affects the authenticity of certain scenes, but overall, the ensemble succeeds in creating a believable community.

OTT Release

The movie Pareshan is officially available for streaming on the OTT platform SonyLIV. The film began streaming on the platform in early August 2023.

Rating

3 out of 5 stars

This rating is justified by the film’s sincere attempt at authentic storytelling and strong lead performances, which are let down by a thin plot and inconsistent pacing. It is a decent attempt that will likely appeal more to viewers seeking a realistic, slice-of-life comedy rather than those looking for a tightly structured narrative.

Conclusion

Pareshan is a heartfelt, if flawed, cinematic effort that celebrates storytelling in its purest form. It offers a genuine glimpse into rural Telangana life, powered by a sincere performance from Thiruveer. For viewers interested in regional indie cinema and authentic portrayals of small-town dynamics, it is a worthwhile watch on its designated OTT platform.