Telugu film ‘Aarambham’ explores jail break and science fiction. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

meaning of movie title Aarambham (Beginning) and the Kannada book from which it is adapted, Neenu Ninnolage Khaidi (I am also a prisoner like you; by Anush A Shetty), after a few surprises are revealed, comes in the latter parts of the film and makes an impact. The final part provides answers to several questions, the most important of which is prison escape, and in that sense is beneficial. But travel to these parts could have been better. Debutant director Ajay Nag’s film has a lot working in its favor – the freshness with which he and his technical team approach a sci-fi drama set in an idyllic village that doesn’t follow mainstream conventions – but a few The parts need to be seen patiently with the ideas not translating into an engaging drama.

Aarambham Prison Break starts out as a mystery. Prisoner no. 299, Miguel (Mohan Bhagat) has disappeared from his cell without leaving any trace. Detectives Chaitanya (Ravindra Vijay) and Madhav (Abhishek Boddepalli) are called for help. All they have is Miguel’s diary and anecdotes provided by prison inmate Ganesh (Lakshman Misala). The urgency of solving the prison break’s mystery has been replaced by science fiction that the detectives must understand to find the answer.

The milieu is beautifully established with Devdeep Gandhi Kundu’s camera capturing the lush, rustic surroundings that create the world of Miguel, Leelamma (Surbhi Prabhavati), Subramanya Rao (Bhushan Kalyan) and Sharda (Supritha Satyanarayana) . Sinjith Yeramilli’s music and CS Manika Prabhu’s sound design add charm to the drama that unfolds between these characters.

A childhood anecdote of how Miguel meets the eccentric scientist, Subramanya Rao, and forms a relationship, is narrated with a touch of innocence. Miguel asks if he can take the scientist’s television antenna and use it to view images on his radio set, and the two form an unexpected rapport. The bond that Miguel shares with his mother figure Lilavati is gradually established. It’s these bonds and even the occasional discussion of loneliness that the characters express that strengthen the drama and keep our interest when the science fiction parts become tiresome. The story also introduces an aspect of local feuds which sometimes emerges as a sore spot.

The narrative discusses the concept of déjà vu, infinity, traveling in a loop to simplify scientific experimentation and the story is divided into eight chapters, revealing surprises in the later parts.

After a certain limit, there is no interest in science experiment because no strong reason for it can be established. An old stain in Rao’s life is discussed but it does not seem enough. We also do not get enough information about how Rao connects with the scientific community outside this remote hilly area (Aarambham Filmed in picturesque Shimoga) and what he hopes to do if he succeeds in his experiment.

Apart from the cinematography and music, Mohan Bhagat’s performance keeps us engaged. The narrative also discusses how one cannot change fate but explores how we can be more empathetic and create good memories if given the chance. These parts related to the two main characters bode well.

Aarambham It’s a bold experiment from a film school alumni who aren’t afraid to go beyond the mainstream. However, more excitement was needed to make the narrative entertaining.