‘Operation Valentine’ review: A honest attempt

Mega Prince Varun Tej ventures into Tollywood's inaugural aerial action spectacle with "Operation Valentine," which premiered today. Known for his diverse roles, Varun Tej's latest film has garnered decent anticipation. To discover the verdict, delve into our review for insights into the cinematic experience offered by this unique action thriller.

Story:

"Operation Valentine" follows Wing Commander Arjun Dev (Varun Tej), who endures the loss of his friend Kabir (Navdeep) during the test of Project Vajra. Years later, Arjun, now a test pilot, reengages with the project. When a terror attack linked to Pakistan unfolds in Srinagar, the IAF strategizes retaliation. The film explores India's fight back, the role of Project Vajra in the counteraction, and the connection of Aahna Gill (ManushiChhillar) to the narrative. Amidst questions of victory or martyrdom, "Operation Valentine" unravels the gripping tale of Arjun's journey and India's response to the threat.

Performances:

Varun Tej shines as the valiant squadron leader, delivering a commendable performance in both action and emotional sequences. His portrayal, particularly in the aerial scenes, stands out for its emotional depth.ManushiChhillar impresses as the Radar Officer, leaving a lasting impact in romantic sequences with Varun. Her expressive eyes and decent screen presence enhance her character.

Navdeep, Ruhani Sharma, and Paresh Pahuja excel in pivotal supporting roles as co-pilots, adding depth to the narrative.ShatafFigar's portrayal as a senior officer falls short, lacking the proper body language of an Air Force official, with subpar Telugu dubbing.Mir Sarwar, Sampath Raj, Abhinav Gomatam, Ali Reza, Anish Kuruvilla, Lahari Shari, ShubasreeRayaguru, and the supporting cast deliver fine performances in their respective limited roles.

Technicalities:

Director Shakti Pratap Singh Hada achieves a certain degree of success with "Operation Valentine," but the film falls short of its potential, lacking a more engaging narrative and a tighter screenplay. While Sai Madhav Burra's dialogues could have resonated more deeply, particularly in crafting compelling patriotic lines, Hari K Vedantam's cinematography is commendable. Mickey J Meyer's musical work is satisfactory, but missed opportunities arise where his exceptional background music could have elevated the overall experience. Editor NavinNooli's pacing could have been enhanced by trimming certain scenes in the first half. Improved attention to VFX, especially in scenes requiring visual effects for realism, would have heightened immersion.

Analysis:

"Operation Valentine," under the direction of debutant filmmaker Shakti Pratap Singh, primarily explores the aftermath of the Pulwama Attack and India's robust response through airstrikes against Pakistani terrorist groups. This historical context serves as the backdrop for the film, echoing one of India's most impactful military actions.

While not explicitly referencing real events, the film draws parallels to the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Indian Air Force strikes. The storyline revolves around patriotism, embodying the sentiments of the Indian populace.

However, Singh's screenplay struggles with coherence, particularly in the initial half. The portrayal of events leading to the Pulwama attack lacks engagement, with the poorly executed sequences depicting the strained relationship between the lead characters, Varun Tej and ManushiChhillar. These interactions, lacking an authentic Indian essence, seem borrowed from Hollywood, failing to convey a genuine portrayal of an Indian couple.

Despite these shortcomings, the narrative gains momentum just before the interval, sustaining interest in the second half. The film's highlight lies in its depiction of intense aerial attacks, providing a captivating cinematic experience. However, the overall emotional depth and engagement remain lacking, and several characters, including those portrayed by Sampath Raj and Ruhani Sharma, lack well-developed arcs.The visuals and airstrikes in the second half, coupled with the unique setup, stand as the film's redeeming qualities.

On a whole, "Operation Valentine" is a satisfactory aerial action drama, featuring commendable performances by Varun Tej and ManushiChhillar, coupled with engaging air strike sequences. Despite a lackluster first half, unnecessary scenes, and occasional emotional depth lapses, the film provides enjoyable entertainment, particularly for viewers unaccustomed to similar aerial action dramas.

Movie Review by: SUHAS SISTU