Hyderabad: In the Telugu film Aadarsha Kutumbam: House No. 47, the leading man (Venkatesh) acknowledges the age gap — in fact a generational gap — between him and his wife (Srinidhi Shetty). It is more than a passing reference, with several dialogues returning to the subject.
What sets this film apart, marking his reunion with writer-director Trivikram Srinivas after more than two decades, is a later reveal that puts their relationship in context, explaining how the two characters crossed paths.
Playing to the Gallery
With Adarsha Kutumbam (ideal family), a title that also hints at the action through its reference to AK-47, Trivikram does not break new ground. Instead, he plays to the gallery with a story built around Venkatesh’s long-standing image as a family superstar. Easter eggs referencing some of his older hits reinforce his familiar screen persona: a man who will go to any length to protect his family.
A crime episode in the prologue hints at what is to come. The premise is familiar: we know that the seemingly simple, even silly, middle-class family led by Chitti (Venkatesh) and Swarna (Srinidhi Shetty) will become a target. They are practically sitting ducks, openly celebrating a lottery win and talking about how it will transform their lives, currently burdened by loans and medical expenses. Meanwhile, the story of a gang of criminals unfolds alongside the family’s.
A Softer Lead
Chitti declares every now and then that he is “the man of the house,” before heading to the kitchen to cook, every single time. Trivikram’s portrayal of a man who does all the work, both at home and in the office, while his wife is shown lazing around, may draw on old-school, sexist humour. But in an era of hypermasculine alpha-male leads, this softer, more vulnerable portrayal comes as a welcome breather. A later revelation perhaps explains why she has lost interest in cooking.
Twists That Land
As characters played by Raghu Babu, Sathya, Nara Rohith and Sachin Khedekar are introduced, the story’s trajectory becomes apparent. Yet when the rug is pulled from under the audience in a few whistle-worthy moments before the interval, the twists land effectively. These portions may work even better for viewers who haven’t watched the recent Tamil film Blast. Even if you have, this story holds its own. You may also be reminded of the Academy Award-winning Korean film Parasite, and the Hindi film Kill.
In many of Trivikram’s earlier films, the fun and drama extend beyond the lead characters. Some of Aadarsha Kutumbam‘s most entertaining moments come from such smaller details — for instance, Chitti’s son (child actor Raj Prajwal) has a habit of casually flicking purses and documents, a trait the narrative cleverly uses to add intrigue.
Trivikram also avoids taking a clear black-and-white position as the police begin tracking down the criminals and Chitti’s family gets caught up in events. The narrative explores several grey areas, including how the hapless can become collateral damage.
Where It Loses Its Way
The film, however, raises several questions, some of which remain unanswered. When senior police officers learn the identity and modus operandi of a dreaded criminal gang, why don’t they alert the public? In the aftermath of a few murders, the investigation also leaves glaring gaps that make it difficult to take seriously.
In the later portions, particularly after the introduction of Rao Ramesh and Brahmaji, not every twist lands. What until then seemed like an entertaining mix of crime, comedy and drama gradually becomes muddled. One is also left wondering what Nivetha Pethuraj’s character brought to the story. Sathya and Raghu Babu, meanwhile, contribute to the fun as the plot thickens.
This is also one film where the combination of Trivikram Srinivas and composer S. Thaman misses the mark by a mile — none of the songs are particularly memorable. Ace cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran does what the story requires without drawing undue attention to the visuals.
The Performances
Much of the film rests on Venkatesh, who once again proves why he is among the best at leading Telugu family dramas. Aadarsha Kutumbam offers him little by way of a fresh acting challenge, but he plays his part with sincerity and handles the comedy and action effortlessly. Srinidhi Shetty, Raj Prajwal and Yuvina, who plays the teenage daughter, are also effective.
One wishes the backstories of the four key characters had offered greater emotional heft and better explained their transformation in the pre-interval episode.
The Verdict
Despite the narrative clumsiness in the later portions, the film redeems itself towards the end — pay attention to the end credits, which offer a subtle tribute to a notable member of the judiciary.
Aadarsha Kutumbam is nowhere close to Trivikram’s best work and is weighed down by predictability. It settles for being a family entertainer that doesn’t take itself too seriously, hoping audiences will be content with a few laughs and thrills this festive season.
