The atmosphere is charged with electric anticipation as the opening credits of “Tillu Square” roll across the screen, accompanied by a montage that serves as a reminder of the catchy lines and memorable moments from the 2022 crime comedy sensation, “DJ Tillu.” As nostalgic tunes play, the air is filled with the audience’s cheers, setting the stage for a sequel that aims to carry on the original’s legacy by amplifying the fun factor and leveraging its sustained popularity.
At the heart of the story is the eponymous Tillu, embodied by Siddhu Jonnalagadda, who not only co-wrote the film with director Mallik Ram and writer Ravi Anthony but also reprised his role as the zestful protagonist. The tale picks up several months after the events of the first film, with Tillu having graduated from a simple DJ to the head of Tillu Events, thanks to unwavering support from his friends and family. His vehicle’s vibrant makeover is just one of the many signs signaling his upgraded lifestyle.
“Tillu Square” navigates through a fresh series of escapades, mirroring its predecessor’s comedic flair. The narrative swaps out discussions of keto diets for humorous dialogues about facial masks made with activated charcoal. While Tillu’s circle seeks an appropriate bride for him, his previous romantic entanglement with a woman named Radhika, still lingers, making him hesitant to dive into another relationship. However, that changes promptly when the charming Lilly, played by Anupama Parameswaran, enters his life, stirring up familiar feelings and expectations among his friends and the keen-eyed audience.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that “Tillu Square” doesn’t rely on a robust plot, rather, it thrives on the implicit understanding audiences have of Tillu’s world, reminding them not to probe too deeply into the logicality and instead to dive into the enjoyment. Without disclosing too much, the storyline sees Tillu backed into a corner yet again, with unresolved threads from the original movie coming back to haunt him, despite his family and friends’ attempts to avoid trouble.
The movie’s charm not only lies in its ceaseless streak of witty one-liners but also in its meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s Tillu yearning for Lilly or expressions of exasperation from his friend Marcus, portrayed by Praneeth Reddy Kallem, the script leaves no stone unturned in crafting a hilarious and relatable narrative. The storyline also cleverly employs fragments of nostalgic songs during pivotal scenes, much to the audience’s amusement.
Certain thematic threads from “DJ Tillu,” such as Tillu’s proclivity for falling for women with dubious intentions, recur throughout the sequel, inviting both laughter and familiarity. Nonetheless, it’s the central performance by Siddhu Jonnalagadda as Tillu that truly anchors the film, delivering an underdog character replete with streetwise charm, vulnerability, and a nuanced touch of philosophy.
Anupama Parameswaran has the challenging role of portraying a character reminiscent of Radhika, and she does so with finesse, shedding her girl-next-door image to becoming a charming manipulator. Supporting characters like Muralidhar Goud, who plays Tillu’s father, provide ample comic relief throughout the movie.
The soundtrack, composed by Ram Miriyala, Bheems Cecerolio, and Achu Rajamani, complements the film’s colorful narrative, enhancing the viewing experience. “Tillu Square” emerges not just as a smarter and more polished successor to “DJ Tillu,” but as a testament to the characters’ enduring appeal and the creators’ comedic mastery.
In sum, “Tillu Square” proves to be more than just a follow-up; it’s a vibrant and engaging extension of a world that Telugu cinema fans have come to adore, complete with fresh laughs, unexpected twists, and a protagonist so compellingly portrayed that it’s impossible to envision anyone else filling his shoes.
