Midway through the latest Telugu cinematic offering “Family Star”, a pivotal twist leaves the protagonist, Govardhan, played by Vijay Deverakonda, in a state of shock. With a forced swagger, he feigns composure, his eyes rolling and shoulders shrugging as he processes the gravity of the situation—mirroring the bemusement one might feel at various points throughout the movie. It becomes increasingly difficult to grasp the intent behind director Parasuram Petla’s vision, who along with co-writer Vasu Varma, dissatisfactorily crafts this narrative. Despite being their second joint venture following the success of Geetha Govindam, and featuring Mrunal Thakur as the female lead, the film misses the mark on both intrigue and entertainment.
The initial portion of the film holds true to its title, casting Govardhan as a middle-class family man burdened with responsibilities, yet shining as the star of his household. He exercises great care in rationing household expenses—evident through his ‘gossamer-thin dosas’—all for the sake of his sizeable family which includes his grandmother (portrayed by Rohini Hattangadi), two brothers, their wives, and children. He approaches his duties with a sense of honor rather than disdain, and when pushed, displays a raw physical strength befitting his stardom. The hope is that these small comedic and dramatic moments will coalesce into a vibrant family entertainer.
As the plot advances, the film raises a host of questions, some trivial, others crucial, like the strained relationship Govardhan shares with his older brother. These are eventually addressed, albeit thinly. Except for the main character, the screen presence afforded to the family members is minimal, rendering them almost inconsequential.
The interactions between Govardhan, his family, and the enigmatic tenant Indu (Mrunal Thakur), a presumed student from the University of Hyderabad, introduce a lighter comedic element. Govardhan is repeatedly flustered when addressed as ‘yevandi’. And yet, the romance that ensues feels lacking, never properly flourishing to win over the audience’s support.
As the story relocates to the United States, the narrative nosedives into an implausible sequence of events with Indu, who is revealed to be a CEO conducting anthropological research on middle-class lifestyles. The film fails to delve into social class disparities or the dynamics between Govardhan’s ambitions for his family and his prideful nature, leaving much to be desired.
In intermittent bursts, Govardhan’s latent aggression is emphasized to align with Vijay Deverakonda’s reputation as a volatile everyman. Some self-referential dialogue nearly serves to break the fourth wall as he criticizes judgmental attitudes and societal philosophies.
Despite a 155-minute duration, “Family Star” struggles to stitch together its commentary on middle-class aspirations and the notion of an unsung family superstar into a coherent plot.
The ineffective script leaves the actors floundering with Vijay Deverakonda’s charms and liveliness unable to compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings. Mrunal Thakur’s talent is squandered on a poorly developed character, with her romantic contribution paling in comparison to her previous works. Others in the cast, like Divyansha Kaushik, Rohini Hattangadi, and Vasuki, are similarly underutilized. Even the normally adept Vennela Kishore finds himself in a forgettable role that, while decent, fails to leave a lasting impression.
Ultimately, “Family Star” falters in celebrating the unsung heroes of typical middle-class families and struggles to capture audience interest. What begins as a promising homage to the archetypal family ‘star’ dwindles into a dreary affair that sorely tests patience. In the end, it is clear that family audiences and admirers of well-crafted cinema are deserving of much more refined storytelling and compelling cinematic experiences.
