• Chetan Nadiger
Film: Love OTP
Producer: Vijay Reddy
Director: Anish Tejeshwar
Starring: Anish Tejeshwar, Swaroopini, Jahnvika Kalakeri, Rajeev Kanakala, Natya Ranga, Chethan Gandharva and others
A lot of films have has talked about people falling in love. But what happens when people fall in love? Anish Tejeshwar talks about the aftermath of love including over possessiveness, toxicity and remorse in his new venture ‘Love OTP’ releasing this week.
Akshay (Anish Tejeshwar) is a carefree youth leading a typical lifestyle. He has a doubting police father, a caring mother, a loyal friend and his passion cricket. Akshay dreams of making it big in cricket, until Sana (Swaroopini) comes into his life. Sana who is over controlling and very demanding, pressures Akshay into a relationship with her with a threat of suicide. After five years, Akshay is tired and suffocated in a relationship with Sana and wants to come out of it. Meanwhile, Akshay falls in love with Nakshatra (Jahnvika Kalakeri) a physiotherapist who is completely opposite of Sana. Can Akshay come out of the relationship with Sana and find peace in his life? Forms the rest of the story.
Though the film is not based on any particular love story, the film may resemble or revoke many incidents that everyone would have encountered in their daily lives. The three characters of Akshay, Sana and Nakshtara are quite common and based on these characters Anish has build a narrative which can be easily relatable by everybody. OTP means Over, Torture and Pressure and as the title itself suggests the film is about the torture and pressure of love on the lovers.
Anish has written a pacier screenplay and has added enough humour to keep the audience glued, yet the film is slow at times. ‘Love OTP’ is a movie that aims to combine entertainment with a theme concerning the more sinister aspects of love. Although the film has a good message, the implementation could have been improved.
Anish apart from acting has also directed the film. He has Akshay has given a convincing performance lost between good and bad. It is Swaroopini, who is the highlight of the film. The actress shines with her great performance. Her depiction of toxic and over possessive lover captivates the audience. Jahnavika Kalakeri gives ample support. Rajeev Kanakala makes his entry to Kannada with this film and has done his bit. Natya Ranga plays the role of a good friend that everyone desires. In terms of technical quality, ‘Love OTP’ there is nothing new. The cinematography, nor the music fails to create any impact on the audience.
Failed love stories that glorify over possessiveness, grief and longing have become a trend in Kannada film industry in the recent years. ‘Love OTP’ is another film in that genre, but at the same time talks about other aspects of love including suffocation and remorse. A love story with a good message would be a decent outing in the weekend.
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