The Background
Youth, a coming-of-age film directed by Ken Karunas, was released in Kollywood last week and turned out to be successful. Its Telugu version, also titled Youth, has now hit theaters. Let’s see how it fares.
The Story
The film follows Praveen, a 15-year-old determined to find his perfect match. As he navigates the ups and downs of teenage romance, the story explores how he learns life lessons and discovers what it truly means to be loved.
The Good
The casting works well for the target audience. Ken Karunas as the hero, supported by his group of friends, and heroines Anishma Anilkumar, Priyanshi Yadav, Meenakshi Dinesh, along with parents played by Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini, all fit their roles and create the right vibe.
The drama is handled with restraint, avoiding excess. Performances remain natural, and the emotional tone in the final half hour lifts the film from being forgettable to somewhat engaging. The sentiment, though predictable, manages to connect.
GV Prakash’s background score adds depth, enhancing both the emotional and romantic moments.
The Bad
The setting and characterizations lack freshness. Everything feels familiar, with only a repackaging of the same old routine. Predictability dominates the narrative, making dramatic moments easy to guess.
Despite a brisk pace, the film feels long. Multiple love tracks and songs interrupt the flow, dragging the story instead of adding value.
The Worse
Some scenes, intended as fun, cross into cringe territory. The pre-interval episode, where the hero falls for another girl despite being in a relationship, could have been executed better. Similarly, the pre-climax student fight feels exaggerated and could have been toned down.
Screentime
Both halves of the film slip into filler scenes, leaving audiences with moments to check their phones rather than stay engaged.
The Takeaway
Natural performances, a few enjoyable moments, the last half hour, and suitable music are the film’s strengths.
Bottom Line
Youth is an okay watch, but viewers should be prepared for its predictable tone and familiar genre beats.
Rating: 2.5/5
