Bubblegum is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Ravikanth Perepu[3] and produced by P Vimala under Maheshwari Movies and People Media Factory. It stars Suma Kanakala and Rajeev Kanakala's son Roshan Kanakala,[4] Maanasa Choudhary, Chaitu Jonnalagadda, Harsha Chemudu, Anannyaa Akulaa, Anu Hasan, Kiran Macha in lead roles. The film was theatrically released in India on 29 December 2023.[5][6]

Bubblegum
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRavikanth Perepu[1]
Written byRavikanth Perepu
Story by
  • Ravikanth Perepu
  • Vishnu Kondur
  • Seri-Ganni
Produced byP. Vimala
Starring
CinematographySuresh Ragutu
Edited byRavikanth Perepu
K. Balakrishna Reddy
Balu Manoj D.
Seri-Ganni
Music bySricharan Pakala
Production
companies
  • Maheshwari Movies
  • People Media Factory
Release date
  • 29 December 2023 (2023-12-29)
Running time
148 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Plot edit

Sai Aditya, also known as Adhi (Roshan Kanakala), is an ordinary guy with a passion for becoming a DJ. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Jahnavi (Maanasa Choudhary), a girl from an affluent background. The two fall deeply in love, but their romantic journey takes a tumultuous twist when a pivotal event occurs, testing the strength of their relationship. The narrative unfolds as it explores the aftermath of this event, questioning whether Adhi and Jahnavi choose to part ways or if they attempt to reconcile against all odds.

Cast edit

  • Roshan Kanakala as Sai Aditya "Aadi"
  • Maanasa Choudhary as Jhanvi "Jaanu"
  • Harsha Vardhan as Vishwanath, Jhanavi's father
  • Anu Hasan as Neelima, Jhanavi's mother
  • Jairam Eeshwar as Yadagiri, Sai Aditya's father
  • Bindu Chandramouli, Sai Aditya's mother
  • Harsha Chemudu as Madman
  • Anannyaa Akulaa as Bujji
  • Kiran Macha as Asif
  • Vishnu Kondur
  • Akshita Setty
  • Sanjay Duggu
  • Faima as Jhanavi's maid
  • Lobo as a chef
  • Naveen Thomas
  • Brahmanandam in a special appearance

Soundtrack edit

The music and background score is composed by Sricharan Pakala.[7] The audio rights were acquired by Sony Music South.[citation needed]

Release edit

Bubblegum had a worldwide theatrical release on 29 December 2023. [8]

The digital streaming of the film was sold to Aha. The film was made available from 9 February 2024 in Telugu.[9]

Reception edit

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote that "Bubblegum title doesn't allude to a saccharine romance but rather emphasizes how romance, initially delightful, can become as adhesive as bubblegum, challenging to extricate oneself from even if the desire to do so exists."[10]

A critic from 123telugu gave the film 2.5/5 stars and stated that "Bubblegum, a romantic drama, disappoints as it grapples with a conventional storyline, recurring themes, and extraneous subplots that detract from the main narrative. Despite commendable performances from newcomers Roshan and Manasa, the movie struggles to captivate the audience. While it may connect with certain youth demographics, the romantic scenes may not resonate well with family audiences."[11]

Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote that "Bubblegum takes on the complicated stuff—love, ambition, and self-respect. It goes through the usual romance and drama, but does it in a new way with great acting. It's a movie worth watching."[12]

Chandu Donkana of Sakshi Post gave the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote "The storyline takes a departure from conventional love tales, unfolding a love track that advances with limited emotional resonance, predominantly fueled by desires rather than profound feelings."[13]

Abhilasha Cherukuri of The New Indian Express gave the film 3/5 stars that stated "The film, starting slow with generic elements and stereotypes, gains momentum post-interval with a compelling redemption arc. Lead actor Roshan delivers a charming debut, and Jayram Eeshwar's memorable performance adds depth to the recurring theme of incomplete love stories in director Ravikanth Perepu's films."[14]

Nelki Naresh Kumar of Hindustan Times wrote that "Bubble Gum emerges as a modern love story. Despite a somewhat conventional plot, the film distinguishes itself through its bold and audacious content, catering specifically to the preferences of the youthful audience."[15]

Bhargav Chaganti of NTV Telugu gave the film 2.5/5 stated “Bubble Gum, struggles with clichéd romance and forced comedy, despite some impressive moments in the love track and an impactful Interval Bang. The film lacks depth in establishing the reasons for the characters’ love, leaving the overall narrative with a routine feel."[16]

A critic from Eenadu stated that Commencing with a "Bubblegum-like blandness, the story unfolds slowly, gradually revealing a touch of sweetness towards the end. However, it falls short in the novelty department, with a lackluster first half dragging down the overall appeal."[17]

A critic from V6 News wrote that "Love, resembling the journey of bubblegum, begins with chewing but transforms into a lingering challenge, symbolized by its adhesive persistence under shoes and on theater seats."[18]

References edit

  1. ^ "Ravikanth Perepu announces his next directorial". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Interview of Roshan Kanakala about Bubblegum". ragalahari.com.
  3. ^ "Interview of Director Ravikanth Perepu about Bubblegum". ragalahari.com.
  4. ^ "Bubblegum: Roshan Kanakala Makes Successful Debut". tupaki.com. 7 January 2024. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Bubblegum finishes censor formalities". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Roshan Kanakala speaks about dark skin guy becoming hero; gets emotional". The Hans India. 25 December 2023. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Sricharan Pakala on Bubblegum - Working with friends is difficult, they catch your bluff | Exclusive". Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Bubblegum movie tickets on book my show". bookmyshow.com.
  9. ^ "Bubblegum Ott release". OTT Play.
  10. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (29 December 2023). "'Bubblegum' movie review: An imperfect but interesting film about young love and aspirations". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Bubblegum Telugu Movie Review". 123telugu.com. 29 December 2023. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Bubblegum Movie Review : A Tale of Romance, Dreams, and Drama". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Bubblegum Review: 'బబుల్ గమ్' సినిమా రివ్యూ" [Bubblegum Review]. Sakshi Post (in Telugu). 29 December 2023. Archived from the original on 30 December 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Bubblegum Movie Review : A romance anchored by conflicts that put the new in new-age". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  15. ^ "Bubblegum Movie Review". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Bubblegum Review: యాంకర్ సుమ కొడుకు రోషన్ బబుల్ గమ్ రివ్యూ" [Bubblegum Review] (in Telugu). NTV Telugu. 29 December 2023. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Bubblegum Review: రివ్యూ: రాజీవ్‌ కనకాల, సుమ తనయుడి బ‌బుల్‌గ‌మ్‌ మూవీ మెప్పించిందా?" [Bubblegum Movie Review]. Eenadu (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  18. ^ "Bubblegum Movie Review: యాంకర్ సుమ కొడుకు ఫస్ట్ మూవీ ఎలా ఉందంటే?" [Anchor Suma son's Movie Review] (in Telugu). V6 News. 29 December 2023. Archived from the original on 30 December 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.

External links edit