The Telugu film “Bubblegum” kicks off with its male lead navigating the flyover in the modern quarters of Hyderabad, his bare torso revealing a blend of pain and rage. However, director Ravikanth Perepu takes a divergent route, steering away from the clichéd portrayal of masculine aggression and romance seen through a male gaze. Instead, he weaves a narrative of youthful urban love that seeks to transcend class disparities, aspirations, and insecurities, questioning whether love alone is sufficient to bridge such gaps. Contrary to its seemingly sugary title, “Bubblegum” metaphorically alludes to the stickiness of romance, sweet initially but challenging to shake off.
Hyderabad’s allure lies in its multifaceted landscapes—the heritage-rich Old City contrasting sharply with the modern, upscale areas adorned with multinational corporations, gated communities, and nightclubs. Ravikanth’s protagonists emerge from these diametrically opposed corners of the city.
Sai Aditya, also known as Adi (played by debutant Roshan Kanakala), embodies a lived-in warmth within the lower-middle-class environs of the Old City. Adi’s father (Jayram Eeshwar) operates a chicken stall, while his mother (Bindu Chandramouli) is a homemaker. Raised in a Dakhni-speaking household, Adi nurtures dreams of becoming a DJ and performing at Tomorrowland. The narrative takes a turn when Adi’s path intersects with Jhanvi (Maanasa Chaudhary), whose discussions with friends revolve around the crepes she savored in Prague and the diluted beer she experienced at Germany’s Oktoberfest. In this collision of worlds, both Adi and Jhanvi find their lives upended.
Bubblegum (Telugu)
Cast: Roshan Kanakala, Maanasa Chaudhary
Direction: Ravikanth Perepu
Music: Sricharan Pakala
Storyline: When an aspiring DJ from a lower middle class family falls in love with an affluent young woman, career aspirations, insecurities and egos come into play. Is love enough to bridge the gap?
Adi’s journey of aspirations, humiliation, and phoenix-like resurgence forms the core of the narrative. Notably, Bubblegum avoids vilifying the female lead, portraying both protagonists’ insecurities and perspectives as 22-year-olds entering a new phase of life.
Conversations with Adi’s friends reveal their awareness of romantic challenges and a potential lack of luck. Jhanvi’s contrasting interaction with her friend reflects different attitudes, questioning her interest in Adi as a potential ‘boy toy.’ Their food choices underscore societal privilege, with Adi relishing meat dishes while Jhanvi is portrayed as a vegan. Sricharan Pakala’s operatic score adds depth during scenes like the vegan risotto feast.
The initial meetings and romance are vividly depicted with bursts of color, akin to the vibrant lights of nightclubs. Suresh Ragutu’s visually exuberant palette captures the essence of young romance, complemented by Sricharan’s joyous background score, treating the love story like a musical. Humor, especially through the character of Jayram Eshwar, adds a cheerful tone and contributes to a meaningful father-son relationship.
As Adi and Jhanvi’s backgrounds unfold, signs of potential discord emerge, stemming from their own insecurities. The film navigates the complexities of relationships, addressing privilege, parental influences, and the question of whether love alone suffices.
Bubblegum offers an intriguing exploration of urban romance with its flaws. The attempt to integrate into each other’s worlds creates tension, although the later portions tend to be overdrawn, with some conflicts feeling repetitive. Character transformations toward the end may seem rushed, but the film’s vibrancy is enhanced by smaller segments, such as contrasting DJ skills and butchering prowess.
Despite its imperfections, Bubblegum stands out due to its unique elements. The film, currently in theaters, benefits from a blend of writing, music, and commendable performances. Roshan Kanakala’s debut exudes a mix of confidence and vulnerability, while Maanasa convincingly portrays privilege and sensitivity. Supporting cast members, including Harshavardhan, Anu Hasan, Bindu Chandramouli, and friends, contribute effectively.
In summary, Bubblegum may not be flawless, but its distinctive features make it noteworthy amid the cinematic landscape.
