Arjun Reddy

Arjun Reddy

Arjun Reddy is a 2017 Indian Telugu-language film written and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. It is a romantic drama that explores the life of its titular character, Arjun Reddy Deshmukh, a high-functioning alcoholic surgeon with anger management issues. The film stars Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, with Shalini Pandey as the female lead, making her debut in Telugu cinema. The narrative follows Arjun's self-destructive path and his tumultuous relationship with his college junior, Preethi Shetty.

Plot

The story begins with Arjun Reddy Deshmukh, a brilliant but erratic medical student, meeting Preethi Shetty in college. Despite initial friction, they develop a deep bond that evolves into an intense love affair. However, their relationship faces opposition from Preethi's family, leading to a forced separation that drives Arjun into a downward spiral of alcoholism and rage. The film delves into themes of love, despair, and redemption, as Arjun struggles to come to terms with his loss and rebuild his life.

Cast

• Vijay Deverakonda as Arjun Reddy Deshmukh
• Shalini Pandey as Preethi Shetty
• Rahul Ramakrishna as Shiva
• Jia Sharma as Jia Sharma
• Sanjay Swaroop as Arjun's Father
• Kamal Kamaraju as Gautham
• Kanchana as Arjun's Grandmother
• Amit Sharma as Amit

Production

The film was produced by Pranay Reddy Vanga for Bhadrakali Pictures. The cinematography was handled by Raj Thota, and the music was composed by Radhan. Arjun Reddy was shot primarily in Hyderabad, with additional filming locations including Mangalore and Dehradun. The film's raw and intense portrayal of love and suffering was a departure from traditional Telugu cinema narratives, making it a subject of both acclaim and controversy.

Reception

Upon release, Arjun Reddy received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and Vijay Deverakonda's performance. It was praised for its bold storytelling and realistic portrayal of emotions. However, the film also faced criticism for its glorification of toxic masculinity and the protagonist's abusive behavior. Despite the controversies, Arjun Reddy was a commercial success, significantly impacting Deverakonda's career and leading to a cult following.

Legacy

The film's success led to several remakes in different languages, including the Hindi film Kabir Singh, which was also directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Arjun Reddy has been credited with changing the landscape of Telugu cinema by introducing a new wave of storytelling and character development. It has sparked discussions on various social issues, including the portrayal of women in cinema and the normalization of substance abuse.