Priya Varrier and Shreyas Manju in the film.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Vishnu Priya follows the classic tropes of an intense romantic drama: young lovers falling in love, forces trying to keep them apart, followed by a tragic ending.
The movie checks some boxes for a classic romantic drama including melodious music, spectacular cinematography and heart-wrenching scenes. However, it fails to live up to the standards of a classic romantic drama.
Vishnu (Shreyas), Priya (Priya Varrier) and Balaji (Nihal Raj) are college students. Balaji claims to be in love with Priya and sends Vishnu as a messenger to confess his feelings. Priya reveals that she’s actually in love with Vishnu and he reciprocates. The story takes a turn as forces try to keep the lovers apart.
The story is set in the 1990s, but director Prakash fails to recreate the past accurately, overlooking minor but important details.
Gopi Sundar’s background score elevates the mood and complements emotions. Vinod Bharati’s cinematography enhances the emotional impact of certain scenes, particularly the ones conveying a sense of loss, separation, and frustration.
A subplot about Vishnu and his stepfather is heartwarming.
Lyrics fail to linger or complement the situation and emotion. While the action sequences are sometimes unconvincing, a few characters lack depth, and the ending is predictable. Voiceover by Yogaraj Bhat lacks emotion and intensity.
Achuth Rao as the stepfather, Suchendra Prasad as a helpless father and Priya as a young lover are convincing. Shreyas excels in action sequences, but struggles with emotional scenes.
Despite these flaws, the movie manages to keep the audience engaged in parts.