'Theertharoopa Tandeyavarige' movie review: Weak writing derails heartwarming drama

The year’s first Kannada release, ‘Theertharoopa Tandeyavarige’, is a tribute to single mothers, told through the eyes of a young vlogger desperately searching for his father. While the film is philosophical and warm at heart, it is let down by mediocre writing.

Directed by Ramenahalli Jagannatha, known for ‘Hondisi Bareyiri’, the film follows travel vlogger Pruthvi (Nihar Mukesh), who lives with his mother Janaki (Sithara) in the picturesque town of Mudigere. From the start, it is clear that Pruthvi harbours unresolved issues with his mother and resents their neighbour Vishwanath (Rajesh Nataranga), whom the town suspects Janaki is romantically involved with. When the truth finally comes to light, Pruthvi goes on a journey of self-realisation and acceptance, learning to embrace life as it is.

Although the film has its moments, it falters due to a weak screenplay, forced humour, and dull performances from the lead actors. The film gains momentum only towards the interval, thus making the first half a tedious watch overall. Jagannatha gives Pruthvi’s vlogging career too much screen time, and it adds very little to the story. Other sequences also feel unnecessary, including a subplot about rivalry with his childhood classmate.

That said, the film has some interesting subplots. It becomes compelling with the entry of Ravindra Vijay as a Physics teacher — a character reminiscent of Rancho from ‘3 Idiots’. The arrival of Pruthvi’s long-lost father also adds weight. Ajit Hande’s portrayal of journalist Ravi Ramanathapura bears an uncanny resemblance to a tabloid journalist known for his column ‘Love Lavike’.

'Theertharoopa Tandeyavarige' may not be remarkable, but it looks refreshing, coming especially after three star-led disasters in December.