Operation Valentine Review

• Operation Valentine Rating: 3/5
• Starring: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar, Navdeep, Ruhani Sharma, Paresh Pahuja, Shataf Figar, Sampath, Ali Reza
• Director: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada
• Release Date: March 01, 2024

Mega Prince Varun Tej takes flight in Tollywood’s first aerial action spectacle, “Operation Valentine.” Released today, the film promises high-octane thrills and patriotic fervor. Let’s see if it delivers!

Story:

Varun Tej plays Arjun Dev (codename Rudra), a courageous Indian Air Force Wing Commander. He faces personal tragedy and professional challenges when his friend dies during a test flight and a terror attack rocks the nation.

The Good:

• Varun Tej shines: He delivers a convincing performance as the dedicated and conflicted airman, carrying the film on his shoulders.
• Manushi Chhillar impresses: Making her Telugu debut, she plays Arjun’s love interest and fellow IAF officer with commendable screen presence.
• Action takes off: The film’s highlight is the second half’s aerial combat sequences. They’re genuinely engaging and capture the intensity of an air strike operation.

The Not-So-Good:

• Uneven pacing: The first half struggles to find its footing with unnecessary scenes that slow down the narrative. The romantic track feels forced in the midst of the film’s serious tone.
• Missed emotional connection: While it attempts to portray the impact of the terror attack, the film falls short of delivering a truly impactful and emotionally resonant experience.
• Underutilized characters: Actors like Ruhani Sharma and Paresh Pahuja could have played a more significant role in the story, adding depth and complexity.

Technical aspects:

• Direction: While director Shakti Pratap Singh Hada does an okay job, a tighter script and more engaging storytelling could have elevated the film.
• Dialogue: Sai Madhav Burra’s dialogues miss the mark, particularly in capturing the spirit of patriotism.
• Music and visuals: Mickey J Meyer’s music is decent, but there are moments where a more powerful score could have heightened the experience. Hari K Vedantam’s cinematography is commendable.
• Editing and VFX: Some scenes, especially in the first half, feel unnecessary and could benefit from tighter editing. The film’s visual effects are satisfactory, but could have been further refined for enhanced realism.

Verdict:

“Operation Valentine” is a decent watch with its aerial action sequences and solid performances from Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar. However, the uneven first half, unnecessary elements, and lack of emotional depth hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you’re looking for some action-packed entertainment this weekend, it might be worth a shot. But for those expecting a truly gripping and emotionally resonant war drama, this film might not quite hit the mark.