Mehbooba is a Telugu-language romantic action drama directed by Puri Jagannadh, released on May 11, 2018. Starring Akash Puri and Neha Shetty in the lead roles, the movie blends love, destiny, and patriotism against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. With Puri Jagannadh’s reputation for creating intense dramas, expectations were high for Mehbooba. The film promised a gripping narrative of love that transcends lifetimes, combined with stunning visuals and soul-stirring music. But did it deliver? Let’s find out.
Plot Summary
The story follows Roshan, an aspiring Indian Army officer, and Afreen, a Pakistani girl studying in India. Both experience strange dreams and visions from another time, hinting at a connection beyond their understanding. As fate brings them together, they unravel the truth about their past lives—two lovers separated by war in their previous birth. Their journey becomes a test of love and resilience as they battle not just geopolitical conflicts but also their families and fate itself.
What’s Good?
Acting Performances
- Akash Puri makes an impressive attempt at playing a passionate and determined young man. His screen presence and emotional depth improve as the film progresses.
- Neha Shetty delivers a graceful performance, portraying Afreen’s innocence and strength convincingly.
- Supporting actors do a decent job in their respective roles, especially the ones playing military officers.
Direction & Storytelling
- Puri Jagannadh deserves praise for attempting a reincarnation drama set in a war backdrop, a relatively unexplored theme in Telugu cinema.
- The emotional depth of the past-life sequences is well executed, making the love story feel intense and tragic.
Cinematography & Visual Effects
- Vishnu Sharma’s cinematography captures the war-torn landscapes and picturesque snow-covered mountains beautifully.
- The period scenes are visually compelling, transporting the audience to the 1971 setting with authentic detailing.
Music & Background Score
- Sandeep Chowta’s music adds soul to the film, especially the emotional tracks that enhance the love story.
- The background score successfully elevates key moments, making action and emotional scenes more impactful.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- The unique reincarnation concept in a war setting makes the story intriguing.
- The emotional depth between the lead pair makes their love story feel genuine.
- The cinematography and war sequences add a grand scale to the movie.
Weaknesses
- The screenplay in the first half feels slow, and certain scenes could have been edited better.
- The romantic chemistry between the leads, though decent, could have been more engaging.
- Some dialogues feel melodramatic, making a few moments overly sentimental.
- Predictable climax—though visually well done, it lacks an element of surprise.
Target Audience
Mehbooba caters to:
- Fans of romantic dramas with emotional depth.
- Viewers who enjoy period films and war-based narratives.
- Audience who appreciate Puri Jagannadh’s storytelling style.
- Those who like musically rich films with visually appealing cinematography.
Box Office Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹15 Crores |
| Worldwide Box Office Collection | ₹7-8 Crores (approx.) |
| First 5 Days Earnings | |
| Day 1 (India) | ₹1.2 Crores |
| Day 2 (India) | ₹1.0 Crores |
| Day 3 (India) | ₹1.1 Crores |
| Day 4 (Overseas) | ₹0.5 Crores |
| Day 5 (Total) | ₹0.8 Crores |
Despite having a niche audience, Mehbooba struggled to make a strong impact at the box office due to mixed reviews and competition from other releases.
Recommendation
While Mehbooba isn’t a flawless film, it offers an engaging experience with its reincarnation love story, strong visuals, and soulful music. If you enjoy romantic war dramas with emotional storytelling, it’s worth a watch. However, if you prefer fast-paced narratives, this might not be your cup of tea. Recommended for fans of sentimental love stories and reincarnation themes!
