Heggana Muddu

Heggana Muddu is an assured debut for Avinash Balekalla, although the film occasionally loses its way. Its second half may not sustain the sharpness of its domestic drama, but the film's central idea remains interesting.

Heggana Muddu begins as a familiar arranged-marriage romance before evolving into a thriller about love, trust and possessiveness. It is a feel-good film that explores the complexities of a relationship without pretending that love alone can resolve every flaw.

Heggana Muddu has a decent idea, honest performances and a handful of laughs, but it cannot sustain them. With a firmer hand in the writing and the edit, it could have been a sharp study of a suspicious man. As it stands, apart from a few good moments, it is a tiresome watch.

The film does a good job of identifying Ajith's behaviour as a problem but then gives the relationship a resolution that appears to validate it. While Ajith's behaviour is closely examined, Prerana's perspective, agency and anger are not given the same weight, making the resolution even more frustrating.

Despite the comparisons, Heggana Muddu is a decent watch, mainly due to Poorna's brilliant performance. However, after promising a relatable, realistic relationship drama, director Avinash splits his lead characters, giving each an individual track that lacks excitement, and the tonal shift is jarring. For a film that attempts a modern take on relationships, Heggana Muddu eventually settles for a traditional conclusion that misses a great opportunity to offer a more progressive view of marriage.

Heggana Muddu deserves love for attempting to throw the spotlight on things others shy away from — that life is not perfect and that people are definitely imperfect. I just wish it did that with perfection.