### A Surreal Comedy with Mixed Results
If you’ve experienced Ritesh Rana’s debut film, "Mathu Vadalara," you might anticipate a similar unconventional journey with his sophomore effort, "Happy Birthday." Right from the outset, the director establishes that this surreal comedy will defy logic, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always translate into an engaging cinematic experience.
### Quirky Characters and Absurd Realities
Set in Sin City, Zelangana, Zindia, the film introduces a cast of eccentric characters navigating a world where owning a firearm is not just a right but a status symbol adorned with diamonds or gold. Happy, portrayed by Lavanya Tripathi, seeks a lavish birthday celebration, while Lucky, played by Naresh Agastya, aims to alleviate his financial woes to aid his ailing mother. The narrative intertwines various subplots involving characters like Benami, Max Pain, Sniper Sam, and others, adding layers of chaos and humor.
### Style Over Substance
"Happy Birthday" revels in its absurdities, presenting a landscape where snow falls in Telugu-speaking regions, currency features unusual faces, and apps like Gunpay and SadChat are commonplace. Despite the film's stylish aesthetics, courtesy of Suresh Sarangam’s cinematography and Kaala Bhairava’s music, the lack of substantial storytelling becomes evident as the narrative progresses.
### Strengths and Weaknesses
While Lavanya Tripathi shines in her unconventional role, delivering a standout performance, the ensemble cast, including Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ramakrishna, and Sudarshan, adds to the film’s comedic appeal. However, certain elements, such as transphobic jokes and pacing issues in the second half, detract from the overall experience.
### Final Verdict
"Happy Birthday" serves as meme-worthy material, offering moments of hilarity and visual flair. Yet, beneath its quirky exterior lies a narrative that struggles to sustain engagement, leaving viewers divided between admiration for its audacity and disappointment in its execution. Despite its flaws, the film injects much-needed freshness into the Telugu film industry, albeit with a reminder that it prioritizes style over substance.
5.5