Bubblegum (2023) – A Modern Romance That’s Sweet, But Not Without Its Sour Notes

 

Overview

• Title: Bubblegum

• Release Date: December 29, 2023 (theatrical), followed by digital streaming from February 9, 2024

• Genre: Romance / Drama

• Language: Telugu

• Director: Ravikanth Perepu

• Starring: Roshan Kanakala (as Aadi), Maanasa Choudhary (as Jhanvi)

Plot Summary

Aadi, an aspiring DJ from a modest background, meets Jhanvi, a wealthy fashion design student preparing to go abroad. Their instant attraction soon faces the clash of class, aspirations, and emotional turmoil. A humiliating incident during a party tests their budding romance—what follows is a journey of reconciliation, self-respect, and rediscovery.

What Works

1. Fresh Performances & Chemistry
Roshan Kanakala makes a promising debut, bringing earnest charm and youthful energy to Aadi, while Maanasa Choudhary shines as the confident yet conflicted Jhanvi. Their chemistry brings an emotional anchor to the story. 

2. Engaging Twist & Visual Appeal
Critics noted a strong “interval twist” that adds unexpectedly delicious suspense to an otherwise familiar plot . The film stands out visually with vibrant colors, slick night‑club sequences, and a stylish cityscape of Hyderabad captured through moody cinematography 

3. Soundtrack That Resonates
Sricharan Pakala’s music, especially the track Izzat, effectively elevates pivotal scenes and reflects the film’s youthful energy

Where It Falters

1. Uneven Script and Execution
While the first half unfolds promisingly with light-hearted romance and clear setup, the second half loses momentum. Critics describe it as "draggy" with forced drama, repetitive scenes, and characters behaving conveniently just to prolong the conflic

2. Familiar Tropes, Shallow Subplots
Reviewers noted that despite touching on serious themes like class disparity and self‑respect, the screenplay is hindered by clichés and subplots that dilute the emotional impact. 

3. Mixed Critical Reception
Overall critical ratings hover around 2.5 out of 5, with common criticisms pointing toward the predictable arc and lack of depth—but some still commend the youthful appeal and standout moments 

Verdict

Bubblegum is a sweet and vibrant watch, especially for viewers seeking youthful romance and visually engaging style. The leads breathe life into a class-crossed love story, and the music adds real charm. But keep in mind: if you're looking for a tightly woven, emotionally profound narrative, the film's uneven pacing and reliance on tropes might leave you wanting more.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)

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