Heads & Tales Review

'Heads & Tales' is now streaming on ZEE5. In this section, we are going to review the latest Telugu-language OTT release.

Story:

Almighty (played by Sunil) is interviewed by an enthusiastic individual about his ways. God tells him that he has scripted the lives of three women alike, while the screenplay is unique. Anisha (Sri Vidya Maharshi) is an upcoming actress whose boyfriend is toxic. Manga (Divya Sripada) is a married constable who is facing an issue with her debt-ridden, lower-middle-class husband. Sruthi (Chandini Rao) has her issues at home when she is at the cusp of starting a new life with an acquaintance. What unites these three lives? What is the underlying philosophy? Answers to these questions are found in the course of the film.

Analysis:

At about 80 minutes, the story of 'Heads & Tales' unfolds in one night. Anisha takes refuge in Manga when she needs protection from her abusive boyfriend. Manga doesn't behave like a selfless heroine but a human who is given to self-interest. Eventually, the two women get along well and discover their strengths. There is a male character who prods Manga to cash in on Anisha's plight.

The track involving the two women is the biggest highlight of the movie, which is directed by Sai Krishna Enreddy. Created and written by Sandeep Raaj of 'Colour Photo' fame, the web film doesn't cut corners. It adopts a light-veined treatment for the most part, reserving a small twist for the climax. Given the nature of the story, the proceedings could have easily become teary and too much to take. But the narration is kept at its minimalist self.

The men in the story don't overpower the story even when they are around. Despite the Almighty himself being a male person, there is no male gaze as such. The writing department shows awareness about the evolving mindsets in the entertainment space in terms of how female issues are portrayed. The conversation between the God and the interviewer in the climax needs to be followed with attention.

The film doesn't follow a routine structure. The stories that run in parallel are clear and don't disengage us, for there are at least 5 characters whose thoughts/motives we have to keep track with. The scenes don't overstay their welcome, even the divine element is allowed its sweet time to unfold in leisure and with brevity.

The performances are delightful. Divya Sripada speaks her lines with natural elan. Sri Vidya Maharshi is an asset. Chandini Rao is here to stay. Arun Pulavarthi as Manga's husband, Tharun as Anisha's boyfriend, Raghuram Sreepada as God's interviewer, Suma Tripurana as Sruthi's mother and the rest of the cast are good. Mani Sharma's music is engaging.

The second edition of 'Heads & Tales' will be released in 2022.

Verdict:

'Heads & Tales' is an enjoyable ride with a philosophical touch.