"Arya" Hindi Movie Review.

"Arya"

Hindi Movie Review.

"Arya" is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language romantic action comedy that marked the directorial debut of Sukumar. Produced by Dil Raju under the Sri Venkateswara Creations banner, the film stars Allu Arjun, Anu Mehta, and Siva Balaji. With music composed by Devi Sri Prasad and cinematography by R. Rathnavelu, "Arya" blends romance, action, and humor into a story that resonates with a wide audience. The film follows the character Arya, a free-spirited and outgoing young man, who falls in love with Geetha, an introverted girl already entangled in a complicated relationship with another man, Ajay.

Released on May 7, 2004, "Arya" received a warm reception, both critically and commercially. It quickly became a success at the box office and garnered a cult following. The film was so popular that it led to a Malayalam dubbed version in 2006 and inspired remakes, such as "Badha" in Bengali and "Kutty" in Tamil. In 2009, a spiritual sequel titled "Arya 2" was released, which further cemented the legacy of the original film.

The story begins with Geetha, a college student, on a trip to Kanyakumari. During her visit to the beach, she stumbles upon a diary with a poem inside, which resonates with her. She signs it, wishing that the poet finds success in love. A curious event follows when Geetha’s anklet falls into the ocean, and a mysterious man jumps into the water to retrieve it. Although the man disappears without resurfacing in front of her, Geetha is haunted by the incident, believing that the man has drowned. This event lingers in her thoughts, as she frequently dreams about it.

In the present, Geetha is a student in Vishakhapatnam. She catches the attention of Ajay, a spoiled and arrogant classmate who is the son of a powerful politician, MP Avataram. Ajay is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. When Geetha rejects his romantic advances, he resorts to emotional blackmail, threatening to jump from the top of the college building if she doesn't accept his proposal. Fearing responsibility for another potential death, Geetha reluctantly agrees to date him, even though her heart isn't truly in it. This relationship is the result of coercion rather than love, a theme that runs through the film.

Enter Arya, a carefree and spirited young man. Arya immediately falls in love with Geetha upon seeing her for the first time while she is under the duress of Ajay’s blackmail. In contrast to Ajay’s forceful methods, Arya is charming and respectful, expressing his love for Geetha without any demands or expectations. His happy-go-lucky personality and sincerity form the backbone of the story's romantic arc.

As the plot unfolds, Ajay’s father, Avataram, organizes a party to introduce Geetha to his family. At the event, Avataram suddenly announces that Ajay will be marrying another woman, Lalasa, whom he has already chosen as his son’s bride. Despite Ajay’s prior relationship with Geetha, he finds himself helpless against his father's authority. Feeling defeated, Ajay is forced to comply with his father's decision, leaving Geetha heartbroken.

However, Arya, ever the selfless romantic, steps in to help Geetha and Ajay elope. This act shows the depth of Arya's love—he wants Geetha to be happy, even if it means helping her be with someone else. As the couple escapes, they are pursued by Avataram’s henchmen. In a thrilling sequence, Arya, Ajay, and Geetha find refuge in a train, evading capture. But their troubles don’t end there.

In a dramatic turn of events, Avataram’s henchmen eventually catch up with them. Arya, however, proves to be more than just a romantic hero—he bravely fights off the goons, risking his life to protect Geetha and Ajay. His courage and dedication to Geetha’s well-being become clear, setting him apart from Ajay, who remains largely passive during the confrontation.

The trio soon finds themselves in Arya’s hometown, where they take shelter. The dynamic between Arya and Geetha deepens during their time together. As they grow closer, Geetha begins to see Arya in a new light, realizing that he truly loves her without expecting anything in return. Unlike Ajay, who manipulated her emotions, Arya’s love is pure and selfless.

Geetha’s realization comes to a head when she discovers that Arya was the man who dove into the sea to retrieve her anklet during her trip to Kanyakumari. This revelation changes everything for her—Arya had been part of her life long before Ajay, and his love for her had always been genuine. Meanwhile, Ajay’s shallow and possessive behavior further alienates him in her eyes.

As the film reaches its climax, Geetha is faced with a choice. On the day of her wedding to Ajay, she reflects on her relationships with both men. She finally understands that while Ajay only wanted to possess her, Arya’s love was about making her happy, even at his own expense. In a moment of clarity, she leaves the wedding hall, rushes to Arya, and confesses her love for him. 

The film concludes with a symbolic gesture, as Arya successfully throws a stone into a plastic cup, signifying that his love has triumphed. This ending beautifully encapsulates the theme of the film—true love is not about possession or control, but about selflessness and devotion.

"Arya" is more than just a love story. It’s a film that explores the complexities of relationships, the nature of love, and the difference between genuine affection and possessiveness. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Arya earned him widespread acclaim and marked a turning point in his career. Sukumar’s direction, combined with Devi Sri Prasad’s energetic soundtrack and R. Rathnavelu’s striking cinematography, made "Arya" a defining film in Telugu cinema. It remains a beloved classic that continues to be appreciated for its unique narrative, memorable characters, and heartwarming message about the true meaning of love.