‘Arjuna Phalguna’: Let down by a weak story

Sree Vishnu’s performance is good, but the crime comedy has little else to keep viewers engaged

Director Teja Marni, who debuted with Telugu film Johar (2020), chooses a crime-comedy for his second outing. The opening scene explains the meaning of the title Arjuna Phalguna. No, Phalguna isn’t Arjuna’s surname. Through an anecdote that has a mythological significance, every time the protagonist is in trouble and needs strength and courage, he utters ‘Arjuna Phalguna’, then all is well.

A childhood episode becomes the prelude to establishing the character of Arjuna (Sree Vishnu), who is a good-hearted young man who helps his near and dear ones in distress but is considered a wastrel. Among his group of friends is a girl (Amritha Iyer) whom he’s romantically inclined towards. They are all a source of worry for their poor and ageing parents.

The group of friends take up a business of transporting ganja, expecting the commission to clear their monetary problems. The conflict arises when they finish their job and take their cut but realise that the bag actually has bundles of currency. They snatch the bag and run.