Operation Valentine | Movie Review

Star Cast: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar, Paresh Pahuja, Ruhani Sharma, Mir Sarwar, Vaibhav Tatwawadi & others
Director: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada
Language: Telugu & Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐(2/5)

Synopsis:
“Operation Valentine” follows the story of Ahaana Gill (Manushi Chhillar), a command center officer, and Arjun Dev, aka Rudra (Varun Tej), a fighter pilot. Despite their marital status, Ahaana and Rudra constantly clash due to Rudra’s reckless attitude, especially regarding protocols and revenge. When a terrorist attack strikes Srinagar, resulting in the loss of 40 Indian security forces, India plans a retaliatory mission, with Rudra, Ahaana, and their comrades at the forefront.

Review:
“Operation Valentine” attempts to depict India’s response to the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot Airstrike, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. While the premise holds promise, the execution lacks innovation and fails to engage the audience effectively. The film suffers from a lack of focus, with subplots overshadowing the main storyline, leading to a disjointed narrative that struggles to maintain momentum.

The first half of the film feels muddled, with excessive emphasis on the romantic subplot between Manushi and Varun, detracting from the urgency of the central plot. The attempt to provide backstory to the characters feels forced and fails to resonate with the audience. Moreover, the film’s portrayal of patriotism borders on jingoism, lacking the nuance and depth found in more successful patriotic films.

The technical aspects of the film, including cinematography and VFX, are underwhelming, further detracting from the overall viewing experience. The visual effects appear artificial, diminishing the impact of crucial scenes. While Varun Tej delivers a charismatic performance as Rudra, his portrayal lacks depth, especially in emotional scenes. Manushi Chhillar fails to leave a significant impression despite her substantial role, and other supporting actors deliver mediocre performances.

Director Shakti Pratap Singh Hada fails to infuse the film with the necessary conviction and energy, resulting in a lackluster narrative that fails to resonate with the audience. The background score is overpowering at times, detracting from the on-screen action, and the music fails to leave a lasting impact.

Verdict:
“Operation Valentine” struggles to soar despite its ambitious premise. With a disjointed narrative, lackluster performances, and uninspired direction, the film fails to deliver on its promise. While it attempts to tackle an important subject, its reliance on tired tropes and jingoistic themes ultimately undermines its impact. Overall, “Operation Valentine” is a missed opportunity that fails to leave a lasting impression.