Operation Valentine Review: A Watchable Aerial Action Drama with Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar

Movie Title: Operation Valentine
Release Date: March 01, 2024
Starring: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar, Navdeep, Ruhani Sharma, Paresh Pahuja, Shataf Figar, Sampath, Ali Reza, and others.
Director: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada
Producers: Sony Pictures International and Sandeep Mudda
Music Director: Mickey J Meyer
Cinematographer: Hari K Vedantam
Editor: Navin Nooli
Related Links: Trailer

Mega Prince Varun Tej takes on the lead in Tollywood’s groundbreaking aerial action thriller, Operation Valentine. Released today, the film promises a unique cinematic experience. Dive into our review to uncover the verdict.

Synopsis: Arjun Dev (Varun Tej), an esteemed Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, undergoes immense loss during the trial of Project Vajra when his friend Kabir (Navdeep) meets a tragic fate. Years later, as Arjun reengages with the project as a test pilot, a terrorist attack rocks Srinagar, prompting a strategic retaliation plan by the IAF against Pakistan. Amidst the chaos, the narrative unfolds, intertwining the threads of Arjun’s journey, the significance of Project Vajra, and the enigmatic connection of Aahna Gill (Manushi Chhillar) to the unfolding events.

Highlights: Varun Tej shines in his portrayal of Arjun Dev, infusing the character with depth and authenticity, while Manushi Chhillar makes a noteworthy Telugu debut, adding a fresh perspective to the narrative.

The film’s aerial combat sequences in the latter half capture attention, invoking a sense of patriotism and thrill.

The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative.

Drawbacks: While Operation Valentine offers moments of brilliance, certain segments falter in maintaining engagement, impacting the overall viewing experience.

The portrayal of the terrorist attack and its aftermath lacks the emotional intensity required to fully immerse the audience in the narrative.

The initial half of the film, despite its potential to showcase the prowess of the IAF, gets bogged down by unnecessary romantic subplots.

Technical Analysis: Director Shakti Pratap Singh Hada’s vision falls slightly short of achieving a consistently engaging narrative, with pacing issues hindering the film’s momentum.

Dialogue by Sai Madhav Burra could have been more resonant, particularly in evoking patriotic sentiments, while Hari K Vedantam’s cinematography stands out as a highlight.

Although Mickey J Meyer’s musical compositions are praiseworthy, missed opportunities limit the impact of his score on the overall experience.

Editor Navin Nooli’s interventions could have streamlined the narrative further, while enhanced VFX would have added to the film’s realism.

Verdict: Operation Valentine offers a decent blend of aerial action and drama, anchored by strong performances from its leads. Despite its shortcomings, it presents an entertaining option for audiences seeking a thrilling cinematic experience.