Operation Valentine Review: Telugu cinema delivers a thrilling dose of patriotism and high-stakes action with the release of Operation Valentine. Varun Tej takes center stage as Wing Commander Arjun Dev, a skilled and dedicated Indian Air Force pilot. He’s joined by Manushi Chhillar in her Telugu debut, who plays an IAF officer and Arjun’s love interest. Directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, this historical drama takes inspiration from the very real events surrounding the 2019 Pulwama attack and India’s retaliatory Balakot airstrikes.
The Story of Operation Valentine Movie
Wing Commander Arjun Dev, known as Rudra, is a man haunted by a past mission. The loss of his friend Kabir (Navdeep) during Project Vajra forces him to step away from his duties. But when a deadly militant attack in Srinagar reveals Pakistan’s involvement, the Indian Air Force gears up for a calculated response. Operation Valentine delves into the true bravery and dedication of the armed forces, showcasing the events that unfolded during a critical moment in history.
Operation Valentine Review
Positive Points
Varun Tej deserves praise for his bold choice in films. He brings a sense of authenticity and dedication to his portrayal of Wing Commander Arjun Dev. This is a role he fits seamlessly into. Making her mark in Telugu cinema, Manushi Chhillar convincingly plays an IAF officer and Arjun Dev’s love interest. She delivers her best within the context of her role.
The aerial action sequences, especially in the second half, are genuinely exciting. The film does a decent job of capturing the adrenaline and patriotism of these moments.
Negative Points
While Operation Valentine movie touches on powerful themes, it could have delivered a greater emotional punch. Scenes surrounding the terror attack and its fallout lack a heart-wrenching depth that could have truly resonated with viewers. The first half had plenty of room to showcase the IAF’s capabilities.
Instead, it gets bogged down by romantic scenes between the leads, which feel out of place in this narrative. Actors like Ali Reza, Paresh Pahuja, and Ruhani Sharma had the potential to add more emotional weight to this patriotic story, but their characters feel underutilized.
Technical Aspects
Shakti Pratap Singh Hada shows potential as a director, but the film would have benefited from a tighter narrative. A streamlined story would have made Operation Valentine a truly gripping experience. Sai Madhav Burra’s dialogue is serviceable but could have packed a greater punch, especially considering the emotionally-charged themes the film tackles.
Hari K Vedantam’s work behind the camera stands out, visually capturing the intensity of the story. While Mickey J Meyer’s music is okayish, the film would have benefited from a truly memorable background score to underscore pivotal moments.
Verdict
Operation Valentine movie is a well-intentioned aerial action film that highlights the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces. Although it has its strengths, including a solid lead performance from Varun Tej and well-executed action sequences, the film could have benefited from a more emotionally resonant approach and a tighter narrative.
Amazon Prime Video has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights of this Varun Tej starrer and Read more at Telugu Movies OTT Release Dates 2024 | Upcoming Telugu Digital Release Dates.
Trendraja Rating: 3/5
