‘Don’t Trouble The Trouble’ movie review: Fahadh Faasil and Ssara Palekar carry this uneven drama

Don’t Trouble The Trouble, written and directed by Shashank Yeleti, marks Fahadh Faasil’s first Telugu film as a solo lead. The film is an example of what it could have been versus what it actually is. Aiming to appeal to children and the childlike in adults, it makes for an easy watch without violence or gore. Some genuinely funny moments had children and adults in the hall cheering, but the narrative also has stretches that offer little excitement.

The three principal actors — Fahadh Faasil, child actor Ssara Palekar and the adorable beagle Snoopy — are fantastic. Shashank has some fun ideas, from Aladdin and his magic lamp to an invisible character seen only by two characters and spells that should appeal to Potterheads. But not all of these ideas translate into an immersive experience.

Don’t Trouble The Trouble ends up as a partially enjoyable film that does not quite realise its potential to be the full-on, fun children’s film we don’t get often.

The story follows Suri (Fahadh Faasil), an ambulance driver who will go to any length to make quick money, without much remorse. The opening episode establishes what he is capable of. He does not care about the consequences of his rash driving, always has a trick up his sleeve, and even puts his closest friend’s safety at risk to make more money. Why does he resort to shortcuts? There are not enough answers. He is a grey character without the usual sob-story justification. That isn’t necessarily a problem, but the dull stretches that follow are.

The entire Old City episode around Charminar is populated by stock characters, including those played by Mahesh Manjrekar and his team. Even when Suri is pushed against the wall and has to make money within a short time, there is little sense of urgency or danger, thanks to the caricaturish goons and lame situations built around them.

The film gathers momentum when Suri meets Divya (Ssara Palekar) and her dog, Snoopy. The pre-interval episode is a riot, with all three delivering their best acts in the film, aided by Kaala Bhairava’s music and the technical team. If only the portions leading up to this had been interesting enough. This is also when the film raises the stakes.

The film soon meanders before reaching its core plot — finding Divya’s parents. The police are on the trail, a relative wants answers, a child finds herself in a strange situation, and Suri is cornered and, for the first time, fearful of what he is up against. Some of these arcs work well, while others feel stretched as the magic tricks become repetitive. When an innovative suspension of disbelief is used too often, it inevitably loses its hold.

Don’t Trouble The Trouble was shot across Hyderabad in real locations, adding to its authenticity. The cinematography by Brad Francis, Rama Rajamouli’s costume design, and the production design by Mohan Nath Bingi and Sandeep Suvarna stay true to the milieu of Suri’s modest home and the people he encounters.

Fahadh Faasil and Ssara Palekar carry the film. As the story begins to explore the bond between them, Fahadh is convincing in portraying Suri’s change of heart. His Telugu diction can occasionally be distracting, though it also adds authenticity for cinephiles who have followed his Malayalam and Tamil films over the years. Ssara’s performance balances childlike innocence with the maturity the role demands. She is a terrific find, and it will be interesting to see what she takes on next.

Towards the end, the film takes a melodramatic turn, but it completes Suri’s character arc. It contrasts with the opening portions while providing emotional closure for both him and Divya and cementing the bond they have developed.

Don’t Trouble The Trouble has its heart in the right place and entertains in parts. What it needed was a little more magic in the writing.