‘ELLA’ REVIEW | 8 November, 2024

Parashuland Films’ Ella (UA) is the story of a nine-year-old girl who goes missing from her home. She takes a tortoise with her. The tortoise is said to be worth Rs. 1.50 crore. As soon as this news becomes public, the girl is chased by cops and criminals and even tantriks and politicians. What happens finally?

Roshan Fernandes has written a story and screenplay, which appear quite implausible. The drama, therefore, never really appeals much to the audience. It appears more like a fairy tale. Roshan Fernandes’ dialogues are routine.

Makarand Deshpande is okay. Isha Talwar does a fair job. Saranya Sharma has her moments but not consistently so. Shivangi Mehra passes muster. Riya Chanda is so-so. Kishor Kumar, Vikram Shetty, Jainish Mehta, Thammana Shetty, Shakeel Sayni, Mahil Singh, Manish Sharma, Sharan Bhat, Joy Bhattacharya and Barkha Saxena lend routine support.

Roshan Fernandes’ direction is ordinary. B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music and background score are nothing to dance about. Mandar Pathak’s lyrics are okay. Jerin James does an average job of the camerawork. Chetan Kulal and Yash Acharya’s art direction is functional. Shantanu Dutt’s editing is loose.

On the whole, Ella is a dull fare.

Released on 8-11-’24 at Movie Time Goregaon (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Platoon One Distribution. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.