An adolescent character curiously named ‘lipstick spoiler’ Lokesh keeps harping on the importance of connecting with the youth. He knows that torn jeans are a fashion statement and that videos of charming rural love stories will pique the interest of smartphone users. The predominantly young cast and crew of the Telugu film Mem Famous, which introduces more than 40 newcomers to Telugu cinema, aims to nail this youthful vibe in the narrative. Sumanth Prabhas, debuting as actor, writer and director, narrates a coming-of-age story of three young men who go from being wastrels to finding purpose in their lives. It is a familiar story packed with old tropes, heavily relying on the lived-in depiction of the rural Telangana lifestyle to work its magic. And, Mem Famous succeeds partially.
Mem Famous (Telugu)
Cast: Sumanth Prabhas, Mani Aegurla and Mourya Chowdary
Direction: Sumanth Prabhas
Music: Kalyan Nayak
Storyline: Three carefree young men in rural Telangana find a purpose in life but realise that growing up isn’t easy
Mahesh or Mai (Sumanth Prabhas), Baali or Balakrishna and Durga have been friends since childhood. They while away their time and have a knack for landing themselves in embarrassing squabbles. The villagers think of them as headaches and their parents, too, have nearly given up on them. A fun-packed opening episode establishes the nature of the happy-go-lucky friends who think they can get past any sticky situation with easy banter.
