7:11 PM Movie Review: An ambitious sci-fi thriller with untapped potential

Story: Ravi, an aspiring IPS officer, is in love with Vimala (Deepika Reddy) and engages in risky activities for the betterment of his town, Hamsaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when extraterrestrial beings arrive in town with a mysterious mission. What is the significance of 7:11 PM? Who wants to harm the Hamsaladeevi?

Review: Directed by Chaitu Madala, 7:11 PM ambitiously blends sci-fi elements, romance, and a financial scandal set in the town of Hamsaladeevi, Andhra Pradesh, during the year 1999. Despite its grand aspirations and the makers’ ambitious attempt, the movie only partially succeeds. While it effectively captures the essence of its picturesque locations, it falls short of delivering a truly engaging experience. The film’s screenplay could have been better and suffers from pacing issues. Despite its limited resources, the film manages to impress with its production design, effectively capturing the essence of Hamsaladeevi and the contrasting beauty of Melbourne, where a significant portion of the story unfolds. The meticulous attention to detail by the production team elevates the film’s overall quality, lending a touch of grandeur to the narrative. However, the leisurely unfolding of events consumes significant screen time, hindering the film’s overall impact.

Saahas Pagadala shines as Ravi Prasad, the aspiring IPS officer, anchors the film with a commendable performance. His sincerity and commitment to the role are evident throughout the story. Deepika Reddy portrays Vimala decently, providing a good support to the narrative. Tess Walsh as Sarah also delivers an excellent performance, complementing the cast. Louie Athanasiou, Bharat Reddy, Raghu Karumanchi, Rising Raju, Charan Kurugonda, Bharat Reddy, Naveen Prathipati, and others do justice to their respective roles.

On a technical level, the film impresses with visually appealing aesthetics. Cinematographers Siva Shankar Varman and Fabio Capodivento skillfully capture the essence of both local and foreign locations, providing a visual feast. Gyaani’s music, while passable, fails to leave a lasting impact. The editing, solid in the first half, falters in the second half, disrupting the film’s overall flow.

Overall, 7:11 PM presents an interesting premise but suffers from poor execution. It is advisable to approach the film with tempered expectations, appreciating its potential but acknowledging its shortcomings.