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New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Firefly Movie Review: Vamshi Krishna's ode to Gen Z glows through its gaps
Firefly is not a film you watch for answers; it's one you experience for the questions it dares to ask—and sometimes, simply lets linger. Structurally experimental and often surreal, Vamshi Krishna's directorial debut is a confessional collage of a young man's fractured mind—one that teeters on the edge of breakdown and becoming. At the centre is Vivekananda, fondly called Vicky (Vamshi Krishna), a young man who returns home after years abroad, only to be met by sudden tragedy—the death of his parents (Achyuth Kumar and Sudharani)—and shortly after, he briefly goes into a coma. What follows is not your typical narrative arc. Instead, Firefly feels like memory itself: jagged, fragmented, and haunted by what could've been said or done. Vicky seeks not meaning but something more elusive—peace and the ability to sleep. To describe Vamshi Krishna's first outing—both in front of and behind the camera—he leaves a trail of clues, clearly signalling that this isn't mere storytelling; it's a study. The visuals speak in codes, the tone flirts with precision, but beneath it all lies a quiet case file on how Gen Z navigates the blur between breakdown and becoming. But will it cater to all? Director: Vamshi Krishna Cast: Vamshi Krishna, Rachana Inder, Achyuth Kumar, Sudharani, Sheetal Shetty, Anand Ninasam, and Chitkala Biradar The narrative unfolds in fragments, narrated by Vicky like pages torn from a personal journal. Upon waking from his coma, he steps into a world buzzing with advice from well-meaning but emotionally distant friends and family. He reluctantly moves into his Doddamma's house—a place offering more judgement than comfort. The alienation is tactile. His days are tightly regimented—meals on time, routines intact—but his emotional core remains hollowed out. In one situation, Vicky turns to paper—not as a diary or artistic outlet, but almost like a prescription. Whether he's sketching, scribbling, journaling, or even swallowing pills, it's a desperate search for sleep. He even provokes fights, hoping sheer exhaustion might bring relief. In one poignant moment, he cries for the first time in 195 days and says, 'If tears had colour, this would be a good painting.' Another scene that stands out is when Vicky imagines a device called the Time Machine—a curious metaphor for therapy, time travel, or self-reflection. Though ambitious in thought, it doesn't fully connect. His brief stint as a schoolteacher—arranged by a sympathetic uncle—ends after just one class. Grief, as portrayed here, refuses to be boxed into roles or timelines. Vicky is not ready for the world, and perhaps the world isn't ready for his version of grief either. While Firefly features an ensemble—relatives, support group attendees—they remain secondary, almost ornamental. The camera rarely strays from Vicky, which both strengthens and strains the narrative. Vamshi Krishna carries the film with sincerity and vulnerability, though the performance occasionally struggles to universalise Vicky's pain. Still, his dual role as actor-director is a commendable feat, especially for a debut. His sincerity is never in question. A fleeting cameo by Shivarajkumar brings a touch of lightness. The film's second half softens, taking on an indie-romantic hue. Vicky meets Neha (Rachana Inder) on a dating app—a girl rooted in the present and someone who believes in imperfection and presence. She confesses she isn't flawless, and neither is their connection. But what they share feels genuine. A visit to a farmhouse—a property quietly purchased by his father years ago—becomes another turning point. Away from the city, among fading memories and a quiet caretaker, Vicky begins to understand that healing doesn't mean forgetting. He learns not to 'move on' but to move with. Grief doesn't vanish—it reshapes. Vicky sheds the broken skin of his past and steps into a version of himself that chooses to smile, fight and live. The message is clear: 'Be kind to your mind. A smile is the best laughter—and the key.' Firefly is unafraid to show its protagonist stumbling. Vicky says the wrong things, walks away, comes back. His journey is messy, tangled, and far from linear, but that's what makes it real. The film allows space for imperfections and, in doing so, finds honesty in the chaos. Technically, Firefly complements its emotional tone. Charan Raj's music drifts between melancholy and fragile hope, while Abhilash Kalathi's cinematography captures the quiet turbulence of Vicky's mind. That said, not all choices land. Some segments feel overwritten; others, undercooked. The disjointed structure—though intentional—may alienate viewers seeking clarity. But in a film that's ultimately about a troubled mind trying to piece itself back together, that fragmentation is part of the point. Firefly stumbles. It fumbles. But it means well. And that heart—vulnerable, bruised, searching—is unmistakable. A film by Vamshi Krishna, still finding his voice, yet already with something to say. The film also marks the maiden production venture of Niveditha Shivarajkumar, who backs a cinema that dares to be different. In the end, Firefly lives up to its name—not a steady flame, but a flicker in the dark. Fleeting, imperfect, but illuminating just enough for the next step forward.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Firefly will be a very refreshing film for Kannada audience, say makers
Firefly is a script that is very special and close to my heart, says Vamshi Krishna , who made his debut as director and actor with the film, which released on April 24. 'We have taken several risks for Firefly, including breaking patterns with respect to both visuals and songs to deliver a refreshing film for the Kannada audience,' he says. 'It's a new-age film , but people of all age groups will be able to relate with the story of Vicky. The format might be fresh, but the emotions are same, which is the core content of the film. We have worked around it,' he adds. 'The film revolves around Vicky, who is in his 20s. He has gone through something in his life. The movie is about his journey, as he meets many people, and how he tries to overcome loneliness and grief,' says Niveditha Shivarajkumar , adding that rich production value has only added to the grandeur of the film. The film marks her debut as producer under the banner Shri Mutthu Cine Services. 'The film releasing yesterday, on grandpa's (veteran actor Dr Rajkumar) birthday was pure co-incidence, but a happy one. It's an emotional and an auspicious moment. I am really looking forward to see how the audience will accept this new-age film,' she adds. Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vamshi Krishna Interview: Firefly gave me ten years worth of experience in just two
For someone like Vamshi Krishna, stepping into the spotlight as a first-time director and lead actor in the latest Kannada film Firefly wasn't just a career move—it's the realisation of a long-standing dream. 'Every business comes with its own challenges. But cinema is something I've always dreamt of,' says Vamshi, who likens the ups and downs of the film industry to the stock market. 'You need patience. You ride the highs and lows, and when things start to rise, you hold on. That's how we made it here.' Though Vamshi is no stranger to the Kannada film industry, Firefly marks a major personal milestone: his directorial debut. But that wasn't always the plan for Vamshi. 'I initially wanted to be an actor,' he says. 'But no one rolls out a red carpet for you in this industry. I started as an assistant director on Maya Bazaar , and that's when I really connected with cinema. Eventually, I decided to take a leap.' He wrote the script for Firefly intending only to direct it. But when he couldn't find the right actor to fit the lead role, plans changed. 'I was looking for someone in their mid-twenties but couldn't find the right fit. That's when I asked the production house if I could do it myself. They watched my earlier short films and backed me completely. That's how I ended up directing and acting.' What makes Firefly stand out, Vamshi says, is its storytelling style and visual presentation. 'Any story, I believe, can be traced back to something like the Mahabharata. But how you tell it—that's where the difference lies. As a viewer, I always felt that Kannada films could use stronger visual storytelling. That became my focus.' At its heart, Firefly is a family drama that follows the journey of a young man, with a narrative that blends emotional depth and entertainment. 'I'm not claiming it's something entirely new,' he says modestly, while adding, 'but it's fresh in the way it's presented. It has a strong Gen Z energy—the way today's youth handle emotions like loneliness is different. Ten years ago, people had a millennial mindset. Today, things have evolved, and the film reflects that change.' Some elements of Firefly are deeply personal. 'There was a phase in my life when I felt stuck—like the world was moving on and I wasn't. I was trying to find producers for this film. Friends around me were growing in their careers, and I felt like I was just holding onto a script. That feeling shaped a big part of this story.' With a background in mechanical engineering, Vamshi knows what it means to go against the grain. 'It wasn't easy watching others succeed while I was still pitching my vision. But those experiences became the emotional backbone of Firefly .' Balancing acting and directing came with its own set of challenges. 'Direction needed a lot of prep. I had to think both behind the camera and in front of it. Convincing the team, answering questions, staying in character—it wasn't easy. I had to do more homework than a typical director. But I learnt so much in the process. As a director, I now know there's never full satisfaction—but that's what keeps you growing.' Firefly is produced by Niveditha Shivarajkumar under Muthu Creations, a banner closely tied to the legendary Rajkumar family. 'People said, 'You're lucky, but be careful—it's a Rajkumar banner and Niveditha's first production venture.' That brought responsibility,' Vamshi reflects. 'But it also motivated me. Shivanna (Shivarajkumar) gave me the best advice—just focus on the work. There's no shortcut.' He recalls his first narration at the family home. 'I was nervous. I had this whole intro planned. But Shivanna cut to the chase—'Tell me the story.' That focus was inspiring. I noticed a photo of him in an award, and it gave me strength, and I had the best support from the family, including the cast, crew and locations." Now, with the film out in theatres, Vamshi looks back at the journey with a quiet sense of achievement. ' Firefly gave me what might have taken ten years of experience in just two,' he says, adding," 'It's my journey, my risks, my dreams. And now, I just hope people feel the spark we tried to create.'
India Today
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Firefly review: A light-hearted Kannada film depicting complexities of depression
Depression, a touchy topic of discussion in India to this day, remains a risky subject to make a film on. Films discussing mental health have long been mostly dedicated to the 'multiplex' audience and have seldom seen monetary success unless presented under the bracket of a commercial entertainer. Will the audience appreciate a film if depression is presented in a way that is quirky, light-hearted, and innovative? Kannada film 'Firefly' attempts that, succeeds and how!advertisementVivekananda (Vamshi) is returning home to India from the USA after being away for four years. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, leaving him in a coma for three months, costing him his job. Sinking into depression, Vivekananda – or Vicky, as his close ones call him – is unable to sleep at night, which leaves him extremely irritable. At the same time, he must deal with his extended family and friends, who possess all the required qualities to trigger him at any around like a sleep-deprived ticking bomb, what shenanigans does Vicky get into? How deep is his depression? Can Vicky ever sleep peacefully? Is there something deeper hidden behind Vicky's problem? Where is the solution? The answers to these questions and more make up the plot of the While the plot summary might make this film seem as simple as it gets, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. The most impressive part about 'Firefly' is its innovative blend of technicalities and creative writing that delivers a never-before-seen experience in Kannada cinema. Vamshi Krishna's vision of doing something out of the ordinary has certainly succeeded in this Krishna, as a debutant director, shows great potential as a new-age filmmaker through 'Firefly'. His comfort with modern technology and affinity for a Western style of storytelling is evident. The director clearly seems to have taken inspiration from Hollywood filmmaker Wes Anderson and American musicals. Everything from the aspect ratio, to set designs, music and frame aesthetics in 'Firefly' evokes thoughts of 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', 'La La Land' and similar the lead actor, Vamshi Krishna displays grit but doesn't do enough for it to lead to glory. There seems to be a lack of range in his acting chops, which could potentially disengage viewers – particularly those who watch films for performances rather than technical prowess. The film treats depression in a light-hearted manner, and while the actor communicates the character's pain well enough to understand, it's not quite enough to feel as a film, is an absolutely impressive attempt, but it has its fair share of flaws. With a runtime of only 2 hours and 13 minutes, the film should have felt crisp and to the point – but that is not the case. The film presents a layered version of the seven stages of grief. The first half, representing shock, denial, anger and bargaining, had good pacing, without many loose scenes. The second half, however – dealing with depression, testing and acceptance – felt longer than it actually pacing in the second half, combined with a lack of comic relief to re-establish audience engagement, might be a drawback. With a strong performance from the leading actor and a screenplay that incorporated a little more comedy to appeal to mass pockets, this could have been the perfect entertainer across all age supporting cast – including Achyuth Kumar, Sudharani, Rachana Inder, Sheetal Shetty, Srivatsa, Moogu Suresh and others – have all done really well to adapt their performances to the quirky world created by Vamshi Krishna. Their work highlights Vicky's situation and brings out laughter, frustration, and relatability amongst viewers. Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar has a very adorable cameo in the film, and for the five minutes he was on screen, his charm lights up the Raj, Abhilash Kalathi and Suresh Arumugam hit it out of the park with the music and background score, cinematography and editing respectively. A special shout-out goes to production designer Varadaraj Kamat, whose aesthetic set designs heighten the film's visual appeal. The beautiful blend of these technical departments makes this film an interesting watch for cinema enthusiasts. Producer Niveditha Shiva Rajkumar's support in fully realising Vamshi's vision is also 'Firefly' is a successful attempt by a modern filmmaker to serve the audience with something beyond the ordinary. It also sheds light on a topic that remains taboo in areas beyond India's metro lines.'Firefly' is a Kannada film that is certainly worth a watch for its innovation and intent.3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Firefly'.
