X & Y

By Susmita Sameera

This is the story of a soul yet to be born. Restless in the celestial realm, it longs to take birth on Earth. The soul repeatedly pleads with the Creator, who explains that he can only be born when XX (female) meets XY (male) — his destined parents. However, his father has yet to meet his mother, so the wait is long. Moved by the soul’s persistence, the Creator grants him an exception: a short visit to Earth for three nights and four days, during which he can help bring his future parents together.

From the title card itself, the film draws you in with an engaging introduction to its characters and concept. Kreede (Satya Prakash), who runs “Ambu Auto” — an ambulance auto — is a cheerful man who spreads positivity despite financial struggles and difficulty finding a bride. He lives with his elder sister (Harini) and brother-in-law (Sunder Veena).

On the other side is Krupa (Brinda Acharya), a fiery woman who cannot tolerate injustice or bad behaviour. Her mother (Veena Sunder) and grandfather (Doddanna) are eager to see her married and settled.

To bring Kreede and Krupa together arrives the soul of their future child — in the body of a madman (Atharva Prakash). Ayaana as Asha, a terminally ill patient, adds emotional depth to the narrative.

As the film progresses, it begins to lose momentum. What starts as a unique and imaginative concept gradually shifts into emotional drama, weighed down by too many subplots and serious moments. The emotional transitions — from light-hearted scenes to intense struggles like illness, family conflict, and the harshness of life — feel uneven. The film clearly tries to convey something meaningful, but with so much happening at once, it’s hard to stay fully engaged. The climax feels rushed and fails to offer a satisfying conclusion to a story that began with such promise.

This is the fourth film by Satya Prakash, known for Rama Rama Re, where he blends fantasy with real-life themes. The film touches on comedy, drama, and emotion, and is backed by good performances and technically well-executed elements that suit the story’s requirements. If you’re open to an experimental family drama that dares to be different, this one might be worth a try.