First Time Movie Review: Sci-Fi Fantasy Packed With Visual Grandeur & Suspense
Director Hemanth Ippalapalli blends futuristic storytelling, emotional drama and grand VFX visuals while Akhil Sarthak and Saurabh Dhingra impress with strong performances.
‘First Time’ is a film Produced under the banner of Hemanth Arts, and Hemanth Ippalapalli penned the story and served as both director and producer. Crafted on a modest budget yet boasting high technical values, it has been filmed as one of India’s largest and most prestigious VFX-driven movies.
The film introduces Saurabh Dhingra as the lead actor, while ‘Bigg Boss’ fame Akhil Sarthak plays the second lead and Anicka Vikramman stars as the female lead. Other key roles are portrayed by Mime Gopi, Shiva, Bhuoopal Raju, Gayathri Gupta, Annapurnamma, Ajay Rathnam, and Dhee Pandu. Sri Venkat composed the music, while Venu Muralidhar and Ram served as the cinematographers.
Story :
The film begins in the year 2304 AD, featuring aliens. The story explores how the current era Kali Yugam ended and how a brand-new Indian world was created. The humans of that future timeline explain past events to the aliens, revealing how a pure-hearted woman sparked the beginning of this new creation.
The main conflict revolves around the heroine, Anikka Vikraman. Three men—her cousin Bhupal Raju, Shiva Kumar, and Akhil Sarthak—all try to forcefully claim her. The rest of the movie uncovers how she escapes from them, how she meets the hero (Saurabh Dhingra), and exactly how the new world comes into existence.
Actors Performance :
Saurabh Dhingra delivers a solid and convincing performance in his very first movie. Anikka Vikraman stands out as a special attraction with her great acting and screen presence.
Bhupal Raju, Shiva Kumar, and Akhil Sarthak fit perfectly into their respective roles. Veteran actors like Mime Gopi, Ajay Ratnam, Annapurnamma, and Gayatri Gupta bring extra depth to the film.
Technical Aspects :
Director Hemant Ippalapalli proudly states that he made this ambitious film using “Human Intelligence” (HI) rather than relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Even with a low budget, the movie does not compromise on its high technical standards. Drawing from his past experience in visual effects, the director delivers grand and impressive visuals. The cinematography by Venu Muralidhar and Ram is excellent, and the background score by Sri Venkat perfectly matches the mood of the film.
Plus Points : Strong acting performances, good music, grand visuals, and thrilling suspense in the second half.
Minus Points : A few scenes in the first half feel a bit lag.
Final Verdict : A new-age movie backed by strong technical values.
THE SOUTH INDIA TIMES REVIEW
THE SOUTH INDIA TIMES REVIEW & RATING: 3.5/5.
