Movie: Sankranthiki Vasthunam
Rating: 2.75/5
Banner: Sri Venkateswara Creations
Cast: Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Upendra Limaye, Sai Kumar, Naresh, VT Ganesh, Prithviraj, Srinivas Avasarala
DOP: Sameer Reddy
Action: Real Sathish
Editor: Tammiraju
Production Designer: AS Prakash
Presented by: Dil Raju
Producer: Shirish
Screenplay and Directed by: Anil Ravipudi
Release Date: Jan 14, 2025
Victory Venkatesh and director Anil Ravipudi’s “Sankranthiki Vasthunam” has been generating significant buzz ever since its first song, “Godari Gattu,” went viral. The subsequent trailer and promotions by the lead actors have further amplified the already high expectations surrounding the film.
Let’s find out if the movie lives up to the hype and delivers on its promises.
Story:
A gang kidnaps Satya Akella (Srinivas Avasarala), the CEO of a global multinational firm, from the farmhouse of the ruling party president and Telangana Chief Minister, Keshav (Naresh).
Keshav instructs the police to keep the matter under wraps for a few days and assigns an efficient officer to ensure the CEO’s safe return.
Police officer Meenakshi (Meenakshi Chaudhary) decides to bring suspended DCP Yadagari Damodara Raju (Venkatesh) back into the force to lead the mission to rescue Satya Akella.
Raju, who was once Meenakshi's boyfriend, now leads a peaceful life with his wife, Bhagyam (Aishwarya Rajesh), and their four children in a village in the Godavari district.
The rest of the story follows Raju as he takes on the rescue mission, navigating the challenges posed by his wife and his ex-girlfriend.
Artistes’ Performances:
Venkatesh effortlessly portrays Raju, bringing his signature comedic timing and natural flair to the role, even in scenes where little happens.
Aishwarya Rajesh shines as a Godavari-region housewife, capturing the nuances of a jealous wife with finesse. Meenakshi Chaudhary fits perfectly in the role of a no-nonsense cop.
The young actor playing Venkatesh's son, obsessed with OTT content, provides some entertaining moments.
Upendra Limaye's Telugu debut is satisfactory, delivering a performance in line with his character's design.
VTV Ganesh offers sporadic laughs, while Sarvadaman Banerjee, as a school teacher, brings an emotional layer to an otherwise shallow plot.
Supporting actors Muralidhar Gowd, Naresh, Avasarala Srinivas, Pammi Sai, and Sai Kumar play their roles effectively, adding depth to the ensemble.
Technical Excellence:
These types of films may not prioritize technical brilliance, but cinematographer Sameer Reddy uses his extensive expertise to make it visually appealing with his skilled camera work.
However, the real highlight is music director Bheems, whose catchy tunes significantly enhance the film's appeal and work well on screen.
Highlights:
Comedy and entertaining portions
Bheems music
Venkatesh’s portrayal
Drawback:
Some comedy scenes are forced
Most of the scenes are silly
Analysis
Director Anil Ravipudi, who previously explored sentiment-driven action with Nandamuri Balakrishna in Bhagavanth Kesari, returns to his signature style of family-oriented comedies in Sankranthiki Vasthunam. To add a twist to his usual brand of family dramas, Ravipudi incorporates elements of crime, blending it with Venkatesh’s tried-and-tested formula of ‘illalu-priyaralu’ (wife-lover dynamics).
The triangular relationship between Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, along with a kidnapping subplot, introduces a fresh layer to the story. However, Ravipudi presents it in his typical style—prioritizing comedy over logic.
The film begins with the kidnapping of a multinational CEO and the Telangana government’s covert efforts to resolve it. The narrative then shifts to the Godavari district, where the comedy truly kicks off.
The entertaining sequences in Venkatesh and Aishwarya’s household generate plenty of laughs. While familiar, these moments remain enjoyable and engaging. Meenakshi’s arrival at Venkatesh’s house, the flashback of their relationship, and Aishwarya’s jealousy add pace and humor to the first half, making it breezy and lighthearted.
One standout aspect in the first half is the kid’s subplot, which humorously parodies Venkatesh’s expletive-laden web series Rana Naidu. The child even mocks Venkatesh’s dancing style with the witty dialogue, “Ollu kadapakunda shirt nalagakunda dance chestadu.”
The second half transitions into a mix of crime comedy and chase sequences, where Ravipudi struggles to maintain the film’s brisk pace. The narrative in this part becomes uneven, with fewer laughs and several forced moments.
While not as engaging as the first half, the second half isn’t entirely dull. Episodes like Sai Kumar’s “Peela Voice” and Aishwarya Rajesh’s Avakaya Mudda provide genuine laughs. However, the runtime feels excessive, and Sarvadaman Banerjee’s segment after the extended action scene seems unnecessary. The inclusion of a moral message in a film that openly disregards logic feels misplaced.
Overall, Sankranthiki Vasthunam is designed for festive viewing, as promoted by its makers. It unapologetically focuses on entertainment rather than plot or logic. Venkatesh’s impeccable comic timing, Ravipudi’s lighthearted narrative, and Bheems’ catchy soundtrack are its highlights. While not as enjoyable as F2, and despite a second half weighed down by forced elements, the film is still a worthwhile watch for the Sankranthi season.
Bottom Line: Fine Festival Stuff