Movie Name : Gandhi Tatha Chettu
Release Date : January 24, 2025
Cast : Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, Bhanu Prakash Kothala, Ananda Chakrapani, Nehal Anand Kumkuma, Rag Mayur etc.
Director : Padmavathi Malladi
Music Director : Ree
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
In the sugarcane-farming village of Rangampeta, Telangana, Ramachandraiah (Anand Chakrapani), a devoted Gandhian, raises his granddaughter Gandhi (Sukruthi Veni) with values rooted in non-violence and compassion. Trouble strikes when the local sugar factory shuts down, leaving the villagers in financial turmoil.
Amid the crisis, Satish (Rag Mayur) arrives with a proposal to establish a chemical factory and urges the villagers to sell their lands. Many agree, driven by desperation, but Ramachandraiah stands firm, refusing to part with his land or allow the felling of a tree he planted in Mahatma Gandhi’s honor.
The situation intensifies when Ramachandraiah’s son insists on selling the land to ease their financial struggles, leading to heated arguments. Grieving over the possibility of losing the tree and the values it symbolizes, Ramachandraiah passes away, but not before making Gandhi promise to protect the tree at all costs.
How does Gandhi fulfill her grandfather’s dying wish? What steps does she take to stop the chemical factory from taking root in the village? And how does she rally the villagers together through the Gandhian path of non-violence? Experience this inspiring tale of courage and values unfold on the big screen.
Review:
Sukriti Veni Bandreddi makes a remarkable first impression in her acting debut, winning hearts with her natural charm and sincere performance. Her relatable character is brought to life through expressive body language and flawless dialogue delivery. Sukriti’s ability to convey intricate emotions with subtlety adds depth to her role, making her debut both memorable and impactful.
Anand Chakrapani excels as the grandfather, portraying Gandhian values with authenticity and emotional depth. His performance brings gravitas to the narrative, leaving a lasting impression.
Lavanya and Raghuram, who play Gandhi’s parents, deliver genuine and heartfelt performances. Their warmth and realistic portrayals make their characters deeply relatable, enhancing the emotional core of the story.
Bhanu Prakash and Nehal Anand add vibrancy and humor as Gandhi’s friends. Their comic timing and playful moments provide a refreshing contrast to the emotional intensity, balancing the film’s tone beautifully.
Rag Mayur delivers a stylish and confident performance as the company owner. While his presence is impactful, a more layered and nuanced approach to his role could have made his character even more compelling.
Gandhi Tatha Chettu, directed by Padmavathi Malladi, delivers a deeply emotional narrative that seamlessly blends Gandhian principles with powerful storytelling. The plot centers on a factory owner attempting to acquire village lands through manipulation, a theme that could feel familiar. However, Malladi’s careful infusion of emotion and Gandhian ideals elevates the film, offering a fresh and impactful experience.
While there are minor cinematic liberties and a few implausible scenes, these do not detract from the overall strength of the film. The emotional depth of the story and the values it portrays make these flaws easy to overlook.
The dialogues are thoughtfully written, with the Telangana dialect adding an authentic touch to the characters and their surroundings. Ree’s music and background score complement the emotional tone of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The cinematography by Viswa Devabattula and Srijitha Cheruvupalli is visually captivating, especially in its portrayal of the village setting and the symbolic tree, which adds significant emotional depth to the story. The production values are commendable, supporting the narrative without overshadowing it.
Gandhi Tatha Chettu tells a heartfelt story of Gandhian values and environmental conservation through the struggles of a rural family. While its slow pace and niche appeal may not attract all audiences, Sukrithi Veni’s strong performance and the film’s sincere message make it a thought-provoking, one-time watch.
