Cast: Vinoth Kishan, Anusha Krishna, Rithika Srinivas, Jagan Yogi Raj, Anusha Nootal, Ganesh Tipparaju, Naren Yadav, and others.
Directed by: Neelagiri Mammilla
Music by: Smaran Sai
Cinematography: Haricharan K.
Editing: Srujan Adusumilli, Hamza Ali
Producer: Rakesh Varre
Production Company: Crazy Ants Productions
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Starring Vinoth Kishan and Anusha Krishna, the film ‘Peka Medalu‘ was produced by Crazy Ants Productions. Directed by Neelagiri Mammilla, the movie made its way to the audience on July 19th. Did the film manage to captivate its audience? Let’s find out.
Plot
Lakshman (Vinoth Kishan) and Varalakshmi (Anusha Krishna) reside in a slum along the Musi River. Despite holding an engineering degree, Lakshman remains unemployed, spending his days dreaming of striking it rich by dealing in real estate. Meanwhile, Varalakshmi shoulders the family’s financial responsibilities. During this period, Lakshman encounters Shweta (Rithika Srinivas), an American investor searching for real estate opportunities. Attempting to capitalize on this, Lakshman masquerades as a wealthy investor. He even exploits his wife’s name to secure loans from the local community. The plot thickens when Varalakshmi discovers his deceit. What actions does she take? How does Shweta’s husband respond to Lakshman’s schemes? And do Lakshman’s lofty ambitions ever materialize? For the answers, one must visit the theaters.
Performances
This is Tamil actor Vinoth Kishan’s first direct film in Telugu. He fits well into the role of Lakshman, convincingly playing the part of a husband wasting time building castles in the air. On the other hand, Anusha Krishna excels as Varalakshmi, portraying the struggles of a middle-class wife with natural ease. Rithika Srinivas also delivers a solid performance as the NRI lady. The movie primarily revolves around these three characters. Other actors in the film also impress within their roles.
Direction
Director Neelagiri Mammilla has attempted to showcase the lives of the impoverished in the slums of Hyderabad through this film. ‘Peka Medalu’ conveys that just like the castles in the air, the lives of those who believe in them are similarly intangible. The film depicts how the circumstances in the slums lead children astray while also infusing humor to carry the middle and lower-class emotions. Furthermore, the director has made efforts to portray women’s empowerment, suggesting that nothing is impossible with hard work. The first half of the movie flows smoothly, though the second half feels a bit dragged. However, the scenes from the pre-climax to the end title elevate the film to another level. The absence of commercial elements, a routine story, and some scenes feeling repetitive are drawbacks of the movie.
Technically
On the technical front, the music is good. The editor could have been sharper, especially in making some scenes in the second half crisper. The cinematography is commendable, and the production values are high, giving even this small-scale film a rich look.
Plus Points
– Performances by the main cast
– Narrative and screenplay
– Messaging
Minus Points
– Routine story
– Lack of commercial elements
