
This week, smaller films are set to take center stage at the box office. With the highly anticipated Pushpa 2 slated for release next week, no major films are hitting theaters this week. Meanwhile, recent blockbuster hits are ready to stream on OTT platforms, and exciting web series are lined up for release. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store.



Movies Releasing in Theaters



Roti Kapada Romance



Starring Harsha Narra, Sandeep Saroj, Tarun, Supraj Ranga, Sonu Thakur, Meghalekha, and Khushboo Chaudhary, Roti Kapada Romance is a youthful entertainer directed by Vikram Reddy. Produced by Bekkam Venugopal and Srujan Kumar, this film faced multiple delays but is finally set to release. It will hit the screens on November 28, making it the only direct Telugu release this week.







Miss You



Featuring popular actor Siddharth and Kannada beauty Ashika Ranganath, this romantic-action film directed by N. Rajasekhar will release in both Tamil and Telugu on November 29. The trailer and teaser have already created considerable buzz around the film.







Bhairathi Ranagal



Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar’s latest action thriller, Bhairathi Ranagal, which already garnered positive reviews in Kannada, is now set to entertain Telugu audiences. Directed by Narthan and featuring Rahul Bose, Rukmini Vasanth, and Devaraj, the film will release on November 29.







Movies Streaming on OTT



Ka



Starring Kiran Abbavaram, Ka emerged as a blockbuster and achieved the highest box office collections of the actor’s career. It will start streaming on ETV Win from November 28. Released during Diwali on October 31, the film has crossed ₹50 crore in box office collections.







Lucky Bhaskar



Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary’s Lucky Bhaskar, directed by Venky Atluri, will stream on Netflix from November 28. Available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, the film, which was a Diwali release, grossed over ₹100 crore, marking a milestone in Dulquer’s career.







TitleCategoryLanguagePlatformRelease DateBloody BeggarMovieTelugu/TamilAmazonNov 29Sikandar Ka MuqaddarMovieHindiNetflixNov 29The TrunkMovieKoreanNetflixNov 29Our Little SecretMovieEnglishNetflixNov 27Find Me In ParisMovieEnglishNetflixNov 28The Snow SisterMovieEnglishNetflixNov 29The MadnessMovieEnglishNetflixNov 28ParachuteSeriesTelugu/TamilNetflixNov 29VikatakaviSeriesTeluguZee 5Nov 28Divorce Ke Liye Kuch Bhi KaregaSeriesHindiZee 5Nov 29Krishnam Pranaya SakhiMovieTelugu/ KannadaSunNXTNov 29


This Week’s OTT &amp;&nbsp; Telugu Movie Releases (28th &amp; 29th Nov)


Keerthy Suresh is one of those actresses who prioritizes acting over beauty. Belonging to the Tamil industry, she has also gained significant popularity in Telugu films. Her role as Savitri in the movie 'Mahanati' was phenomenal, earning her a National Award. However, her film career has seen many interesting twists and turns. Today (October 17), on the occasion of Keerthy Suresh's birthday, let's look into some special aspects of her life.



As a Child Artist



The daughter of actors Suresh Kumar and Menaka, Keerthy Suresh sparkled as a child artist in the Malayalam film 'Pilots'. She also appeared as a child artist in the films 'Achaneyanenikkishtam' and 'Kuberan'.







Mother as Chiru’s Heroine.. Daughter as Sister



In Chiranjeevi's film 'Punnami Naagu', Keerthy's mother Menaka acted as the heroine. Recently, in the movie 'Bhola Shankar', Keerthy played the significant role of Chiranjeevi's sister. Despite the film not doing well, their performances as siblings were well-received. During the shoot in Hyderabad, Chiranjeevi mentioned during movie promotions that he ensured home-cooked meals were sent to Keerthy throughout the filming.







Stalled Projects at the Beginning



Keerthy Suresh began her career as a heroine with the film 'Geethanjali', starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. However, even before this, she had signed three projects as a heroine, which had also started shooting. Unexpectedly, these three projects were halted midway, leading to great disappointment for her, as she mentioned in an interview.







Tagged as Iron Leg



Early in her career, the halting of three projects, and the failure of films like 'Geethanjali' and 'Ring Master' in Malayalam, and her first Tamil film 'Idhu Enna Maayam' being a disaster, Keerthy was tagged as an 'Iron Leg'. She faced significant trolling but ignored it and went on to succeed in films, establishing herself as a successful heroine.







Turning Point with Mahanati



Her first Telugu film 'Nenu Sailaja' was a success, which increased her opportunities in Tollywood and Kollywood. Despite being in commercial films, she felt unfulfilled as an actress until 'Mahanati' came along. Her portrayal of Savitri was critically acclaimed, earning her the National Award for Best Actress and becoming an inspiration to other actresses. Her career graph significantly rose after 'Mahanati'.







Series of Failures



Post-'Mahanati', it was believed that Keerthy's career would have no downturns, and she did receive a series of offers. However, subsequent films like 'Saamy Square', 'Pandem kodi 2', 'Rang De', and 'Annaatthe' failed to meet audience expectations. Her women-oriented films 'Penguin', 'Miss India', and 'Good Luck Sakhi' also failed to make an impact.







Director's Intent to Cast Keerthy



Following last year's release 'Dasara', which was a massive success, Keerthy made a strong comeback. Directed by Srikanth Odela with Nani as the hero, the film grossed over 100 crores and received widespread praise for Keerthy's performance. She excelled in the role of Vennela, a rural woman, and received awards like SIIMA and Filmfare for Best Actress. However, it was revealed during movie promotions that director Srikanth Odela initially planned to cast Keerthy as the heroine for 'Dasara' after narrating the movie story and suggested she gain 10-12 kilograms, which she couldn't. Nani mentioned that Odela decided to cast her despite her not being able to gain weight, highlighting that even though he was a debut director and she was a National Award-winning actress, they ended up becoming good friends on the movie sets.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-PhzFEt9Wk




Keerthy’s Special Talent



Not just her face, Keerthy Suresh's voice is also beautiful. Directors have capitalized on her melodious voice, having her sing beautifully the song 'Pudhu Metro Rail' in 'Saamy Square'. She also recently lent her voice to the character of Bujji Vehicle in 'Kalki 2898 AD' and proved her dancing skills with the 'Gandhaari' album.







This Year into Bollywood



Having already entertained this year with 'Siren' and 'Raghu Thatha', Keerthy is busy with upcoming projects like 'Revolver Reeta', 'Kannivedi', and 'Uppu Kappurambu'. She is set to enter Bollywood with 'Baby John'. In an instance, she mentioned that the roles of Savitri (Mahanati), Vennela (Dasara), and Kalavathi (Sarkaru Vaari Paata) were challenging in her career.






From Child Artist to National Award Winner: Keerthy Suresh's Inspiring Journey in Cinema


The Half Saree Function is an important Hindu tradition in India, particularly celebrated when a young girl transitions into maturity. It is especially popular in South India. This function is not just a ceremony, but it marks a significant milestone in a girl's life, symbolizing her journey into a new phase.



Just as the gifts given during this event hold importance, the songs played to cover the ceremony are equally significant. Finding the right songs can undoubtedly elevate the joyous occasion. Here, we present a list of songs perfect for a Half Saree Function. With these songs, make your event even more enjoyable and memorable.







Song NameMovie NameAamani PaadaveGeethanjaliMudda Banthi Puvvu Ila..Kousalya KrishnamurthyOka ThotaloGangotriRang DeA AaChinuku ThadikiNee SnehamAndaalalo..Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka SundariNachchave Naizam PoriVarshamMadhura Madhura MeenakshiArjunAakasha Tana Rekkalatone..KalusukovalaniKanullo Nee RoopameNinne PelladathaTelusuna.. TelusunaSonthamGopikamma Chalunu LemmaMukundaPilichina RananatavaAthaduGundello EmundoManmadhuduMellaga Tellarindo..Shatamanam BhavatiShuddha BrahmaSri RamadasuMeghale ThakindiPreminchukundam RaaAemitoAndala RakshasiMukunda MukundaDasavatharamEvare NuvvuPremamKanulu Kanulanu DochayanteMani Ratnam’s DuetMaghamasam EppudostundoEgire PavuramaPacchani Chilakalu TodunteBharateeyuduYede YededeeSakhiChukkallo ChandruduChukkallo ChandruduKanulanu DochadeMani Ratnam’s DuetAllanta Doorana Aa TharakaAadavari Matalaku Arthale VeruleKatuka Kallanu Chuste PothundeMirchiChiguraku Chatu ChilakaGudumba ShankarKathalo RajakumariKalyana RamuduAnandama... AnandamayeIshqKothaga RekkalocchenaSwarnakamalamAakasha AmmayaitheGabbar SinghJata KaliseMaharshiJaamu RaatiriKshana KshanamNuvve KaavaliNuvve KaavaliDaani Kudi Bhujam Meeda KaduvaLove StoryE Devi VaramoAmruthaValu KanuladaanaPremikulu RojuSogasuga MrugamanthriKancheSwagatham KrishnaAgnyaathavaasiPriya PriyathamaKillerNeeve Naa SwasaOkariki OkaruGusa Gusa LadeGhajiniAnnula MinnulaChantiJallanta KavvintaGeethanjaliOka PariNuvvu NenuPandu VennelloJanaki Weds SriramNuvvena..AnandMaate ManthramuSeethakoka ChilukaNenu NuvvantuOrange


Half Saree Function Songs List: Melody Songs to Play During a Half Saree Function


Rajinikanth, a hero who has earned fans beyond linguistic barriers, enjoys a national following. Known for his style and dialogue delivery, Rajinikanth still drives fans wild. Naturally, the upcoming movie 'Vettaiyan' is creating significant buzz nationwide and is set to release grandly as a Dussehra gift on October 10. However, the movie's title has sparked severe outrage among the Telugu audience, leading to the trending hashtag #BoycottVettaiyanInTelugu on X.



‘Are Telugu Viewers Considered Inferior?’



The film 'Vettaiyan,' directed by T.J. Gnanavel with Rajinikanth as an encounter specialist, is titled in Tamil and was directly used in Telugu as well. This move has upset the Telugu audience, who question why the title wasn’t adapted to Telugu as 'Vetagadu,' despite the availability of an appropriate Telugu term. They feel slighted, asking if only Tamil deserves such respect and not Telugu. Netizens are actively calling to boycott 'Vettaiyan,' indicating a strong discontent with ignoring Telugu language preferences.




https://twitter.com/thenaani29/status/1843888854568431666





https://twitter.com/Kadirodu/status/1843694483508211884





https://twitter.com/kannayyaX/status/1843899836732743696





https://twitter.com/Jyotheshkum/status/1843844509123391639




It's the same with those movies!



Telugu audiences are known for supporting movies regardless of the language if the story is good. There are many instances where Tamil films that flopped in Tamil Nadu became super hits in Telugu. Previously, dubbing movies used to be given Telugu titles, and signs in other languages were nicely translated into Telugu. Now, they have stopped doing that and are releasing movies directly. Titles like 'Kanguva', 'Vettaiyan', 'Thangalaan', 'Raayan', 'Valimai' are being brought to Telugu with the same Tamil names, and Telugu audiences are severely criticizing this practice. They comment that proper Telugu titles could easily be given. It's clear that Telugu audiences will not support those who do not respect the Telugu language.







No need for Telugu language?



In the past, when Tamil movies were released in Telugu, directors like Mani Ratnam used to get Telugu dialogues and songs written to give the feel of watching a direct Telugu movie. We have seen well-titled films like 'Gharshana', 'Sakhi', 'Yuva', and 'Cheliya'. However, this practice has changed now. There is a lack of attention to dubbing and songs, and the essence of Tamil prevails. Even with titles, the care is minimal. Cinema analysts are surprised that even a star like Rajinikanth did not object to the title 'Vettaiyan'. Telugu audiences are complaining vehemently, wanting the revenue but not the language.






Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' Sparks Outrage: Telugu Fans Call for Boycott Over Title Controversy!

Top Telugu Romantic Songs with Iconic Lyrics Like 'Samajavaragamana' and 'Inkem Inkem Kaavaale'


In the current era of OTT, new movies are greeting the audience every week. This weekend is no exception, with several Telugu films set to stream. Some are already available. So, what are this week's releases, where are they streaming, and what are their plots? Let's find out in this special report.



Mathu Vadalara 2



The blockbuster comedy movie ‘Mathu Vadalara 2’ is coming to OTT this weekend. Starting October 11, it will stream on Netflix. Released in theaters on September 13, the film has been a success. Sri Simha and Satya are the lead actors. The plot revolves around delivery boy agents Babu (Sri Simha) and Yesubabu (Satya) who turn into special agents. A small mistake in a case leads them into trouble. What is the case? What mistake did they make? How did they get out of it? How does undercover agent Nidhi (Faria Abdullah) help them?







Gorre Puranam



The recent film ‘Gorre Puranam,’ starring Suhas, seemed average at the box office. Released in theaters on September 20, this film with a different concept is now streaming on Aha from October 10 (Thursday). Those who missed it in theaters can now watch it at home. The plot involves a sheep, bought by a Muslim man for biryani, escaping into a village temple. After some villagers decide to sacrifice it while inebriated, Hindus take it into custody. This leads to tensions between two communities, resulting in the police arresting the sheep. Ravi (Suhas) is jailed in the same cell. Who is Ravi? What is his connection to the sheep's alleged murder?







Pailam Pilaga



The film ‘Pailam Pilaga,’ starring Sai Teja and Pavani Karanam, came to audiences on September 20 and seemed decent. As a Dussehra release, it started streaming on ETV Win from October 10. The plot is about Shiva, who decides to settle well in Dubai. He needs Rs. 2 lakhs for a passport and job, which leads him to try selling a piece of land on a hill, but no one initially comes forward. However, the next day, people compete to buy it. Why did they compete for a worthless hill? Did Shiva's wish come true?







Sabari



‘Sabari,’ a Pan-India film featuring the unique actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, was produced under the banner of Maha Movies by Mahendranath Kondla. Introduced as a director by Anil Katz, the film, which received average reviews in theaters, is coming to OTT this weekend. From October 11, it will be released in five languages on Sannext. The plot follows Sanjana (Varalaxmi), who leaves her husband and moves from Mumbai to Visakhapatnam with her daughter, joining a corporate company as a Zumba dancer. However, Surya (Mime Gopi) attempts to kill her. Who is Surya? Why did Sanjana leave her husband, Aravind? How did she save her kidnapped daughter?







Level Cross



‘Level Cross,’ a Malayalam movie starring Amala Paul, is a psychological thriller directed by Arfaz Ayub. After being released in theaters two months ago, it is coming to OTT. Starting October 11, it will stream on Aha. The plot involves Chaithali (Amala Paul) getting injured in a train accident. She is saved by a railway gatekeeper, Raghu (Asif Ali). After meeting Raghu, unexpected events start happening in Chaithali’s life. Why does she imagine she is married? What is the relationship between them?







Vey Dharuvey







Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi



In the romantic movie ‘Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi,’ Kannada Golden Star Ganesh stars as the hero, directed by Srinivasaraju, famous for 'Dandupalyam.' Alongside Malavikanair and Sharanya Shetty, the film was a super success in Kannada and is streaming from October 11 in Telugu on Amazon Prime. The plot involves Krishna (Ganesh), who manages his family business and desires a wife who can adjust to his joint family. He meets Pranaya, an orphan, and hides the fact that he’s wealthy to get closer to her. Meanwhile, Janhvi tries to win Krishna’s heart. How does this love triangle unfold?







The Greatest Of All Time



If you haven’t yet caught up with the intriguing films from last week, make plans for this weekend. ‘The Greatest Of All Time,’ starring Vijay and directed by Venkat Prabhu, is an action movie streaming since October 3 on Netflix. Available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, the plot follows Gandhi (Vijay), a special anti-terrorism squad officer. On a mission abroad, he loses his son, causing his wife Anu (Sneha) to distance herself from him. Years later, in Moscow, Gandhi sees his presumed-dead son Jeevan (Vijay) alive and brings him home, but soon, people connected to Gandhi start dying. Who is responsible for these murders? How did the supposedly dead Jeevan come back?







35 Chinna Katha Kaadu



The latest film starring prominent actress Nivetha Thomas, '35 Chinna Katha Kaadu,' is an emotional comedy drama directed by Nandakishore Imani. Featuring Priyadarshi, Vishwadev Rachakonda, and Gauthami in key roles, the movie gained positive reviews after its September 6 theater release. Streaming on Aha since October 2, the plot centers around a middle-class couple, Prasad (Vishwadev) and Saraswati (Nivetha Thomas). Their son Arun, in sixth grade, struggles with math. Labelled as a zero by math teacher Chanakya (Priyadarshi), Arun fails his exams. The school stipulates that he must score at least 35 marks in math to continue. How did Arun handle this situation? How did his mother Saraswati help him?







Bhale Unnade



'Bhale Unnade,' featuring Raj Tarun and directed by J. Shivasai Vardhan, with Manisha Kandkur as the heroine, appeared before the audience on September 13 and has now come to entertain OTT viewers. Streaming on ETV Win from October 3, the plot follows Radha (Raj Tarun), a very gentle man working as a saree draper in Visakhapatnam, helping his mother. He gets close to Manisha, who works in a bank, through a lunch box exchange. They grow fond of each other and eventually get engaged. But will Radha be suitable for marriage? What happens next? What test does Krishna put Radha through?






Weekend OTT Suggestions October 12: Make your Dussehra weekend more entertaining with these films!

Telugu Dumb Charades(Damsharas): Top 100 Movie Titles, Songs, Dialogues


Ananya Nagalla and Yuva Chandra starred in the latest film "Pottel," directed by Saahith Mothkuri, who was introduced as a director with the movie "Savaari." Recently, "Pottel" has garnered a level of publicity that small films rarely achieve. Released last Friday (October 25), the film has been receiving positive responses from audiences. Viewers commented that the film reflects very natural and real-life scenarios from the past. In this context, a viewer’s comment comparing "Devara" to "Pottel" has gone viral on the internet.



'Much better than Devara'



The film "Devara," directed by Koratala Shiva starring Jr. NTR, was recently released and created a tsunami of collections, grossing over Rs. 400 crores at the box office. Top-notch music director Anirudh worked on this film. A viewer’s comment comparing "Pottel" to "Devara" has been trending online. A YouTuber who went to the theater showing "Pottel" tried to gather audience opinions. In the process, he stopped the audience coming out of the theater and asked how the movie was. The viewer expressed in the video that he liked "Pottel" much better than "Devara." Are smaller films better than big films? The YouTuber asked, to which he reiterated the viewer’s opinion that "Pottel" is better than "Devara." This video is currently going viral.




https://twitter.com/i/status/1849871631818293722




Content is king



Regardless of whether it’s a big or small film, Telugu audiences appreciate good content, which is exactly what is happening with "Pottel." This low-budget film with a solid story is captivating the audience. Recent films like "Aay," "Committee Kurrollu," and "Mathu Vadalara 2" also achieved success in the same way, despite not having big stars or big budgets. However, the Telugu audience embraced even "Devara." Yet, it is intriguing that the viewer expressed a preference for "Pottel" over "Devara."







What is "Pottel" about?



Director Saahith Mothkuri has depicted the rural backdrop of the 1980s in "Pottel," transporting the audience back in time right from the beginning. In the first 20 minutes, he immerses the audience in village life, showing how the lower and vulnerable classes were oppressed and subjected to severe hardship. The film’s approach to caste, religion, and egotistical distinctions between big and small has become a major attraction. The introduction of characters, the love story between the hero and heroine, and other scenes beautifully set up the first half. The second part seems a bit faltering where the director over-emphasized the villain harming the main characters to evoke emotions, leading to scenes that stray from logic. However, the director succeeded in connecting the audience with the underlying message of the story.







Plot&nbsp;



The story unfolds in Gurramgadda village, located at the borders of Maharashtra and Telangana. The villagers conduct a festival for the village deity Balamma once in every cycle and offer sacrifices. It is believed that during this time, the deity possesses Patel (Ajay), the village head, who then prevents the villagers from progressing, particularly in education. On the other side, Pedda Gangadhari (Yuva Chandra) serves as the keeper of the sacrificial animals and secretly educates his daughter. When Patel finds out, he makes the sacrificial animal disappear. He threatens to sacrifice Gangadhari’s daughter if the animal isn’t found by the festival. What does Gangadhari do to save his daughter? Is he able to bring back the animal? What role does Bujjamma (Ananya Nagalla) play in this story?




https://telugu.yousay.tv/en/pottel-movie-review-rangasthalam-level-telugu-film-sandeep-reddy-vangas-bold-comparison-ananyas-de-glam-avatar-shocks-but-second-half-disappoints.html



Shocking! Small Film 'Pottel' Beats Jr NTR's 400-Crore 'Devara' in Fan Reviews


Cast: Ravi Teja, Bhagyashri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar, Shubhaleka Sudhakar, Kishore Raju Vashisht, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others.



Director: Harish Shankar



Music: Mickey J. Meyer



Cinematography: Ayananka Bose



Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni



Producers: TG Vishwaprasad, Bhushan Kumar, Krishnan Kumar, Abhishek



The latest film featuring Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja under the direction of Harish Shankar is titled "Mr. Bachchan." Bollywood beauty Bhagyashri Borse stars as the heroine. Following the blockbuster "Mirapakay," the expectations for "Mr. Bachchan," another Ravi Teja-Harish Shankar combo, were sky-high. Trailers, teasers, and promotional images significantly raised expectations. The movie was released on August 15th as an Independence Day treat. How was the film? Did it meet expectations? Did Ravi Teja score another hit? Let's find out in this review.







What's the Story?



Income Tax Officer Mr. Bachchan (Ravi Teja) is an honest man. He becomes the target of wrath from his superiors after raiding a corrupt tobacco trader, leading to his suspension. Afterwards, Mr. Bachchan returns to his hometown, Kotipalli, and falls in love with Jikki (Bhagyashri). Just as he's preparing to marry, he's called back to his job. His next assignment is a raid at the home of MP Muthyam Jaggaiah (Jagapathi Babu), a man even officials fear. How did Bachchan conduct the raid in Jaggaiah’s home? What challenges did he face there? How did Bachchan and Jikki's love affair turn out? How did the elders agree to their marriage? Ultimately, what does Mr. Bachchan achieve? This is the rest of the story.







How Did They Perform?



Ravi Teja appears very powerful as Mr. Bachchan, dazzling with his unique style of comedy and reminiscent of the Ravi Teja of the past. He marked his presence in both action sequences and emotional scenes, showing versatility adapted to the situations. Bhagyashri Borse charmed with her glamor, especially shining in the songs. Jagapathi Babu fully justified his role as the antagonist. Comedian Satya entertained with his comedy, especially in the first half. Sachin Khedekar, Tanikella Bharani, Gautami, and Praveen also performed well in their respective roles, fitting perfectly within their character limits.







How's the Direction?



Director Harish Shankar attempted to show through this film the benefits to society when an Income Tax Officer works with integrity. He well-crafted the character of Mr. Bachchan and its related scenes. The love track between Ravi Teja and Bhagyashri Borse was a strong point of the movie. It played a crucial role in engaging the audience in the first half, along with Satya’s comedy. The climax leading up to the raid on Muthyam Jaggaiah's house and the subsequent action-packed scenes turned the narrative engaging. However, the magic of Harish’s direction faded somewhat in the second half. The entire second half revolving solely around the IT raid lessened the intrigue. A more interesting build-up between the hero and the villain's mind games would have been advantageous. A stronger portrayal of the villain’s role could have elevated the film to another level.







Technically



Technically, Mickey J. Meyer was the first hero for this film, providing catchy tunes suitable for the narrative. Songs like "Reppalu Dappulu," "Jikki," "Sitara," and "Nallanchu Tella Cheera" were a feast for both ears and eyes. Ayananka Bose's cinematographer was captivating. The production values were high.



Plus Points



- Ravi Teja’s performance



- Love track



- Comedy, Dialogues



Minus Points



- Second half



- Some boring scenes



Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 3/5


Unpacking 'Mr. Bachchan' Movie Review: A Blend of Action, Comedy, and Romance


Vijay Deverakonda is one of Tollywood's most popular young heroes. Starting his career without a film background, this 'Rowdy Boy' became an overnight star with the film 'Arjun Reddy.' His successes in 'Pelli Choopulu', 'Taxiwaala', and 'Geetha Govindam' solidified his position in the Telugu film industry. Recently, he surprised everyone by appearing in a music album where he plays a photographer romancing a Bollywood actress. Let’s dive into the details.



Sahiba has arrived...



The song 'Heeriye', composed and sung by Jasleen Royal, became globally popular. Following that success, her latest song 'Sahiba' from the Sahiba Music Album has now caught the attention of music lovers worldwide. In this song, Vijay Deverakonda amazed everyone with his appearance. Set against a vintage backdrop, this album touches the hearts of music lovers. In the song, Vijay appears as a photographer, while Bollywood actress Radhika Madan plays a princess from a royal lineage. This feel-good love song showcases Vijay in an enthralling manner. Midway through the song, he appears in a Muslim costume, adding to the allure. Currently, this song is receiving great appreciation on YouTube, and Bollywood circles are buzzing that the Sahiba album is set to be a sensation.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW6Dgax2d6I&amp;t=224s




Heeriye overshadowed...



A few days ago, Jasleen Royal's 'Heeriye' music album captured the hearts of global music fans. Featuring Malayalam star hero Dulquer Salmaan, this music album was a chartbuster. Now, Jasleen Royal has released 'Sahiba' to captivate music lovers again. The chemistry between Vijay Deverakonda and Radhika Madan in this album is said to be on another level. Fans of Vijay Deverakonda and music enthusiasts anticipate that this album will surpass the success of the 'Heeriye' song.




https://twitter.com/jasleenroyal/status/1855857071662711025




Balakrishna's Voice Over!



Rowdy Boy Vijay Deverakonda is currently working on a film directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri of 'Jersey' fame, working title 'VD 12'. This is set to be the most expensive film in Vijay's career, where he will appear in a new rugged mass avatar. Bhagyashri Borse and Rukmini Vasanth are reported to be co-starring with him. A thrilling update is making rounds online about this upcoming movie Nandamuri Balakrishna is expected to provide a voice-over for the teaser of this film. If true, it would indeed be a celebration for Vijay's fans.







Vijay's Future Projects



Currently, Vijay is keen on making a hit as his recent films like Liger, Kushi, and Family Star did not perform well at the box office. Vijay has 'VD 12' and two other exciting projects in hand. Following 'Kushi', he announced another project produced by Dil Raju, which will be directed by young director Ravi Kiran Kola of 'Raja Vaaru Rani Vaaru' fame. Additionally, he will be acting in a periodical action drama directed by Rahul Sankrityan. These two films are expected to go on floors soon.






Vijay Deverakonda: A Unique Achievement That No Other Telugu Hero Has Done... What’s the Buzz?


Cast: Yuva Chandra Krishna, Ananya Nagalla, Ajay, Priyanka Sharma, Tanasvi Choudary, Noel Sean, Chatrapathi Shekhar, Srikanth Iyengar, Jeevan, Riyaz, Vikram, and others.



Written and Directed by: Sahith Mothkuri



Music by: Shekhar Chandra



Cinematography by: Monish Bhupathi Raju



Edited by: Karthika Srinivas



Producers: Nishank Reddy Kudithi, Suresh Kumar Sadige



Production Companies: Nisa Entertainments, Pragnya Sannidhi Creations



Release Date: 25-10-2024



In the latest film Pottel, Ananya Nagalla and Yuva Chandra pair up in a film directed by Sahith Mothkuri, who made his directorial debut with the film Savari. Pottel has garnered unprecedented publicity for a small-scale cinema. Pan-India director Sandeep Reddy Vanga praised this film by comparing it with Ram Charan's 'Rangasthalam.' The screenwriter Trivikram also raised expectations by lauding the film. Released on Friday (October 25), did this film meet expectations? Did it bring success to Ananya? Let's see in this review.







Plot



The story unfolds in Gurramgadda village, located at the borders of Maharashtra and Telangana. The villagers conduct a festival for the village deity Balamma once in every cycle and offer sacrifices. It is believed that during this time, the deity possesses Patel (Ajay), the village head, who then prevents the villagers from progressing, particularly in education. On the other side, Pedda Gangadhari (Yuva Chandra) serves as the keeper of the sacrificial animals and secretly educates his daughter. When Patel finds out, he makes the sacrificial animal disappear. He threatens to sacrifice Gangadhari's daughter if the animal isn't found by the festival. What does Gangadhari do to save his daughter? Is he able to bring back the animal? What role does Bujjamma (Ananya Nagalla) play in this story?







Performances



Ajay, as Patel, delivers a powerhouse performance, surpassing even his impactful role in 'Vikramarkudu.' Newcomer Yuva Chandra excels as Gangadhari, a man desperate to educate his child and improve his village. Despite being his debut, he perfectly fits into his role. Telugu actress Ananya Nagalla gets a substantial role and shines as Bujjamma. Even in a deglamorized role, she delivers an exceptional performance. Singer Noel also got a significant role and did justice to it. Srikanth Iyengar and Chatrapathi Shekhar lived up to their roles, along with other supporting cast members who performed competently within their limits.







Direction



Director Sahith Mothkuri captures the essence of a rural 1980s setting right from the beginning, immersing the audience into that era within the first 20 minutes. He vividly portrays how the oppressed and weak were subdued during the Patel era, focusing on the prejudices rooted in caste and pride. The introduction of characters, the love story between the hero and heroine, and other scenes are well-handled in the first half. However, the second half seems a bit faltering. The director appears to rely too heavily on the villain's oppression to drive emotional engagement, resulting in scenes that sometimes lack logical continuity. Nevertheless, the director succeeds in connecting the audience with the film's underlying message.







Technically



On the technical front, the music and cinematography departments have performed well. The songs and background score positively impact the film. However, editing flaws are noticeable, particularly in the second half where scenes drag. The art department excels, recreating the atmosphere of the 1980s with their workmanship.







Plus Points



- Story



- Lead performances



- Music



Minus Points



- Lack of engaging narrative



- Dragging scenes



Rating by Telugu.yousay.tv: 3/5


Pottel Movie Review: 'Rangasthalam' Level Telugu Film? Sandeep Reddy Vanga's BOLD Comparison, Ananya's De-glam Avatar Shocks, But Second Half DISAPPOINTS!

Telugu IPL Players: Telugu cricketers in Cricket from IPL's Inception to Present


Telugu actress Ananya Nagalla stars in the latest movie "Pottel," set to release across the two Telugu states on October 25th. Amidst ongoing promotions, Ananya has been quite busy. Recently, after the trailer launch, a press meet was held where Ananya had a bitter experience. A question raised by a journalist about commitments in the industry turned into a hot topic both in Tollywood and on social media. Ananya addressed this issue again and thanked pan-India director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for standing by their team.



Praises for Sandeep by Ananya



The movie "Pottel," which stars Yuvachandra Krishna and Ananya Nagalla and is directed by Sahith Mothkuri, is set to hit the screens in three days. A pre-release event was recently held by the makers, where Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for directing films like "Arjun Reddy," "Kabir Singh," and "Animal," attended as the chief guest. Ananya spoke at the event, expressing gratitude for his presence at the promotions of "Pottel," not once but twice, and praised him for his support in elevating a small film to a bigger stage.




https://twitter.com/i/status/1848603026728358266




After "Rangasthalam," "Pottel" Is It: Sandeep Reddy



Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, as the chief guest, spoke about the film. He mentioned that director Sahith one day told him about the small story he was filming. Upon hearing it, Sandeep felt it wasn't just a small story but a significant one. He had already seen the movie and liked it a lot, saying it was more than he had imagined and that the audience would definitely enjoy it. He praised it as the first full-scale village backdrop film he had seen since "Rangasthalam" and urged everyone to support small films.




https://twitter.com/i/status/1848595831508652364




Decency in Questions: Ananya



At the "Pottel" pre-release event, Ananya Nagalla made some more intriguing comments. She revisited the journalist's question about commitment, mocking its appropriateness. "After going home, I thought about how one could ask such a direct question on a sensitive topic. It made me realize, if one had decency, such questions wouldn't be asked. My dream has always been to earn recognition as an actress, which I have been fighting for at home for five years. After seeing 'Pottel,' everyone at my home will feel proud. The question on commitment spoiled the joy. Now everyone will think I succeeded because I committed, but it’s not true. Just because actresses wear makeup and smile doesn't mean they don't have a heart or a family. Please respect us," Ananya requested.







What Really Happened?



The trailer launch event for the movie "Pottel" recently took place in Hyderabad, with prominent actress Samyuktha Menon releasing the trailer. During the subsequent press meet, a female reporter questioned Ananya Nagalla about the casting couch, asking, "Before giving a movie chance to an actress or artist, do you ask for commitments? Have you ever faced this?" Ananya responded, "How can you be so sure that commitments are asked? There's nothing like that." The reporter continued, "But your industry friends said commitments are part of the signing agreements." Ananya clarified, "That's 100% wrong. I have never faced such a situation. It doesn't exist."




https://twitter.com/tfpcin/status/1847262295266865248




Producer of "Mallesham" Fires at Reporter



Netizens criticized the manner in which the female reporter questioned Ananya Nagalla, and as the video went viral, "Mallesham" producer Venkat Siddareddy also responded. He posted a lengthy post on X, criticizing the reporter's inappropriate question during a movie promotion. He mentioned the precautions taken for Ananya's safety during the shooting of "Mallesham" and condemned the harsh nature of the reporter's question, praising Ananya for her fitting response. Ananya thanked Venkat Siddareddy for his support in this matter.




https://twitter.com/AnanyaNagalla/status/1847503625607680498



Sandeep Reddy Vanga Backs Ananya After Reporter's Shocking Question


Just like last week, indie films are set to make noise at the box office this week too. They are ready to deliver quality entertainment and joy, thereby making the weekend more enjoyable. On the other side, new movies and web series are also making their way to OTT platforms. Let's check out the details.



Theatrical Releases



C 202



Munna Kasi stars and directs the film "C 202", with Goa beauty Sharon Ria Fernandez as the heroine. Produced by Manohari K.A under Mighty Oak Pictures banner, the film has been rated 'A' by the censor board. The recently released trailer captivated with its performances, intriguingly without a single dialogue. Set to release on October 25th.







Pottel



Featuring Ananya Nagalla and Yuva Chandra Krishna, the film "Pottel" is directed by Sahith Mothkuri. Other significant roles are played by Ajay, Priyanka Sharma, and Tanasvi Chowdhary. This movie is scheduled for a grand release on October 25th. The promotional images and trailer have heightened the anticipation for this film.







Narudi Brathuku Natana



Directed by Rishikeshwar Yogi and starring Sivakumar Ramachandravarapu and Nitin Prasanna, "Narudi Brathuku Natana" features Shruti Jayan, Aishwarya Anil Kumar, and Vaiva Raghav in main roles. The producers T.G. Viswaprasad, Sukumar Boreddy, and Dr. Sindhu Reddy are bringing this film to the audience on October 25th.







Laggam



Sai Ronak and Pragya Nagra star in "Laggam", directed by Ramesh Cheppala with producer Venu Gopal Reddy. Important roles are filled by Rajendra Prasad, L.B. Sriram, Rohini, Saptagiri, Krishnudu, and Raghu Babu. This movie is set to release on October 25th, presented by Asian Suresh Entertainment.







Roti Kapda Romance



Featuring Sandeep Saroj, Tarun, Harsha Narra, Supraj Ranga, Sonu Thakur, Nuvveksha, Megha Lekha, and Khushbu Chaudhari, "Roti Kapda Romance" is directed by Vikram Reddy. Co-produced with Bekkem Venugopal and Srujan Kumar Bojjam, it is slated for release on October 25th.







Venom: The Last Dance



This week will see the release of a Hollywood superhero film, the third installment of the blockbuster series "Venom", titled "Venom: The Last Dance". Scheduled for a global release on October 24th, the film will be available in English, Telugu, and Hindi, and also in a 3D version. Directed by Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy has announced that this will be his final appearance in the series.







OTT Releases / Web Series



TitleCategoryLanguagePlatformRelease DateFamily PackMovieEnglishNetflixOct 23The Comeback 2004 Boster Red SacksSeriesEnglishNetflixOct 23Beauty In BlackSeriesEnglishNetflixOct 24TerritorySeriesEnglishNetflixOct 24Do PattiMovieHindiNetflixOct 25Don't MoveMovieEnglishNetflixOct 25Hell Bound 2&nbsp;MovieEnglish/KoreanNetflixOct 25Satyam SundaramMovieTelugu/TamilNetflixOct 25NautilusSeriesEnglishAmazon&nbsp;Oct 25JigawattMovieHindiAmazon&nbsp;Oct 25VettaiyanMovieTelugu/TamilAmazon&nbsp;Nov 7The Bike RidersMovieEnglishJio CinemaOct 21Furiosa: A Mad Max SagaMovieTelugu Dub&nbsp;Jio CinemaOct 23The Miranda BrothersMovieHindiJio CinemaOct 25The Legend Of Hanuman 5SeriesTelugu DubHotstarOct 25Aindham VedhamMovieTamilZee 5Oct 25A Zindagi&nbsp;MovieHindiZee 5Oct 25Maa Nanna SuperheroMovieTelugu&nbsp;Zee 5Oct 31


This Week’s OTT &amp;  Telugu Movie Releases (25th Oct)


The film 'Devara: Part 1,' created by the combination of Jr NTR and Koratala Siva, has become the talk of the nation. With the movie set to release on September 27, the film unit is focusing heavily on promotions. Recently, the Devara team released several songs and unveiled the trailer on Tuesday (September 10), which has further heightened the anticipation and created a buzz around the movie. The trailer clarified that Tarak will be playing dual roles as father and son. Fans are now apprehensive since Tarak's previous dual role movies have not fared well, causing concern about the outcome of 'Devara.'



Dual Roles: A Jinx?



It is known that Tarak is playing dual roles in 'Devara.' He has played dual roles in several films before, such as 'Andhrawala,' 'Sakthi,' and 'Adhurs,' where he portrayed distinct characters. 'Andhrawala' was his first dual role film, directed by Puri Jagannadh, which turned out to be a huge disaster. His subsequent dual role in 'Sakthi' also flopped badly. These films have left painful memories for Tarak and his fans. However, his experiment with 'Adhurs' was somewhat successful, though it did not achieve commercial success, earning only a two-crore margin (grossing Rs. 28 crores) on a budget of Rs. 26 crores. Notably, 'Jai Lava Kusa,' where Tarak played triple roles, was a box office hit, marking a significant success.







Will 'Devara' Overcome the Curse?



Film circles speculate that every time Jr NTR has taken on dual roles, it has been met with obstacles, as past experiences have shown. There are concerns that this bad sentiment might affect 'Devara' as well. However, Tarak's fans are hopeful that 'Devara' will break the jinx and achieve success, putting an end to the negative streak that has followed him. The trailer for 'Devara' has also been impressive, leading fans to post confidently about the film's potential success. Let's hope for 'Devara' to be a hit.







Dual Role in 'NTR 31' Too!



It is known that Tarak is set to star in a film directed by 'KGF' fame Prashanth Neel, currently under the working title 'NTR 31.' In this film too, Jr NTR is expected to play dual roles. One of the roles is rumored to be a 75-year-old man, a character unlike any he has played before, and another as a mafia don. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, this film is soon to go on floors. 'NTR 31' might also face the same sentiment issues if 'Devara' results in an unexpected outcome, as the working title 'Dragon' is also under consideration for this project.







How's the Devara Trailer?



The trailer for 'Devara' starts with a powerful voiceover by Prakash Raj, saying, "There's no caste, no creed, no fear at all... but for the first time, fear has crept in." It showcases NTR's (Devara) character with lines like, "A man needs only enough courage to live, not enough to die. If he gathers that courage again... it's that courage that kills fear." The villain Baira (Saif Ali Khan) and his gang's atrocities are also depicted. During a crucial time when the gang plans to kill 'Devara,' another character of NTR (Vara) is introduced, portrayed as very naive by the heroine Janhvi Kapoor. The trailer leaves us with suspense: Is 'Devara' alive or dead? What problems did Baira's gang cause to him and the villagers? Director Koratala Siva maintains the suspense throughout the first part of the 'Devara' trailer.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cx7rvMvAWo



'Devara: Part 1' Trailer Sparks Buzz: Jr NTR's Dual Roles Raise Excitement and Concerns


Tollywood actress Sana Makbul emerged as the winner of Hindi Bigg Boss OTT Season 3, clinching the title along with a prize of Rs. 25 lakhs. This victory has made her the talk of the net.







Audiences are keen to learn more about Sana Makbul, whose familiar face has stirred the curiosity of Telugu viewers.







Born and raised in Mumbai, Sana Makbul entered the film industry with the Telugu film 'Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya', where she made her mark as the heroine.







Before venturing into films, Sana started her career as a television actress, gaining recognition with serials like 'Ishaan: Sapno Ko Awaaz De', 'Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2', 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?', and 'Arjun'.







Her fame from television helped her secure a role in 'Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya'. In this love triangle, she played the role of Sanhita, captivating the Telugu audience with her beauty and performance.







Following this, she stepped into Kollywood with the 2017 Tamil film 'Rangoon' and also acted in 'Kadal Conditions Apply' the same year.







In 2017, she appeared in the Telugu film 'Mama O Chandamama', where she was seen in the role of Bujjamma.







Despite her two Telugu films not being commercial hits, these roles dwindled her opportunities, leading her to focus on Bollywood.







In Hindi, she participated in various reality shows related to games and entertainment, becoming more familiar to the television audience there.







Recently, she participated in 'Bigg Boss OTT 3', earning accolades for her behavior and recently won the title.







Sana Makbul has also acted in several music videos like 'Khelegi Kya?', 'Psycho', 'Gallan', and 'Ek Tu Hi To Hai', drawing the youth's attention.







Even while busy with television shows, she continues to make waves on social media. Before entering Bigg Boss, she had been setting social media ablaze with her stunning photos.







Netizens are mesmerized by her beauty and question why such a stunning actress hasn't received more significant opportunities.







Sana Makbul enjoys a substantial following on Instagram, with 2.4 million followers tracking her updates.






Sana Makbul: Telugu Heroine Wins Bigg Boss OTT 3


National crush Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead in Pushpa 2, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun. With the movie just ten days away from release, the team has been busy with promotions. Recently, the team organized an item song release event in Chennai, attended by Bunny, Rashmika, Sreeleela, and others. During this event, Rashmika’s comments stole the spotlight. Her indirect statements about her relationship and marriage with Vijay Deverakonda have sparked discussions online.



What Did Rashmika Say?



For some time, rumors have been rife about Rashmika Mandanna being in love with Tollywood star Vijay Deverakonda. Despite both insisting they are “just friends,” fans have never been convinced. During the Pushpa 2 event in Chennai, Rashmika seemingly confirmed their love indirectly. When asked questions about love and marriage, Rashmika answered candidly.



When the host asked, “Do you prefer a chocolate boy or a rowdy boy?” Rashmika replied, “I like a mix of both.” On being asked if she would marry someone from the film industry or outside it, she said, “This is something everyone already knows,” with a smile. These statements have fueled speculation among netizens that Rashmika is deeply in love with Vijay and is hinting at marriage.




https://twitter.com/BRKTelugu_1/status/1860986326138671208




Caught Together Again




https://twitter.com/celebspot8688/status/1860540536295424339




Hints from the Past



Rashmika Mandanna’s earlier comments at the pre-release event of Gam Gam Ganesha, starring Vijay’s brother Anand Deverakonda, also sparked rumors. When Anand asked her questions during the event, he showed photos of Rashmika’s pet dog alongside Vijay’s pet dog and asked which was her favorite. Rashmika replied, “Ara (my pet dog) is my first baby, and Smart (Vijay’s pet dog) is my second baby.” When Anand teased her further by asking who her favorite co-star was, Rashmika jokingly said, “You’re my family; how can you put me on the spot like this?” When fans started chanting “Rowdy, Rowdy,” Rashmika smiled and indirectly acknowledged Vijay as her favorite.




https://twitter.com/GulteOfficial/status/1795136777625403525




Vijay Admits to Dating



In a recent promotion for his music album Saahiba, Vijay Deverakonda made intriguing comments about his relationship status. He revealed he is not single and is dating a co-star. These remarks added fuel to the ongoing speculation about his relationship with Rashmika. Meanwhile, Vijay is currently working on VD12, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. After completing this project, he is set to start a new film with Rahul Sankrityan under Mythri Movie Makers. Rashmika is busy with the release of Pushpa: The Rule, which is scheduled to hit screens on December 5.






Rashmika Mandanna: Rashmika Confirms Love with Vijay Deverakonda, Drops a Hint About Marriage!


Among the nation's esteemed directors, Rajamouli holds a top position. From the beginning of his career to the present, he has maintained a streak of success without a single flop. Rajamouli is a master at grasping the pulse of the audience and crafting films accordingly. To date, each of the 12 films released under Rajamouli's direction has achieved unique acclaim and remains evergreen in the eyes of the audience. However, many directors have attempted to emulate Rajamouli's style and failed. They tried making films with similar themes to Rajamouli's and ended up burning their fingers. Recently, Kanguva also followed Rajamouli's pattern but ended up disappointing the audience. What are the reasons for this? What other films have faced setbacks by following Rajamouli's approach? Let's find out.



Did They Err by Comparing It to 'Baahubali'?



The film Kanguva, directed by Shiva starring Suriya, was released worldwide on November 14. The pre-release event of this film invited Rajamouli, and the promotions hyped it as what 'Baahubali' is to Tollywood, 'Kanguva' would be to Kollywood, setting high expectations. However, post-release, the situation seems to have turned upside down. Viewers felt that the film lacked the substance found in 'Baahubali' and criticized director Shiva for his flawed storytelling. Rajamouli is known for evoking strong emotions, but Kanguva failed to resonate emotionally with the audience. The characters could not engage the audience on a journey, and viewers commented that it's worth watching the film only for Suriya's performance.







Those Films Too Were the Same!



Like 'Kanguva,' several past films have tried to replicate Rajamouli's formula and ended up being unsuccessful. The movie 'Sakthi' (2011) featuring Jr. NTR and directed by Meher Ramesh, aimed to captivate like 'Magadheera' but flopped. 'Sakthi' also revolved around a reincarnation theme but failed to capture the Telugu audience. 'Brahmastra,' starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, despite its large budget, failed to impress due to its inadequate content and visual spectacle. Even 'Ponniyin Selvan,' despite garnering positive reviews in Kollywood, could not create a sensation and only the first part met expectations while the second part did not live up to the hype. Bollywood’s 'Shamshera,' set against a British backdrop similar to RRR, also faced a terrible defeat. In Tamil, 'Puli' and in Malayalam, 'Marakkar,' although creating significant buzz in the style of a Rajamouli film, failed to succeed.







The Secret to Rajamouli’s Success!



When people think of a Rajamouli film, they envision a stellar cast, massive budget, spectacular graphics, and an evergreen story. These elements are considered reasons for his films’ sensational success. However, these factors are just key components that aid success, not the core of it. Rajamouli's real formula lies in the emotional drama—something many films miss and only Rajamouli manages to carry through. He places significant emphasis on emotions in his films, which he believes are crucial for success. Rajamouli creates an emotional bond between the viewer and the characters, drawing the audience deeply into his movies. This engagement makes the characters linger with the viewers, even after leaving the cinema, prompting them to revisit the film. This emotional connection is something many directors struggle to emulate.







Rajamouli Busy with Upcoming Projects



Following RRR, Rajamouli is set to direct a new film featuring Mahesh Babu, known as SSMB 29, which will be a pan-world movie. This upcoming film will showcase Mahesh in a never-before-seen look, set against the backdrop of the Amazon forests, with significant location scouting happening in South Africa. British actress Naomi Scott has been confirmed as the heroine. The initial schedule will be completed in a Varanasi set in Hyderabad, after which the second schedule will move to South Africa.






Why Trying to Imitate Rajamouli’s Magic Backfires: The Lessons 'Kanguva' and Other Films Learned the Hard Way


Movie: Lucky Baskhar



Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ramki, Maanasa Choudhary, Hyper Aadi, Surya Srinivas, and others



Music: GV Prakash Kumar



Editing: Naveen Nooli



Cinematography: Nimesh Ravi



Producers: Suryadevara Nagavamshi, Sai Soujanya



Written and Directed by: Venky Atluri



Release Date: October 31, 2024



This Diwali, the film 'Lucky Baskhar' made some noise. As a pan-India film featuring Dulquer Salmaan, it held a special appeal for Telugu audiences. What makes this Dulquer-Venky Atluri combination film special? Let’s find out if the hero gets lucky in this story.



Plot:



Baskhar Kumar (Dulquer Salmaan) is a regular bank employee from Mumbai, juggling his responsibilities towards his family comprising his wife Sumathi (Meenakshi Chaudhary), son, father, sister, and brother. He struggles with debts while hoping for a promotion that seems more like a dream. Despite his efforts, all seems to fail. Eventually, Baskhar takes a significant risk to support his family. The story unfolds how he faces the consequences of this risk.







What’s the Film Like?



After a long time, a Telugu film revolving around banking and the stock market has emerged, with the infamous Harshad Mehta scandal of the 90s as a crucial element. Director Venky Atluri intricately weaves the everyday struggles of middle-class families with their financial integrity into the narrative. The twists and characters resonate closely with the audience. Initially, the film portrays the challenges faced by Baskhar’s family and his humiliations, followed by his efforts to overcome these hurdles, which renew his zest for life.



Baskhar’s risks, the problems he faces, and his clever ways of handling them thrill the audience. Notably, the interval scenes and the complications faced by Baskhar in the first half are captivating. However, some scenes in the second half might seem a bit confusing. Topics like the stock market and shares may not be easily comprehensible to the general audience. The transformation in Baskhar’s life and his efforts to resolve family issues are engaging.







Who Did Well?



Dulquer Salmaan excels in the role of Baskhar, embodying a middle-class individual wonderfully. Meenakshi Chaudhary brings authenticity to her role as Sumathi. Ramki, Sachin Khedekar, and others justify their roles well.







Technical Aspects:



Technically, the film is superior. GV Prakash Kumar’s music is a crucial asset, with his background score adding hype to the story. Nimesh Ravi’s cinematography transports the ambiance back to the 90s Mumbai. Venky Atluri’s skill in character development and managing the narrative twists makes the film stand out, showcasing the production values without compromise.







Strengths:



Strong storyline



Dulquer Salmaan’s performance



Background music and twists



Weaknesses:



Some scenes in the second half



Final Words:



‘Lucky Baskhar’ is a smart thriller with an engaging backdrop. Dulquer Salmaan captivates in the role of Baskhar, delivering emotional elements that touch the audience. Despite some slower scenes in the second half, the narrative’s thrilling elements and interesting characters draw the audience closer.



Rating: 4/5


Lucky Baskhar Review: From Bank Clerk to RISK TAKER: Dulquer's 'Lucky Baskhar' is the PERFECT Diwali Blast! 🎯"


Cast: Viswant Duddumpudi, Shilpa Manjunath, Rhea Sachdeva, Tejaswini Naidu, Viva Raghav, Sumanth Varela, and others.



Written and Directed by: Basireddy Rana



Music by: Lijo K. Jose



Editor: Amar Reddy Kudumula



Producer: Narendra Buchireddygari



Release Date: September 20, 2024



Viswant Duddumpudi, known from movies like 'Kerintha' and 'Manamantha', is now featured in the film 'Hide N Seek'. Produced under the banner of Sahasra Entertainments by Narendra Buchireddygari and directed by Basireddy Rana, this film has raised expectations with its teasers and trailers. Released in theaters this Friday (September 20), let’s see how much it managed to entertain the audience.







What is the Story About?



The story unfolds in the backdrop of Kurnool. Shiva (Viswant Duddumpudi) is a medical student aspiring to become an army doctor. He is in love with Varsha (Rhea Sachdeva), who studies in the same college. In the meantime, a series of inexplicable murders start shaking up the city. A delivery boy is inexplicably beaten to death with a rod. Similar baseless murders spread fear across the city. To solve these serial murder mysteries, police officer Vaishnavi (Shilpa Manjunath) steps into the scene. However, Shiva discovers clues that even the police can't seem to find, leading them to suspect him as the psycho killer. Who framed Shiva in these murders? Who is behind these serial killings? To uncover these mysteries, one must watch the movie.







How Did They Perform?



Young actor Viswant Duddumpudi delivers an excellent performance in the role of Shiva, showcasing his emotional depth well. Kannada actress Shilpa Manjunath looks convincing as a sincere police officer, carefully matching her Telugu dialogues. Rhea Sachdeva, playing the heroine, is limited to a few scenes. Actor Saksi Shiv adds great value to his negative character with his deep voice and compelling acting, making a significant impact. Other actors performed adequately within their roles.







How is the Direction?



Director Basireddy Rana successfully crafts this film as an investigative crime thriller. From the opening scene to the end, he manages to keep the audience glued to their seats. The screenplay is gripping, especially from the first murder to the climax, presenting unforeseeable twists. The way characters are designed and integrated into the story is impressive, with an intriguing link to ancient stories. However, placing this modern warfare in a small city like Kurnool doesn't seem entirely convincing. The film struggles to establish the extent of youth addiction to gaming, and sometimes the portrayal of human emotions falls flat. Overall, the film will appeal to fans of crime investigation movies.







Technically Speaking



Technically, the cinematography is commendable. Lijo K. Jose’s background music is a significant plus, enhancing the suspense elements effectively. The editing is adequate, and the production values are quite good.







Plus Points



- Viswant Duddumpudi’s acting



- Novelty in the story



- Thrilling elements



Minus Points



- Weak drama



- Some unclear scenes



Rating by Telugu.yousay.tv: 2.5/5


How was the movie?