Film: 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
Director: Nanda Kishore Emani

Cast: Vishwa Rachakonda, Nivetha Thomas, Priyadarshi and others

Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy
Editor: TC Prasanna
Music: Vivek Sagar

Producer: Rana Daggubati, Srujan Yarabolu, Siddharth Rallapalli

Banner: S Originals, Suresh Productions, Waltair Productions
Release Date: September 6, 2024

iQlik Movies Rating: 3/5

Niveda Thomas starrer 35 - Oka Chinna Katha is backed by Suresh Productions. The film will hit the screens tomorrow but there are premieres everywhere. The film's review is here and check it out.

Story:
The film's story centers around Prasad (Vishwadev Rachakonda), a conductor, and his wife, Saraswati (Niveda Thomas), a devoted housewife and mother. Their two children, Arun and Varun, are the center of Saraswati's world. However, Arun struggles with mathematics, constantly questioning concepts that even his teachers can?t fully explain. Arun's failure in sixth grade forces his family, especially his mother, to take drastic steps to help him succeed. As Saraswati embarks on a mission to help Arun score the required 35 marks, the story unfolds, revealing the emotional and intellectual journey of the mother-son duo.

Performances:
Niveda Thomas delivers a heartfelt performance as Saraswati, balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and teacher. Her portrayal of a mother who is deeply invested in her child?s success and her silent emotional expressions elevate the film. The scenes where she explains the significance of the children?s names and handles conflicts with her husband add depth to her character. Priyadarshi impresses as Chanakya, Arun's quirky and empathetic teacher who believes in the potential of children, even when they falter. Vishwadev Rachakonda does a commendable job portraying Prasad, a supportive father who tries to understand his son?s challenges and his wife?s frustrations.

Technical Aspects:
The music complements the film?s emotional undertones, and the cinematography effectively captures the Tirupati backdrop and classroom dynamics. The director deserves praise for touching upon a new dimension in storytelling, particularly with a focus on education and family. The dialogues are impactful, particularly lines that emphasize the importance of curiosity and perseverance. The pacing could have been tighter, but the overall direction is commendable for maintaining a balance between emotional drama and intellectual exploration.

Review:
The film succeeds in blending Arun?s academic struggles with a deeper emotional storyline revolving around Saraswati's inner turmoil. The movie touches on universal themes of education, questioning traditional learning methods, and the importance of curiosity in children. The story emphasizes that children learn best when they are encouraged to understand concepts logically, rather than through rote memorization. The setting of Tirupati adds a unique flavor to the film, blending the devotional atmosphere with the personal journey of the characters. 35 is not just a story about a child?s academic struggles; it?s a film that explores the emotional bonds between family members and the importance of questioning and understanding in education. It?s a valuable film for both children and adults, reminding us all that education is not just about passing exams, but about understanding the world around us.

Plus Points:
Plot
Dialogues
Screenplay
Performances

Minus Points:
Pacing Issues

Final Verdict: A balanced emotional drama with a message.