Movie Name: Gandhi Tatha Chettu
Director: Padmavati Malladi

Cast: Sukriti Veni, Anand Chakrapani, Raghuram, Bhanu Prakash, Nehal Anand, Rag Mayur and others

Banner: Mythri Movie Makers - Sukumar Writings
Music: Re

Release Date: January 24, 2025

iQlik Movies Rating: 2.75/5

Gandhi Tatha Chettu is one of the new releases in Telugu. Director Sukumar's daughter Sukrithi debuted as a child artist with the film. Set against the tranquil backdrop of a Telangana village, the film was released today. Check out the film's review here.

Story:

Ramachandraiah (Anand Chakrapani), a principled Gandhian who treasures his connection to nature, symbolized by a cherished tree in his village. His granddaughter Gandhi (Sukrithi Veni), named after Mahatma Gandhi, shares his ideals of truth, non-violence, and simplicity. When Satish (Rag Mayur), arrives to acquire village land for a chemical factory, most villagers succumb to the lure of money. However, Gandhi, inspired by her grandfather's values, emerges as the central figure in the fight to preserve their land, their tree, and the essence of their village.

Performances:

Sukrithi delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, carrying the emotional weight of the story with grace. Her character's transformation in the climax is particularly striking, making her portrayal memorable and deeply moving. Kudos to her guts for shaving her head for this character. Character artist Anand Chakrapani's ability to convey moral conviction and vulnerability adds gravitas to the film. Rag Mayur's subtle menace works well within the story's grounded approach. The rest of the cast, Lavanya, Raghuram, Bhanu Prakash, Nehal Anand and others are good in their parts.

Technical Aspects:

Sreejit and Vishva's visuals beautifully capture the lush greenery and rustic charm of the village, immersing the audience in the film's serene setting. Re's soulful music complements the film?s emotional core, particularly during key moments between Gandhi and her grandfather.

The use of authentic Telangana dialect enriches the storytelling, grounding the narrative in its cultural context. The naturalistic portrayal of village life is commendable, with attention to detail that enhances the film?s authenticity. The production values are grand.

Review:

Gandhi Tatha Chettu offers a heartfelt and introspective look at the values of environmental conservation and Gandhian principles through the lens of a rural family's struggle. The narrative highlights themes of environmental conservation, familial bonds, and the relevance of Gandhian values in contemporary society. The story's simplicity and sincerity make its message impactful, but it appears preachy and unengaging at times. Sukrithi Veni?s standout performance, paired with Padmavati Malladi's direction, brings the story to life in an authentic and inspiring way. While the film's slow pace and lack of commercial appeal may not attract all viewers, its sincerity and focus on timeless values make it a one-time watch.

Plus Points:

Raw Storytelling
Performances
Dialogues

Minus Points:

Pacing Issues
Preachy Scenes

Final Verdict: A one-time watch drama with good message