Movie Name : Pottel
Release Date : October 25, 2024
Cast : Yuva Chandra Krishna, Ananya Nagalla, Ajay, Noel, Priyanka Sharma, Srikanth Iyengar, Chatrapathi Sekhar, Jeevan etc.
Director : Sahit Mothkhuri
Music Director : Shekar Chandra
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
Set in the 1970s and 80s, the story takes place in the village of Gurram Gattu, located in the Vidarbha region on the Maharashtra-Telangana border. The villagers have a deep faith in their goddess, Balamma, and every twelve years, they hold a grand festival called Pushkaram, where a ritual offering known as “Pottel” is made. According to tradition, during the festival, the village head, Patel (Ajay), is believed to be possessed by the goddess, delivering her messages to the people. This practice has been passed down through generations of the Patel family.
However, Patel has never actually been possessed by the goddess; he only pretends to be, taking advantage of the villagers’ deep-seated beliefs to maintain his control. Gangadhar (Yuva Chandra Krishna), who belongs to an oppressed community, discovers this deception but finds that the villagers are unwilling to believe the truth.
Beyond using superstition, Patel also suppresses the weaker sections of the village by denying them access to education. Despite these challenges, Gangadhar secretly arranges for his daughter, Saraswathi, to study under the guidance of the village teacher, Duryodhan (Srikanth Iyengar).
When Patel finds out about this, he decides to punish Gangadhar by making the Pottel disappear, knowing it would cause panic among the villagers. The community, now misled and angry, turns against Gangadhar and exiles him, demanding he return with the Pottel before the festival. Patel further threatens to sacrifice Saraswathi if the Pottel is not found in time.
The rest of the story revolves around Gangadhar’s struggle to find the Pottel, the challenges he faces from Patel and the villagers, and the critical role his wife, Bujjamma (Ananya Nagalla), plays in his journey. The climax centers on who will ultimately confront Patel’s tyranny and whether Gangadhar can save his daughter and free the village from the grip of superstition.
Review:
Sahith Mothkuri’s Pottel presents a powerful depiction of caste oppression in a remote village, where a man from a marginalized community challenges the authority of the dominant Patels. The film delves into his struggles against societal and religious norms, distinguishing itself from other caste-based stories in Telugu cinema.
What sets Pottel apart is its grounded and realistic storytelling. The intense drama is brought to life by outstanding performances, with each actor adding significant depth to their character. The film’s authentic look, production design, and raw visuals contribute to its distinctive appeal. Ajay, portraying the overbearing Patel, delivers a standout performance, and Mothkuri’s direction ensures that the power struggles are convincingly portrayed. The film emerges as a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with its audience.
Pottel presents heartfelt scenes that explore the complexities of father-daughter relationships, the nuances of village romance, and the fight against caste oppression and superstitions. While the film has its emotional highs, its slow pacing may cause some viewers to lose interest as it progresses. The story kicks off with a compelling premise; however, the way the protagonist is introduced, along with his romantic journey and struggles, often feels predictable and follows conventional tropes.
The first half of Pottel feels lengthy and can be frustratingly slow as it delays the introduction of the central conflict. Director Sahith Mothkuri’s emphasis on detailed storytelling, though admirable, often leads to a drawn-out narrative that risks losing the audience’s attention. As viewers wait for the main issues to emerge, restlessness can take hold, making it difficult to stay engaged. A more concise approach might have enhanced the film’s pacing and kept the audience captivated right from the start.
While Pottel has its pacing challenges, it also features moments of brilliance, especially in addressing social issues. The father’s unwavering commitment to his daughter’s education is depicted with heartfelt sincerity, emphasizing his struggles and hopes. The climax is skillfully crafted, adding emotional weight to the narrative, and Ajay’s portrayal during these intense scenes is particularly noteworthy, effectively conveying the tension and stakes involved. Although the film has its shortcomings, these powerful elements enhance its overall impact and message.
Ananya Nagalla shines in her role, effectively showcasing her acting skills, especially in her interactions with Ajay, which enrich the story. Their on-screen chemistry adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Srikanth Iyengar also stands out as the school teacher, infusing authenticity into his character. Meanwhile, lead actor Yuva Chandra contributes a solid performance that enhances the film’s overall appeal.
Pottel boasts a remarkable background score by Sekhar Chandra that significantly elevates the film’s emotional impact. The songs are thoughtfully woven into the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling. Furthermore, the production design brilliantly reflects the 1980s, creating an authentic atmosphere that draws the audience into the film’s world.
In Pottel, director Sahith explores a heartfelt theme, grounding the film in emotional depth. The casting is notably strong, contributing to the film’s overall effectiveness. While the narrative is mostly well-crafted, the longer runtime occasionally detracts from its emotional resonance. Sahith successfully attempts to convey a significant social message, but the execution tends to follow familiar paths, missing out on unexpected twists that could better captivate viewers.
In short, Pottel has enacted a good village drama with an impressive background and a social message that connects the reel to the real times. Ajay has also given a tremendous show which will find a high ranking in his career. However, the slow motion of the film and the predictable scenes reduce the movie’s impact on viewers, who would look for something more riveting.