Movie Name : Gandhi Tatha Chettu
Release Date : January 24, 2025
Cast : Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, Bhanu Prakash Kothala, Ananda Chakrapani, Nehal Anand Kumkuma, Rag Mayur etc.
Director : Padmavathi Malladi
Music Director : Ree
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
Ramachandraiah (Ananda Chakrapani) is from Alluru village in Nizamabad district and is a staunch Gandhian, inspired by his father’s love for the country. Following in his father’s footsteps, he names his son, daughter, and grandchildren after Gandhi (Sukruthi Veni) to instill in them a sense of nationalism and commitment to the ideals of truth and non-violence.
Ramachandraiah owns 15 acres of land, including a cherished tamarind tree. However, due to the actions of local politicians, the village’s sugarcane factory shuts down, leaving farmers who depend on it struggling financially. Meanwhile, a businessman named Satish (Ragh Mayur) offers the farmers a tempting deal—sell their land to him in exchange for jobs at a new chemical factory.
While most of the farmers agree to sell, Ramachandraiah refuses, determined to keep his land and fearing the destruction of his beloved tamarind tree. This leads to a confrontation with his son. In the midst of this conflict, his granddaughter Gandhi stands by him, offering unwavering support. The story continues as they face challenges and fight to protect their land and values.
Review:
Sukriti Veni Bandreddi has made a remarkable debut, capturing the audience’s attention with her innocence and charm. Her natural delivery of dialogues and authentic portrayal of her character brought a sense of realism to the screen. Sukriti’s screen presence effortlessly enhanced each scene, while her emotional depth, body language, and expressions demonstrated her ability to fully immerse herself in the role. Her performance truly stood out, as she brought the character to life in a way that felt both fresh and sincere.
Anand Chakrapani’s portrayal of the grandfather was marked by sincerity and emotional depth. He skillfully carried the character’s journey, promoting Gandhian ideals and inspiring change within the village. The emotional moments between the grandfather and granddaughter, especially around the cherished tamarind tree, were some of the film’s most touching, allowing the audience to form a strong emotional bond with the story.
Rag Mayur made a notable impact as the businessman, skillfully capturing the character’s attitude and confidence. His performance added intensity to the narrative, creating a compelling contrast to the more heartfelt roles. Raghuram and Lavanya, playing the parents, delivered natural and authentic performances that grounded the story in reality. The supporting cast, including the teacher and the children playing the friends, also contributed with their realistic portrayals, bringing a sense of believability to the film.
Gandhi Tatha Chettu presents a heartfelt story that revolves around simple, yet powerful themes of non-violence and environmental conservation. However, the film’s predictable plot and linear narrative make it less engaging, especially in the second half, where the pacing becomes sluggish, and the emotional depth feels lacking.
The central storyline of Gandhi’s efforts to save the tamarind tree holds promise but could have been delivered with greater intensity and more compelling writing. While it’s meant to be a pivotal part of the film, the emotional engagement doesn’t reach its full potential, making the film feel slow and less impactful.
Director Padmavathi succeeds in infusing the film with meaningful emotions, particularly through the lens of Gandhian principles and the thoughts of school children, offering a fresh perspective on non-violence and social change. Despite its simplicity, the film’s realistic and convincing dialogues help bring the story to life, allowing for an authentic connection with the audience.
The music, composed by Ree, complements the emotional tone of the film beautifully, with soothing melodies that enhance the story. The production quality is solid, aligning with the film’s overall atmosphere.
In conclusion, Gandhi Tatha Chettu is a film with a noble message about non-violence and environmental conservation. While Sukriti Veni shines in her impressive debut, the film’s slow pacing and lack of emotional depth may limit its broader appeal. However, its meaningful social message will resonate with viewers who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.