Movie Name : Kothapallilo Okappudu
Release Date : July 18, 2025
Cast : Manoj Chandra, Monika T, Usha Bonela, Ravindra Vijay, Benerjee, Bongu Satti, Phani, Premsagar etc.
Director : Praveena Paruchuri
Music Director : Mani Sharma
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.25/5
Story:
Based in the village of Kothapalli, the film is about Appanna (Ravindra Vijay), a ruthless money lender who lends money to villagers and treats brutally those who default. Ramakrishna (Manoj Chandra) assists him in recovering the debts as well as has a small dance recording troup in the background.
The troupe is in search of a female dancer. Ramakrishna has long harbored silent feelings for Savitri (Monika), the daughter of the village president Reddy (Benerjee). Encouraged by his troupe members, Ramakrishna thinks of bringing Savitri into the group. Unsure of how to approach her directly, he seeks help from Aadilakshmi (Usha Bonela), Savitri’s close friend.
Aadilakshmi steps in to assist and attempts to intervene between them. But matters get out of hand when villagers catch Ramakrishna and Aadilakshmi together in the evening near a stack of hay and misinterpret what is happening, causing gossip and speculation in the village.
What ensues is a sequence of dramatic and emotional incidents: Will Savitri be part of the dance troupe? Will the confusion clear? Can Ramakrishna and Savitri unite? And most crucially, will the village ever get reprieve from Appanna’s suffocating debts? The rest of the tale traces how these things cause surprising turns of event in the villagers’ lives.
Review:
The film has a slow start at first and doesn’t very quickly hook the viewer. But once it finds its rhythm, especially after the first few scenes, it gets into a groove of amusing humor and strong situational comedy. What stands out most is the authenticity — everything from the dialogue to the imagery felt raw and real.
Director Praveena Paruchuri handles a thoughtful theme and weaves it into the narrative with emotional depth. The second half, in particular, has some impressive moments — blending emotional intensity with a hint of suspense and reflection on rural beliefs and mindsets.
Debutant Manoj Chandra has an unexpected surprise factor — he has a natural body language, the dialect of Uttarandhra in his film is perfect, and he has a charming screen presence. In moments of levity, his comic timing is especially welcome to balance out the more serious tones. Monika enjoys a lovely grace and ample emotional expression for the part she plays as the female lead in the film, nicely meeting the tone of the film.
Supporting actors like Usha Bonela bring great energy to their scenes, especially in the lighter moments. Ravindra Vijay once again proves his mettle with a restrained yet powerful performance. Though his character feels slightly underwritten, he makes a solid impact. Veterans like Benerjee lend strong support with their presence.
The film revolves around a core idea. This introspective theme sets the tone early on, but may not connect with all viewers, especially those expecting a straightforward commercial narrative. Some parts — like the sudden behavior change in villagers or the treatment of superstitions — feel a bit exaggerated and less organic.
One notable drawback is Ravindra Vijay’s character being cut off abruptly. His arc had the potential to deepen the emotional weight, and a better-planned conclusion would’ve added more strength to the film’s message.
On the technical front, the film holds up well. Mani Sharma’s music is pleasant and fitting, while Varun Unni’s background score supports the mood without being overwhelming. The cinematography by Petros Antoniadis beautifully captures the rustic charm of the village setting.
In her directorial debut, with this film she also plays a big role behind the camera, Praveena Paruchuri cannot be faulted for selecting an important story and for telling it faithfully. Despite not getting it wholly right, her efforts to balance emotion, honesty, realism, with comedy demonstrates her care for wanting make content with soul.
Kothapallilo Okappudu might not be a flawless film, but it’s certainly a heartfelt one. With rooted performances, a genuine message, and a mix of emotion and comedy, it’s a film that tries to say something meaningful. If you appreciate slow-paced rural dramas with depth and honesty, this film is worth your time.