Veteran actor Brahmaji takes on a lead role after a long time in the film Baapu, directed by Dayakar Reddy. The film features Aamani, Dhanya Balakrishna, Balagam Sudhakar Reddy, Mani Aegurla, and Racha Ravi in key roles. The teaser and trailer, which focus on a father’s emotional journey, have generated significant interest. Let’s see how the film fares.
Story: For Mallanna (Brahmaji), who is drowning in debt, the destruction of his crops due to heavy rains comes as a devastating blow. On one hand, he is struggling with financial burdens, and on the other, he has the responsibility of his family. Lost and hopeless, he contemplates suicide. However, he then has a distressing realization—if his elderly father, Rajanna (Balagam Sudhakar Reddy), passes away, the government will provide compensation of ₹5 lakh. This thought leads him and his family to a heartbreaking dilemma: how do they wait for Rajanna’s death, and what measures will they take? This forms the crux of Baapu.
Performances: Brahmaji, known for his versatile roles over his 40-year career, seamlessly transforms into Mallanna, a struggling farmer. His use of Telangana slang and natural performance bring authenticity to the role. Particularly in emotional scenes, he proves his seniority as an actor, delivering moments that are deeply moving.
Sudhakar Reddy, known for Balagam, once again shines in the role of Rajanna, the aging father. He brings humor and depth to his portrayal of a forgetful yet loving elder, offering poignant dialogues emphasizing family responsibilities.
Aamani surprises the audience with a grey-shaded character, a departure from her usual motherly roles, which could open new opportunities for her. Dhanya Balakrishna plays the role of an aged daughter, while Mani Aegurla’s character had multiple layers but could have been executed more effectively. Srinivas Avasarala adds charm with his screen presence.
Technical Aspects: The background score by RR Dhruvan is a major plus, effectively elevating the emotional and comedic moments. However, the songs fail to leave a strong impact.
Vasu Pendem’s cinematography is commendable, particularly considering the limited budget. His ability to capture the essence of Telangana’s rural life adds depth to the film’s setting. However, the production design and artwork remain modest, as most of the film is shot in natural locations.
Analysis: Director Dayakar Reddy takes inspiration from real-life societal issues, weaving a compelling narrative. His ability to blend humor into a serious subject is noteworthy, ensuring that the comedy does not feel forced. The emotional weight of the story is well-crafted. However, the story could have been tighter, and certain elements, such as the song dedicated to Mani’s character, feel unnecessary.
The characters of Brahmaji, Aamani, and Sudhakar Reddy are well-developed, and their interactions provide both entertainment and emotional depth. However, the film’s ending lacks impact, relying on a voiceover that fails to provide a truly satisfying conclusion.
Films like Baapu are essential to reviving fading sentiments and emotions in society. If the screenplay had been handled with more precision, the film could have reached its full potential.
Verdict: Overall, Baapu delivers a strong message, condemning the rampant greed and violence in today’s world, where people even go to the extent of harming their own for financial gain.
Rating: 2.5/5
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