Sukumar’s daughter, Sukriti Veni Bandreddy, made her debut as an actress in the film Gandhi Taatha Chettu. Padmavathi Malladi, who has previously worked as a writer for films like Manamantha, Mahanati, and Radhe Shyam, is making her directorial debut with this film. Since the teaser launch, the film has been creating a buzz. Let’s see if this film, which has successfully captured the audience’s attention, manages to entertain them.
Story: Ramachandraiah (Ananda Chakrapani) names his granddaughter Gandhi (Sukriti Veni Bandreddy) out of his deep admiration for Mahatma Gandhi. This admiration influences Gandhi’s values and ideals. Ramachandraiah’s last wish is to save a beloved tree, and Gandhi takes it upon herself to fulfill his wish. The story revolves around the challenges she faces and how she protects the tree through non-violence and Gandhian principles. This forms the crux of Gandhi Taatha Chettu (Gandhi’s Grandfather’s Tree).
Performances: Sukriti Veni Bandreddy doesn’t appear to be a newcomer in this film. Her performance is especially praiseworthy, as she convincingly embodies the innocence and honesty of a village girl. Ananda Chakrapani, known for his supporting roles, shines as Ramayya, delivering a heartfelt performance as the grandfather. Tanikella Bharani lends his voice to the tree, which plays a key role in the narrative. His dubbing, especially in the emotional scene where the tree laments Ramayya’s passing, is deeply moving.
Nehal and Bhanuprakash add humor as Gandhi’s friends, while Lavanya Reddy does well as Gandhi’s mother. Rag Mayur’s portrayal of a character with a slight negative shade is notable, particularly the gratitude in his eyes during the climax, which adds depth to the story. The rest of the cast, primarily town locals, bring authenticity to the film with their natural performances.
Technical Aspects: The music director, Ree, deserves special mention. Although his full name isn’t widely known, his compositions beautifully evoke the essence of Telangana. The song Ole Sandamama, written by Kasarla Shyam, stands out, especially in its poetic depiction of a girl child as a symbol of true beauty. Cinematographers Vishwa and Sreejith enhance the film’s realism by using natural lighting, adding spontaneity and depth to the visuals. The art department and production design team have done a commendable job delivering a quality output within a limited budget.
Analysis: In today’s cinema, it’s rare to find films that serve as moral stories for children. In the past, commercial films, such as Keelugurram and Pathala Bhairavi, carried strong moral messages. After a long gap, Gandhi Taatha Chettu brings back that tradition. The story could have been more engaging if presented in a style similar to Chillar Party (a Hindi film).
However, the director’s decision to keep the storytelling simple is appreciable. While the film doesn’t fully captivate, its heartfelt message and moral undertone make it a commendable attempt. Padmavathi Malladi, in her debut as a director, earns more praise as a writer. The writing is heartfelt, especially the way she explores the history of the tree.
However, the screenplay falls slightly short of matching the beauty of her writing. Gandhi’s character arc could have been more engaging for the audience. Despite these minor shortcomings, the film succeeds in delivering a meaningful moral story for the younger generation. The ending is particularly well-executed and ends the film on a decent note.
Verdict: Overall, Gandhi Tatha Chettu is a message-oriented film that has decent emotions. Theatrically, it will not work but it presents Sukumar’s daughter to Telugu cinema. The attempt is honest and one can give the film a shot when you have time on your hands.
Bottom Line: Message-oriented cinema
Rating: 2.5/5
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