In recent times, the remarkable buzz for a small film has probably never been higher than in the case of Pottel. Whether it was the promotional content or the excitement at the press meet, the film caught everyone’s attention. Touted as a period drama, the film is slated for release on October 25. The filmmakers held premieres two days in advance. Let’s see if Pottel lives up to the expectations.
Story: Pottel is set in a remote village in Telangana before the abolition of the Patel system. Gangadhar (Chandra), guardian of Balamma Pottel, and the village elder, Patel (Ajay), clash as Patel continues to dominate despite efforts to stop him. Blindly loyal to the Patel system, the villagers ignore Gangadhar’s warnings, even after Chief Minister NTR calls for its end. Unable to pursue his education, Gangadhar is determined to educate his daughter Saraswati. The film explores the challenges he faces, Patel’s attempts to crush his hopes, and how the people of his village break free from Patel’s oppressive influence.
Performances: Ajay’s portrayal of Patel in Pottel exemplifies how a talented actor can shine when given a compelling role. The origin of the character and his motivations are cleverly crafted, and Ajay’s execution on screen is remarkable. Ajay, who has already been in great form with films like Mathu Vadara 2 and Devara, gains well-deserved recognition through Pottel, something that has eluded him for a long time. Chandra’s performance exudes sincerity. The way he molded himself for the role is commendable, especially his portrayal of a father who would do anything for his daughter’s education, which feels completely natural. Ananya Nagalla once again impresses with her nuanced performance in a natural role. Srikanth Iyengar, as a teacher, and Noel, in another supporting role, also deliver strong performances.
Technical Aspects: Sekhar Chandra‘s songs and background music are the film’s greatest assets. All the songs grow on you while watching the xmovie, and the background score truly brings the film to life. Especially in the climax, the re-recording and vocals reach peak quality. This film will be a milestone in Sekhar Chandra’s career. Monish Bhupathi Raju‘s cinematography is another key element of the film.
In the pre-climax, the scene where the hero struggles with his vision is shot in a body-cam format, effectively engaging the audience. The production design team has brought the film to life, especially considering the story is set between 1950 and 1990. Their attention to detail in maintaining authenticity is commendable. The small sets erected by the art department, especially the Balamma temple premises, feel vivid and realistic.
Analysis: Sahit Motkuri’s debut film Savari didn’t quite entertain, but with Pottel, his growth is evident. The film’s backdrop, character development, and well-written arcs are praiseworthy. Particularly impressive is the story’s setting and the way the bird’s tale is presented through animation.
Sahit excels as a writer; however, the sharpness in how the scenes were written doesn’t fully translate into their execution. There are several scenes with shock value, but the overall impact is lacking. The issue lies in the screenplay and scene composition. With more care in these areas, the film could have achieved recognition on the level of Kantara.
That said, Sahit’s portrayal of a selfish man manipulating God and superstitions to control people like a flock of sheep is striking. Overall, Sahit earns higher marks as a writer than as a director. Highlighting societal issues with strong characters and a real-life-based storyline is something to be appreciated.
At a time when films are often focused solely on entertainment, it is commendable to create a film like Pottel. The exploration of caste pride, still deeply ingrained in certain sections of society, is a key attraction of Pottel. The film effectively conveys the important message that education shapes not only individuals but also society and systems.
Verdict: Overall, Pottel is a rustic village drama that has great performances and amazing visuals. The social message, narration, and production design keep you hooked. For that budget, the quality of the film and the way drama is highlighted itself makes us give this film a shot at the theaters.
Bottom Line: Intense village drama
Rating : 3/5
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