Sankranthiki Vasthunnam Movie Review: A Decent Festive Entertainer with Flaws
Duration: 2 Hr 24 Mins
Genre: Family
Release Date: 14 January 2025
Cast:
- Venkatesh
- Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Aishwarya Rajesh
- Srinivasa Reddy
- Naresh
- Sai Kumar
- Upendra Limaye
- VTV Ganesh
- Srinivas Avasarala
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Producer: Dil Raju
Banner: Sri Venkateswara Creations
Music: Bheems Ceciroleo
Plot Summary
Y D Raju (Venkatesh), an ex-cop and encounter specialist, lives a happy and peaceful life with his wife (Aishwarya Rajesh), four children, and a large joint family in a village near Rajahmundry. One day, his ex-girlfriend (Meenakshi Chaudhary), now a cop, seeks his help for a secret rescue mission. While initially hesitant, Raju agrees to assist her, leading to unexpected involvement from his wife. Who needs to be rescued? Why does Raju’s wife want to join the mission? These questions form the crux of the story.
Performances
- Venkatesh: Delivers a performance that plays to his strengths. His comedic timing and ability to balance humor with emotional moments shine, especially during the fight sequence where he delivers a “message” to men. His role as a husband caught between his wife and ex-girlfriend adds plenty of laughs.
- Aishwarya Rajesh: Impresses as the innocent, possessive wife. Her performance, particularly in the first half, is one of the film’s highlights.
- Meenakshi Chaudhary: Confident in her role as the ex-girlfriend and cop. She holds her own alongside seasoned actors like Venkatesh and Aishwarya Rajesh.
- Bulliraju (Child Actor): Steals the show in the first half, with his sequences being among the most entertaining parts of the film.
- Upendra Limaye: Overacts in his role as the jailer, with his forced comedy testing the audience’s patience.
- Srinivas Avasarala: Delivers a believable performance as a CEO in a key role. The supporting cast, including Naresh, Sai Kumar, and VTV Ganesh, have limited but decent roles.
Technical Aspects
- Music: Bheems Ceciroleo’s songs, especially “Godari Gattu Meeda,” are a major asset. The melody and Ramana Gogula’s vocals provide a nostalgic vibe. The background score is effective in parts.
- Cinematography: Sameer Reddy’s work is serviceable but lacks the visual polish expected in a festive release.
- Editing: Tammiraju’s editing falters, particularly in the pre-interval and second half. Several scenes could have been trimmed to improve the pacing.
- Production Values: The film’s limited budget is evident, with ordinary visuals and a lack of grandeur.
- Direction: Anil Ravipudi sticks to his formula of lighthearted family entertainment, but the lack of a compelling story and over-the-top sequences in the second half weaken the film.
Positives
- Venkatesh’s comedic timing and performance.
- Aishwarya Rajesh’s innocent portrayal.
- Two entertaining sequences featuring Bulliraju.
- The “Godari Gattu Meeda” song.
- Pre-climax and Venkatesh’s emotional moments.
Negatives
- Over-the-top sequences in the second half.
- Upendra Limaye’s forced comedy.
- Lack of a strong story or logic.
- Rushed and loud writing in the second half.
- Unnecessary “social message” in the climax.
Analysis
Anil Ravipudi’s success formula of simple stories filled with humor and fun moments works partially in Sankranthiki Vasthunnam. The first half, despite starting slowly, picks up once the focus shifts to Y D Raju’s family. Comedy sequences, Bulliraju’s antics, and the nostalgic songs create an enjoyable festive vibe.
However, the second half falls short due to weak writing and forced humor. Upendra Limaye’s character feels unnecessary, and the sudden inclusion of a social message about teachers feels out of place. The lack of a cohesive story and logic further pulls the film down.
Despite its shortcomings, the film caters well to its target audience—families looking for lighthearted entertainment during the festive season. Married women, in particular, may connect with Aishwarya Rajesh’s character and the family dynamics.
Verdict
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is a passable festive entertainer that relies heavily on Venkatesh’s performance, a few fun moments, and nostalgic songs. While the lack of a strong story and over-the-top sequences in the second half diminish the overall impact, it serves as a decent watch for families during Sankranthi.
Bottomline: Sankranthiki Vasthunnam – Fun in Parts, Flawed as a Whole
Rating: ⭐⭐¾ (2.75/5)
