Ram Pothineni’s Comeback: Andhra King Taluka Shines
It had been nearly five years since Ram Pothineni delivered a hit, with his previous three films failing to make an impact despite being helmed by experienced directors. At a point when he needed a reinvention, Ram teamed up with young director Mahesh Babu Pachigolla—who had previously made Ra Ra… Krishnayya and Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty—for Andhra King Taluka.
The film also stars Kannada superstar Upendra in a pivotal role, Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead, and features music by Tamil duo Vivek–Mervin. After creating a buzz with its trailer and songs, the film has finally hit theatres.
Story
Sagar (Ram Pothineni) is a die-hard fan of superstar Surya (Upendra) and hails from Godapalli Lanka, a remote village in Godavari. He falls in love with Mahalakshmi (Bhagyashri Borse), but her father dismisses him as unworthy. To prove himself, Sagar builds a movie theatre in his village—but shockingly, he decides to sell it and send the money to Surya.
The film unfolds Sagar’s motivations, the connection between his love story and Surya’s 100th film, and whether Sagar ultimately wins Mahalakshmi’s heart.
Performances
Ram delivers his best performance in years, fully immersing himself in Sagar’s character without unnecessary over-the-top antics. Upendra, though limited in screen time, leaves a lasting impression, especially in the climax. Bhagyashri Borse impresses with her charm and acting.
Veteran actors Rao Ramesh and Murali Sharma shine in crucial sequences, while supporting actors like Rahul Ramakrishna, Satya, Rajeev Kanakala, Raghu Babu, and Tulasi contribute effectively. Sindhu Tolani’s cameo adds value.
Technical Highlights
- Music: Vivek–Mervin’s songs are a major strength, blending melodies and situational tracks seamlessly.
- Cinematography: Siddhartha Nuni and George C. Williams capture Godavari’s locales beautifully, especially the cyclone episode.
- Editing: A. Sreekar Prasad does well in the second half; the first half could have been trimmed for tighter pacing.
- VFX: Some sequences, like the giant wheel scene, appear artificial.
- Production: Mythri Movie Makers deliver top-tier production values.
Positives
- Engaging second half
- Thoughtful, inspiring dialogues
- Strong performances from lead and supporting cast
Memorable songs
- Well-executed emotional and comic sequences
Negatives
- Slow pacing in the first half
- Minor VFX issues
Verdict
Andhra King Taluka tells the story of a fan’s love and devotion with sincerity and heart. The director blends a fan-centric narrative with a meaningful love story and a compelling backstory for Sagar. The film avoids the typical clichés of Ram’s recent projects and presents a grounded, feel-good story.
With strong performances, engaging writing, and melodious music, the film is entertaining and emotionally rewarding. Ram Pothineni finally delivers a hit-worthy performance, making Andhra King Taluka a film that can appeal to audiences across age groups.
Final Rating: Heartwarming and entertaining
