Sankranthiki Vasthunnam Review
After delivering blockbusters like F2 and F3, the duo of Victory Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi returns with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, aiming for a hat-trick of successes. With chartbuster songs like Godari Gattu Meeda and a strong promotional campaign, the film generated significant buzz prior to its release. Let’s delve into whether the film lives up to the expectations and how it fares in providing wholesome entertainment.
Plot
Y.D. Raju (Venkatesh), an ex-cop and encounter specialist, leads a content life with his wife (Aishwarya Rajesh), four kids, and a joint family in a village near Rajahmundry. One day, his ex-girlfriend (Meenakshi Chaudhary), now a police officer, approaches him with a request to assist in a secret rescue operation. The story unfolds as Raju, his wife, and the team embark on this mission, revealing the stakes and surprises along the way.
Performances
Venkatesh effortlessly shines as Y.D. Raju, a role tailored for his expertise in blending comedy with emotional depth. His impeccable comedic timing and nuanced performance, particularly in family-oriented scenes and his interactions with Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary, evoke hearty laughs and connect well with the audience.
Aishwarya Rajesh, as the innocent and possessive wife, delivers an endearing performance. Her portrayal adds relatability and emotional weight, especially in the first half.
Meenakshi Chaudhary, in the role of the ex-girlfriend and cop, holds her ground, showcasing confidence and charm beside seasoned performers.
The child actor playing Bulliraju is a standout, with his scenes in the first half being the film’s major highlights.
Upendra Limaye, as the antagonist, delivers an over-the-top performance that occasionally feels excessive, while actors like Srinivasa Reddy and Sai Kumar manage to generate sporadic laughs.
Technical Aspects
Music by Bheems Ceciroleo is a major asset, with melodious tracks and an engaging background score. Godari Gattu Meeda stands out as a festive anthem that enhances the film’s appeal.
Cinematography by Sameer Reddy is functional but lacks finesse, with visuals that reflect a constrained budget.
Editing by Tammiraju could have been sharper, especially during the pre-interval sequence and the second half.
Production Values by Sri Venkateswara Creations are adequate, though the limited budget is evident in the film’s overall presentation.
Strengths
Venkatesh’s effortless comedy and screen presence.
Aishwarya Rajesh’s relatable performance as the innocent wife.
Bulliraju’s sequences in the first half, which are humorous and heartwarming.
Chartbuster songs, especially Godari Gattu Meeda.
Pre-climax scenes with Venkatesh that provide an emotional high.
Weaknesses
A lack of a strong, cohesive story.
Upendra Limaye’s character feels underwhelming due to weak writing and exaggerated performance.
Rushed and half-baked writing, particularly in the climax, where a social message on teachers feels out of place.
Inconsistent pacing and logic gaps that require the audience to suspend disbelief.
Analysis
Anil Ravipudi, known for crafting light-hearted family entertainers, relies on his tried-and-tested formula of blending humor with emotional beats. While Sankranthiki Vasthunnam succeeds in delivering entertainment in parts, particularly in the first half, the second half falters due to inconsistent writing and an over-reliance on loud comedy.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to cater to family audiences, with relatable characters and moments of hilarity. However, the lack of a robust narrative and logical coherence dampens its overall impact. Despite its shortcomings, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam manages to entertain, especially for those willing to overlook its flaws.
Verdict
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is a perfect family entertainer with moments of humor and emotional appeal. While it doesn’t quite achieve the finesse of F2 or F3, it offers enough fun for a festive outing with family. Victory Venkatesh’s charisma and a few standout sequences make it a decent watch.
