Sankrathiki Vasthunam

Sankrathiki Vasthunam, starring Venkatesh, Aishwarya, and Meenakshi, is a delightful throwback to the golden era of Telugu cinema. It blends comedy, drama, and family emotions into a package that feels like a much-needed break from today's high-octane action thrillers. While it has its share of flaws, the movie's charm and nostalgia overshadow the occasional missteps, delivering an overall enjoyable experience.

The story revolves around Venkatesh's character, a loving father and husband, who tries to balance family life amidst chaos created by an archetypal Telugu film villain. The plot may not win points for originality, as the tropes and the antagonist feel very much like something we've seen before in Telugu cinema. However, where the movie truly shines is in its execution. The director ensures that the predictable storyline is infused with heartwarming moments, witty dialogues, and engaging performances that keep the audience entertained throughout.

Aishwarya delivers a standout performance, surpassing all expectations. Her portrayal of a determined and emotional character feels authentic and heartfelt, leaving a lasting impression. She even outshines the child artist playing Venkatesh's son, who otherwise does a commendable job adding innocence and humor to the narrative. Aishwarya's ability to evoke both laughter and tears makes her the soul of the movie, elevating even the simplest scenes with her screen presence.

Venkatesh, as always, brings his signature charm and impeccable comic timing to the table. His role as a father navigating familial conflicts and external threats feels relatable, especially for fans of his earlier family-oriented films. Meenakshi complements him well, bringing a grace and subtlety to her character, though her screen time is limited compared to the leads.

The comedy in Sankrathiki Vasthunam deserves special mention. The humor is rooted in everyday situations and relationships, reminiscent of classic Telugu family dramas. It's refreshing to watch a film where laughter doesn't rely on over-the-top gimmicks but instead emerges naturally from the characters and their interactions. The movie feels like a speed breaker in today's cinema landscape, offering a breather from the action-packed dramas that dominate the industry.

That said, Sankrathiki Vasthunam isn't without its flaws. Certain moments feel outdated or overly dramatic, bordering on cringe-worthy. The villain, while performed decently, is a typical Telugu cinema antagonist-loud, menacing, and one-dimensional. These elements might take away from the experience for some viewers, but the film's charm and heart make up for its shortcomings.

Another aspect worth appreciating is the nostalgic vibe that the movie brings. Watching *Sankr.

Entertaining indeed, but is that enough? An ex-govt. Official seemed too irresponsible. Venkatesh is a good actor, however, it made me a bit gloomy after watching his performance in this movie. I found that having 4 kids in six years is problematic when we're battling an overpopulation problem. Stars like Venkatesh should not promote this kind of insanity. Despite their good acting, the female leads seemed brainless and useless in this film. Projecting women in such a disrespectful way in 2025 is disappointing. The songs are not up to the mark and did not enjoy the dance. The only thing I found in this movie is Venkatesh's comic acting.

Basically, Technically, Logically, Practically and Finally Sankrathiki Vasthunam (2025) is a wholesome entertainer.

Venkatesh Garu shines!

Aishwarya Rajesh Garu scintillates!

Meenakshi Choudhary Garu shimmers!

The film is a slapstick entertainer with its basic premise being a rescue mission with an incoherent story line. Don't look for logics. There's none! Just enjoy.

The film works only because it's culturally rooted targeting Telugu audiences. It breaks away from the pan-Indian hype! (Not every film can be pan-Indian. Good sense prevailed here!) There is comedy, there are sentiments, there are messages, there are emotions, there are fights - a bit of everything for everybody and nicely packaged.

The songs and background music enhance the festive mood.

Relying on clichés and tropes repeatedly, Director Anil Ravipudi Garu serves us a festive wholesome lunch.

All the scenes in the film are forced, but the film surprisingly works for most part and seems to have been made for Instagram reels.

The film is laced with several genuine lol moments though.

Catching this light-hearted film in theater today was a great experience - everyone in the theater were having a good time. And the whole vibe was nice.

Venkatesh Garu is as usual in his elements, surrendering to Anil Garu's style and playing it to the galleries. Aishwarya Rajesh Garu was the surprise! She complements Venkatesh Garu very well. Rest of the cast are passable.

Venkatesh Garu must really owe the film's success to his niche audience - the Telugu women! Droves of women coming to theaters in autos, it's like old times! This film had everything to draw them to the theaters.

I am not really a fan of Anil Ravipudi Garu's mediocre film-making. It's cringe. But people seem to love his films.

My IMDb rating 7/10.

It's like that perfect meal for festival after having two tasteless snacks (you know what are those 😑)

Venkatesh as usual in his elements, surrendering to Anil's style and playing it to the galleries, Aishwarya Rajesh's a surprise package, equally complementing Venky's timing, Meenakshi okayish, expected bit more from Upendra Limaye, Revanth as Bulli Raju is a cracker 💥r,est all fine.

Technically, Bheems' music is the biggest asset, every song worked out really well, nothing to complain from DOP Sameer Reddy, credit to editor Tammiraju for keeping the run time short, okayish production values from Shirish.

Coming to Anil Ravipudi, he knows his strengths, knows his audience pulse and strikes the chords, though writing could have been better, since most gags worked out because of actor's timing, direction is neat and simple.

BOTTOMLINE: This is festival time, so watch it and ENJOY PANDAGOWW!!

Alright, here's the tea-this story's got major goofy vibes.

The screenplay's out here trying to make you laugh with some slapstick humor, feels like they're forcing the jokes, and most of'em ain't hitting.

Venktesh, though? The man's a pro-he gave it his all like he always does. Aishwarya Rajesh did her thing, solid effort, but Meenakshi? Bruh, total misfit for the role.

The production quality is alright, except for the climax set, and yeah, one song actually bangs, but that's about it.

Anil Ravipudi's direction feels so outdated, like he's still living in the pre-smartphone era.

All in all, it's not worth your time or your popcorn money.