BOTTOM LINE
Sincere Attempt, But Misses Spark
RATING
2.25/5
Story, Screenplay, Direction: V. Muniraju
Cast: Sai Tej, Vedha Jalandharr, Pradeep Kotte, Swathi Karimireddy, Amma Ramesh, Satyanarayana, Lathish
Music Director: Vamsikanth Rekhana
DOP: Akshay Ram Podishetti
Editor: V. Muniraju
Producer: Kiran Abbavaraam
Production Company: Ka Productions
U.S. Distributor: Shloka Entertainments
What Is the Film About?
The people of Thimmarajupalli lead a routine life that changes during the Shivaratri festival. A TV is bought for the villagers’ entertainment. Lots of emotions run behind it as it’s seen as a prestige issue among the bigger families involving Ramachandra and Rajappa (Pradeep Kotte).
Satish (Sai Tej), a small-time thief, falls in love with Rajappa’s sister Sarada (Veda Jalandhar) while all the hungama over the TV show unfolds. What happens when he is accused of stealing the TV? The movie’s overall story centres on Satish and his efforts to prove his innocence.
Performances
The movie’s casting is excellent. Sai Tej, however, looks the weakest of the lot. It could be due to the characterisation or simply his action; the standout vibe among the crowd is missing.
Sai Tej, on his part, does a decent job. He is sincere and delivers the dialogue neatly. The second half offers him some action and emotion, where he is okay.
Veda Jalandhar playing the female lead is alright. She looks the part and goes about the proceedings in a typical heroine style we see in a rooted setting. However, the character lacks depth and is dealt with superficially.
Analysis
V Muniraju writes and directs Thimmarajupalli TV. It’s a village drama with a thriller angle.
The makers have cast a bunch of new actors in the movie. It helps in adding authenticity to the proceedings. Care has been taken to get the dialect right and to capture the village flavour of the nineties.
When it comes to actual proceedings, though, not much happens in the first half an hour. The characters are introduced, and their interpersonal dynamics are established.
The idea is right while going through with the proceedings of the world establishment. But the actual content lacks substance and comes across as flat. The characters lack depth and feel generic for this kind of setup. These people could be part of any setup; they are the regular tropes seen in village-based dramas.
Despite the generic feel, the narrative doesn’t slacken; it moves briskly. As it shifts into thriller mode, the interpersonal dynamics among the characters neatly turn into red herrings. However, all this is at a basic level.
The movie gets into its core plot in the typical “Malayalam” style, as the producer stated, around the pre-interval to interval point.
The second half starts with a clear goal, which makes it feel more focused than the first half. But the same goal gets asserted again and again, making it repetitive. One understands why it’s so as we move forward.
The actual solving of the mystery begins only during the pre-climax portions. It’s here that we realise why things get repetitive. The thriller part is brief and wraps up quickly.
The climax ends on an emotional note, which is a mixed bag. While the plight is understandable and relatable in a way, its presentation leaves one underwhelmed.
In the past, Telugu cinema has had movies like these from veteran filmmaker Vamsi. The clear difference is the world and the characters it inhabits. Nothing memorable, character-wise, is seen here, unlike in those old movies. And that’s the movie’s biggest undoing – lacking both the X factor and unique, memorable characters.
Overall, Thimmarajupalli TV has honesty in its making and execution. However, it doesn’t reach the heights on either the emotional or thriller side. It’s an underwhelming affair despite the sincerity.
Performances by Others Actors
The casting is the movie’s major highlight. Among the many, Pradeep Kotte, his father, Ramachandra, Swati Karimireddy, Pullayya, and Sidhu easily stand out. They do their work with all the effort and act to the best of their ability. The rest are decent, but don’t have much to do other than the bits-and-pieces part.
Music and Other Departments?
Vamsikanth Rekhana’s songs are par for the course for the setup. The background score is better, though, as it enhances the scene’s appeal and provides proper momentum whenever necessary. The cinematography is fine, keeping the scale in mind. The editing is sharp. The writing is decent.
Highlights?
Casting
Setting
Direction
Parts of the Second Half
Drawbacks?
Story
Lacks Depth
Characters Feel Generic For the Setup
First Half
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in Parts. Some parts are engaging, mainly in the second half.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with reservations. The movie lacks the wow factor despite the efforts.
Thimmarajupalli TV Movie Reviewed by Kalyan
