Sankrathiki Vasthunam

Anil Ravipudi is one of the rare directors in the Telugu film industry who consistently delivers commercial comedy movies that appeal to a broad audience. His style is a unique blend of the legendary directors EVV Satyanarayana and Jandhyala. While EVV was known for his mass-appeal humor, Jandhyala brought subtle, situational comedy, and Ravipudi combines the best of both. His films are family-friendly and entertaining for all age groups. Among his works, F2 is a personal favorite of mine-it's one of those movies I can watch any time. When you pair his direction with a veteran actor like Venkatesh, who has impeccable comic timing, the result is pure magic. After F2 and F3, their third collaboration, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, arrives with high expectations-and it doesn't disappoint.

The movie stays true to the high standards set by F2. While the story might not feel entirely new, it's Ravipudi's unique characterizations, screenplay, and dialogues, paired with Venkatesh's unparalleled comic timing and performance, that elevate the film. Ravipudi's strength lies in creating relatable characters-people you'd find in your neighborhood or family gatherings. Telugu audiences, known for their love of comedy and natural sense of humor, will resonate with this film's conversational and situational comedy. While some cinematic liberties are taken, they are never overdone and blend seamlessly with the storytelling, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The plot revolves around an ex-policeman who gets entangled between his wife and his ex-girlfriend, all while managing a critical task assigned by the Chief Minister. Ravipudi ensures there's never a dull moment, maintaining a perfect balance between comedy and action. The action sequences, surprisingly, are as impressive as in any action-centric film and keep you on the edge of your seat.

One standout element is the role of Venkatesh's on-screen son, a boy spoiled by watching OTT movies. His antics generate some of the most hilarious moments in the film. This subplot is both entertaining and relevant, reflecting the current trend of kids being heavily influenced by OTT content, including inappropriate language. The humor here is sharp and relatable, reminding me of the train episode with the child character in Ravi Teja's Venky movie. This boy has a bright future ahead.

The music by Bheems Ceciroleo is another big asset to the film. The songs are catchy, and the background score, including a quirky frog sound used in key moments, adds to the fun. Aishwarya Rajesh, as the wife, delivers a solid performance, which comes as no surprise given her acting pedigree. Meenakshi Chaudhary, as the ex-girlfriend, also shines in her role. And then there's Venkatesh-he's in top form. Whether as a dashing cop in action sequences or a relatable husband managing a chaotic family life with four kids, his versatility is on full display.

The supporting cast deserves praise too, as every character contributes meaningfully to the story. The editing is sharp, and the unexpected double climax feels fresh and innovative.

In an era where filmmakers often focus on pan-India high-budget action dramas, it's refreshing to see a wholesome family entertainer like this. Sankranthiki Vasthunam is a true "Telugu" film that's perfect for the festive season.

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.

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!!

Good 1st half,okish 2nd half

Decent laughs

Bulli Raju character & music is highlighted.

BGM is a ok ok

Anil ravipudi can have a writing scope but he written in a illogical way with flat writting.

Meenakshi choudhary , venkatesh & ashwariya Rajesh this combination is good 👍.

PLOT :: Former DCP Yadagari Damodara Raju, known as Y. D. Raju, is approached by his ex-girlfriend, ACP Meenakshi IPS, to locate Satya Akella, the CEO of a multinational company who has been kidnapped from the farmhouse of the ruling party's president. Accepting the mission on the request of Chief Minister Kesava, Raju sets out with Meenakshi to rescue Satya. However, complications arise when his wife, Bhagyalakshmi "Bhagyam," insists on accompanying them, suspecting that Raju may rekindle his past relationship with Meenakshi. This leads to a series of comedic and action-packed events as they navigate the mission.