Pekamedalu - Honest and Effective

 

Movie: Pekamedalu
Rating: 3.25/5

Cast: Vinoth Kishan, Anoosha Krishna, Rethika Srinivas, Jagan Yogiraj, Anusha Nuthala, Ganesh Thipparaju and others. 

Director: Neelagiri Mamilla
Produced By: Rakesh Varre

Release Date: 19 July 2024

Story:

Pekamedalu tells the captivating tale of Lakshman (Vinod Kishan) and Varalaxmi (Anoosha Krishna), a married couple living in the slums of Hyderabad. A B.Tech graduate, Lakshman dreams of breaking free from conventional jobs and making it big as a real estate tycoon. On the other hand, Varalaxmi contributes to the family income with part-time work, hoping to start her own business and provide a quality education for their son. The story revolves around how the couple faces financial and relationship challenges in their journey through life.

Performances:

Vinod and Anoosha, portraying the main characters, showcase exceptional performances that elevate the film's quality throughout. Anoosha's role becomes more prominent in the latter part of the movie, offering her a wide range of opportunities she fully utilizes. The supporting actors, such as Retika Srinivas, Anusha Nuthala, Muralidhar Goud, and Ganesh Thipparaju, deliver praiseworthy performances that enrich the overall depth of the film.

What worked for the film:

Pekamedalu's strength lies in its character-driven narratives and authentic portrayal of emotions, despite occasional pacing issues. The film effectively captures the internal struggle of a woman in an abusive marriage, navigating societal expectations and challenging circumstances. Director Neelagiri Mamilla successfully handles a story that mirrors real-life struggles, with the support of a cast focused on content and exceptional music. The cinematography skillfully captures the essence of the village setting and integrates Telangana folk music, offering a beautiful portrayal of a woman's life. The background music and songs, crafted by Smaran Sai, significantly enhance the emotional complexity and cultural authenticity of the film. The second half of the film, a risky narrative to handle, is effectively managed by Neelagiri, culminating in a poignant climax.

What did not work for the film:

As said above, the film suffers from pacing issues at times. Also, the filmmaker had the opportunity to depict the distressing emotions experienced by the couple's son, who had to endure unforeseen challenges during his formative years. A few scenes or episodes involving Lakshman and his drunkard friend appear repetitive.

Pekamedalu Review and Verdict:

Pekamedalu is a sincere endeavor led by Director Neelagiri Mamilla and his team. The narrative , striving for authenticity, strikes a balance between drama and realism, culminating in a satisfying climax. The genuine acting, combined with well-supported technical aspects, makes it a compelling experience for the audience.