Review: Pottel - Genuine but Imperfect

 

Movie: Pottel
Rating: 2.5/5

Cast: Yuva Chandra Krishna, Ananya Nagalla, Ajay , Srikanth Iyengar, Noel and Others

Director: Sahit Mothkhuri

Produced By: Sahit Mothkhuri Writings, Nisa Entertainments

Release Date: October 25, 2024

Story:

Gangadhar (Yuva Chandra Krishna) risks his life to defend his kid's fundamental right to education by opposing Patel (Ajay), the village leader who uses the village superstitions and makes all the villagers obey his rules. Why is Gangadhar so determined to make his kid study? Why Patel does not let Gangadhar win in his attempt? The rest of the story is answered in the film.

 

Performances:

Yuva Chandra Krishna plays the lead role in Pottel, and he does a decent job. Ananya Nagalla is also fine, as she performs well in some crucial scenes. Ajay is a show stealer with his effective performance. Though his characterization is predictable, he makes it worth it by displaying the required intensity. The other actors, like Srikanth Iyengar, and Noel, were apt. 

What worked for the film:

Director Sahit Mothkhuri attempts to narrate a significant social issue that resonates immediately with the audience. The film's opening sequence captivates attention, and a concise emotional flashback involving two children and their father is effectively portrayed. The crucial scene where the lead character's world is shattered also works well. The scene where the young girl reads the pamphlet that stresses education is also nice and the climax, where Ajay almost gets into a beast mode is effective. 

What did not work for the film:

Though the intention of Pottel's team is heartfelt and appreciable, the film missed the required engaging screenplay. The problems/struggles of the lead pair are shown violently but despite the brutality of the villain being so high, the scenes never produce the emotional impact due to the utter predictability and weak writing. The hero's character vows to fight for his goal of providing education for the oppressed people/kids, but his efforts are not shown correctly. Also, the characters of the other villages are not etched properly and they get used conveniently. Because of the improper handling of the characters and crucial scenes, neither the innocence/immaturity of the villagers was established.

Pottel Review and Verdict:

Pottel is a genuine effort with some well-worked moments and an effective climax. However, most of the film does not strike a chord because of conventional taking and tedious pacing. Ajay did a superb job as the antagonist while Ananya Nagalla and Yuva Chandra Krishna were apt.