Review: Ghaati: Flat And Ineffective

 

Movie: Ghaati
Rating: 2/5

Cast: Anushka Shetty, Vikram Prabhu, Chaitanya Rao Madadi, Jagapathi Babu, Ravindra Vijay, Raju Sundaram, and others

Director: Krish Jagarlamudi

Produced By: UV Creations, First Frame Entertainments

Release Date: 05-09-2025

Story:

Set along the Andhra-Odisha border, the Eastern Ghats are a major center for ganja cultivation and smuggling. The Ghaatis, a local tribal group, work as transporters under the control of Kaastala Naidu (Ravindra Vijay). Among them are Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), who decide to break away and start their own venture to uplift their village and fellow Ghaatis. Their move angers Naidu, who retaliates by destroying Sheelavathi's marriage and leaving her devastated. The rest of the story is how she rises up against him and his men and how she brings the change in the Ghaatis.

Performances:

It’s refreshing to see Anushka Shetty back on the big screen after a long break. However, her comeback doesn’t quite live up to expectations, as the film offers no standout moments that highlight her acting skills or commanding screen presence. Vikram Prabhu delivers a sincere performance and makes a lasting impression. In contrast, Chaitanya Rao Madadi struggles to make an impact as the villain, largely due to his character’s exaggerated and clichéd portrayal. Jagapathi Babu, Ravindra Vijay, Raju Sundaram, and the rest of the supporting cast are decent but don’t particularly stand out.

What worked for the film:

The opening sequence, which introduces the Eastern Ghats and the daily lives of the Ghaatis, is effective and builds a sense of intrigue for what's to come. A few well-written dialogues add emotional depth. The early portions of the second half also manage to hold attention and work reasonably well.

What did not work for the film:

Krish Jagaralamudi's Ghaati lacks a gripping storyline to hold the interest of audiences. The screenplay is flat and predictable, making the proceedings unengaging. For the most part, the film misses emotional depth, especially in the second half, which had scope for a powerful payoff, but the desired impact never arrives. The love/emotional bond between Desi Raju and Sheelavathi does not come as strong as expected. Even the villains and their acts look too routine, which derails the fightback of the protagonist.

Ghaati Review and Verdict:

The premise of Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, is intriguing, and it starts well. But soon the effect derails, and it turns into a clichéd and drawn-out revenge tale with just a few good scenes.