‘Committee Kurrollu’ Review: A Heartfelt and Impactful Coming-of-Age Drama

The determined filmmaker dedicates plenty of time to explore the lives of these main characters.

First and foremost, debut writer-director Yadhu Vamsi and his team have crafted a distinctive style with *Committee Kurrollu*. The director ensures that the film transcends typical stereotypes often seen in rural dramas. He skillfully avoids clichéd elements such as the larger-than-life hero, a group of friends plagued by alcoholism, the village beauty, the obligatory item song, an overly inspirational storyline, and narrow-focused narratives. Instead, the film offers an authentic portrayal of a personal journey that unfolds within the lives of eleven childhood friends. As depicted in the trailer, this group of friends, who aspire to be Committee Kurrollu, spend their formative years in the charming village of Amalapuram. Their lives are filled with childhood games, enjoying idlis served on a single leaf, dancing, exploring adult films, experiencing first crushes, and engaging in various antics. Upon turning eighteen, they begin applying for entrance exams, leading to a clash over their differing views on the reservation system, which disrupts their village’s sacred festival—a central theme of the plot. The ambitious filmmaker takes the time to delve into the lives of these characters, capturing their small yet significant moments that allow viewers to relive many nostalgic memories from the ’90s. One particularly humorous scene features the boys visiting an internet café to access adult films, while the shopkeeper is engrossed in playing GTA Vice City. Unlike many coming-of-age films that rely on nostalgia as a gimmick, *Committee Kurrollu* presents these memories authentically, with numerous intricacies woven into each frame. A special shoutout to production designer Pranay Naini for his meticulous attention to detail. In contrast to recent rural dramas in Telugu cinema, this film feels genuine and deeply rooted. Another commendable aspect is the dialogue. The writing duo of Venkata Subhash Cheerla and Kondal Rao Addagalla has crafted engaging and relatable dialogue that enhances the film’s authenticity.

When it comes to the cast, every actor seamlessly fits into the narrative. Notably, Trinadh Verma shines as Subbu, and Eshwar Rachiraju impresses as William. Trinadh Verma captivates with his intense gaze and dedication to portraying the fiery and impulsive Subbu, making it a joy to watch. He convincingly embodies both the role of a high school student and a thirty-something professional. Eshwar Rachiraju stands out with his remarkable facial expressions, bringing a refreshing presence to Telugu cinema. Prasad Behara, known for his role in *Pellivaaram Andi*, may appear older than the rest of the group, but he effectively integrates into their dynamic, often delivering the funniest lines with natural ease.

The film also excels in sound design by Sai Maneendhar Reddy and music by Anudeep Dev. The soundtrack is perfectly balanced, knowing when to be subtle and when to elevate the energy. During the village festival scene, the sound immerses you so deeply that you hardly notice the shifts in location amid the intense action. The combination of dynamic music and intricate sound design keeps you engaged throughout the film.

Regarding the film’s exploration of caste issues, while director Yadhu Vamsi suggests that the characters were largely unaware of caste-related discrimination until they turned eighteen, this notion feels a bit hard to swallow. When the characters receive their EAMCET results, the disappointment of Ravi, who fails to secure a spot at JNTU, contrasts sharply with Rambabu’s admission despite a lower rank. This moment of tension highlights the emerging rift among friends without undermining the principles championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

You might be surprised by the sudden shift to vibrant filmmaking in this emotional narrative, and it truly leaves a lasting impression. These creative choices inject a fresh energy into the coming-of-age story. The director subtly reminds us that today’s youth, often surrounded by foolishness and greed, can do little more than dance and sing amidst the chaos. This sentiment resonates powerfully, especially when the young characters express, “Manam eeroju odipothunnam” (We are losing today) even before the election results are announced.

The lively folk song ‘Gorrela,’ penned by Nag Arjun Reddy, stands out as a highlight of the film, both in its visual presentation and musicality. It’s remarkable how a film brimming with emotion can sometimes overlook logic, yet director Yadhu Vamsi knows how to maintain an engaging edge.

Overall, *Committee Kurrollu* is best experienced on the big screen, ideally with a group of friends. While the film tackles numerous themes such as nostalgia, caste issues, reservations, political corruption, and leadership challenges, its emotional foundation remains strong. The journey with not just one or two, but eleven characters is the most captivating aspect. The climax, featuring all the protagonists from different age groups standing together in a single frame, is a powerful moment that marks the filmmaker Yadhu Vamsi’s impressive debut.

**Cast:** Sai Kumar, Sri Lakshmi, Kancharapalem Kishore, Goparaju Ramana, Sandeep Saroj, Yaswanth Pendyala, Eshwar Rachiraju, Trinadh Varma

**Director:** Yadhu Vamsi