Outstanding Performances by Anoosha Krishna and Vinoth Kishan Elevate ‘Pekamedalu’ to Top Tier Among Telugu Films

In the world of mainstream Indian cinema, particularly Telugu films, there’s a captivating element known as ‘mass elevation.’ It’s that exhilarating feeling when the audience collectively roots for a character’s triumph, making the movie-watching experience truly memorable. Typically, these moments are sparked by the heroic deeds of our protagonists who conquer their adversaries. However, in Rakesh Varre’s recent production, ‘Pekamedalu,’ a different narrative unfolds. The male lead is portrayed as cunning, self-centered, and far from endearing, turning his moments of downfall into cathartic joy for viewers. His successes evoke a mix of awe and surprise, while his failures bring a sense of satisfaction. Despite his flaws, he remains the central figure throughout the story, a departure from the usual Telugu cinema tropes, making ‘Pekamedalu’ a refreshingly original film of our era.

Under the direction of Neelagiri Mamilla, the movie revolves around an underprivileged couple, Laxman (Vinoth Kishan) and Varalaxmi (Anoosha Krishna). Varalaxmi, though uneducated, is depicted as a resilient woman who defies the odds stacked against her. On the other hand, Laxman is portrayed as someone who seeks not just to overcome his struggles but to swiftly rise above them by any means necessary. His manipulative nature extends to his family life, where he neglects aiding Varalaxmi in managing the household, focusing solely on his personal agenda.

The film meticulously sets the stage, introducing the audience to the characters and their contrasting perspectives. The editing style maintains a relaxed pace, yet the first half of ‘Pekamedalu’ unfolds swiftly, drawing viewers into the intricate world of Laxman and Varalaxmi.

As the movie progresses, Vinoth’s character takes some questionable actions that challenge the boundaries of marriage. This unexpected turn leaves us puzzled and raises concerns about where the story is headed. Will it follow the cliché path of a strayed, married man seeking redemption? However, ‘Pekamedalu’ surprises us with a series of subtle twists in the second half. One memorable scene involves a party where a group of young people under the influence of hallucinogens interact with Laxman in a light-hearted yet surreal manner. The film reaches its peak during a climactic sequence, skillfully blending intense emotions and technical brilliance (kudos to cinematographer Haricharan K) to deliver a cathartic experience for both the protagonist and the viewers. The film’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to steer clear of the usual moralistic family drama tropes, maintaining a delicate balance between emotional depth and cinematic artistry to convey a powerful message about women’s empowerment.

While the narrative delves into Laxman’s unchanging nature and Varalaxmi’s journey towards self-realization, the director consistently emphasizes this character dynamic. In a scene where a prominent figure confronts Laxman for his wrongdoings, the camera remains fixed on Laxman, capturing his reaction to the direct criticism. This choice to focus solely on Laxman’s response, rather than cutting to the other character, highlights his internal turmoil and the realization that change may elude him. This intentional focus on Laxman’s character continues through the film’s conclusion.

Regardless of our feelings towards Laxman, the story underscores the importance of understanding his complex character and the parallel journey of Varalaxmi towards self-discovery. The film skillfully navigates these intertwined narratives, offering a nuanced exploration of personal growth and empowerment.

Film: Pekamedalu

Cast: Vinoth Kishan, Anoosha Krishna, Retika Srinivas, Jagan

Yogi Raj, Anusha Nuthala

Director: Neelagiri Mamilla

Rating: 4/5