‘Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra’ Movie Review: A Heartfelt Journey of Redemption Despite Its Flaws

Although the film has its slow moments, it manages to hold your attention right up to the halfway point.

We’re introduced to *Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra* in a quirky and entertaining way—through the voiceover of a deceased elderly man who shares a glimpse of his past before unveiling the lives of his surviving family: his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. At one point, the deceased grandfather remarks about his son, Nageswara, the film’s main character, saying, “He is not a villain.” This serves as an important disclaimer for the audience.

At the heart of *Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra* is a typical middle-class family that embodies a mix of traditional values and modern influences, where the younger generation grapples with the rigid upbringing they’ve received. This clash of ideals inevitably leads to a web of lies and secrets. Each character has their hidden truths: Sarayu (Priya Vadlamani) conceals a significant aspect of her relationship with Tharun, while Veeru (played effectively by Rag Mayur) has yet to reveal to his family that he quit his job to pursue a startup that, regrettably, has seen no progress in two years.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this film is that Nageswara, the father figure, carries the heaviest secret and goes to great, morally questionable lengths to protect it. Unlike typical narratives where such burdens are placed on younger characters, it’s refreshing to see the eldest family member devise a complex and cunning travel plan to achieve his own goals. When we first meet Nageswara, he is an aging, traditional teacher who loses his job for not adapting to modern teaching methods, which include proficiency in English. Despite his deceptive nature, Nageswara is portrayed with undeniable charm.

Despite its engaging moments, the film exhibits a degree of inconsistency that keeps the audience at arm’s length. While it manages to hold your attention up until the midway point, the narrative falters after the family embarks on a road trip following an eventful visit to a local hospital. At this juncture, the balance between humor and emotion becomes shaky. A significant confrontation between Veeru and Nageswara, where the latter berates the former for his perceived failures, leaves the viewer feeling oddly detached. Additionally, the anticipated transformation of one of the key characters in the final act lacks the necessary buildup, making the resulting revelations feel unearned. The rationale provided for Nageswara’s actions also feels disappointingly clichéd.

Nevertheless, it’s difficult not to appreciate this film, largely due to its heartwarming essence and a cast of relatable characters that you find yourself rooting for. In the closing scenes, when Nageswara and Veeru awkwardly reach out for a hug, it’s clear that their relationship has never been this intimate. Yet, their effort to connect is what truly matters. *Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra* tells a bittersweet story of flawed yet endearing individuals who continue to strive for connection against all odds.

**Cast:** Naresh, Rag Mayur, Priya Vadlamani, Sri Lakshmi, Harsha Vardhan

**Director:** Anurag Palutla

**Rating:** 3/5 stars