Anil Ravipudi’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam is a rollicking, if slightly absurd, mainstream entertainer. With multiple flashbacks weaving in and out of the plot, it maintains a brisk pace. One such sequence reveals the delightful beginning of Raju (Venkatesh) and Bhagyalakshmi’s (Aishwarya Rajesh) relationship, full of comic brilliance. The charm of this Venkatesh starrer lies in its outlandish humor, where over-the-top antics reign supreme. You either buy into the chaos or don’t—but Ravipudi certainly knows how to sell it.
The premise offers something unique: Meenakshi (Meenaakshi Chaudhary), a cop and Raju’s former love, re-enters his life after six years with a risky mission. The only catch? Raju is now a devoted, albeit possessive, husband to Bhagyalakshmi. Ravipudi blends this quirky love triangle with a zany rescue plot, all in the spirit of pure fun.
This is no movie for nitpickers seeking logic or realism. Ravipudi’s lighthearted handling of the material keeps the audience engaged, despite minor lapses. For the first hour, the plot is driven mostly by wacky dialogues and sequences, with the actors injecting life into the story.
As the film progresses, Ravipudi cranks up the absurdity, with increasingly ridiculous gags, leading to big laughs. Each character, from bumbling cops to menacing thugs, adds to the delightful madness. A special mention goes to child artist Revanth, whose crude humor steals the show.
Though the second half leans into excessive silliness, the film’s charm prevails, especially with Venkatesh, who strikes the perfect balance of affability and physical comedy. The use of his off-screen age adds an interesting layer, where Raju must outwit opponents more than overpower them. The finale, with a burst of action, provides a fitting, hysterical climax.
While some might find its underlying messages a bit heavy-handed, Sankranthiki Vasthunam remains a great choice for those looking for hearty laughs without taking anything too seriously.
Read Also:
Venkatesh Daggubati and family booked for illegal demolition of hotel
