Anil Ravipudi is one of the rare directors in the Telugu film industry who consistently delivers commercial comedy movies that appeal to a broad audience. His style is a unique blend of the legendary directors EVV Satyanarayana and Jandhyala. While EVV was known for his mass-appeal humor, Jandhyala brought subtle, situational comedy, and Ravipudi combines the best of both. His films are family-friendly and entertaining for all age groups. Among his works, F2 is a personal favorite of mine-it's one of those movies I can watch any time. When you pair his direction with a veteran actor like Venkatesh, who has impeccable comic timing, the result is pure magic. After F2 and F3, their third collaboration, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, arrives with high expectations-and it doesn't disappoint.
The movie stays true to the high standards set by F2. While the story might not feel entirely new, it's Ravipudi's unique characterizations, screenplay, and dialogues, paired with Venkatesh's unparalleled comic timing and performance, that elevate the film. Ravipudi's strength lies in creating relatable characters-people you'd find in your neighborhood or family gatherings. Telugu audiences, known for their love of comedy and natural sense of humor, will resonate with this film's conversational and situational comedy. While some cinematic liberties are taken, they are never overdone and blend seamlessly with the storytelling, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The plot revolves around an ex-policeman who gets entangled between his wife and his ex-girlfriend, all while managing a critical task assigned by the Chief Minister. Ravipudi ensures there's never a dull moment, maintaining a perfect balance between comedy and action. The action sequences, surprisingly, are as impressive as in any action-centric film and keep you on the edge of your seat.
One standout element is the role of Venkatesh's on-screen son, a boy spoiled by watching OTT movies. His antics generate some of the most hilarious moments in the film. This subplot is both entertaining and relevant, reflecting the current trend of kids being heavily influenced by OTT content, including inappropriate language. The humor here is sharp and relatable, reminding me of the train episode with the child character in Ravi Teja's Venky movie. This boy has a bright future ahead.
The music by Bheems Ceciroleo is another big asset to the film. The songs are catchy, and the background score, including a quirky frog sound used in key moments, adds to the fun. Aishwarya Rajesh, as the wife, delivers a solid performance, which comes as no surprise given her acting pedigree. Meenakshi Chaudhary, as the ex-girlfriend, also shines in her role. And then there's Venkatesh-he's in top form. Whether as a dashing cop in action sequences or a relatable husband managing a chaotic family life with four kids, his versatility is on full display.
The supporting cast deserves praise too, as every character contributes meaningfully to the story. The editing is sharp, and the unexpected double climax feels fresh and innovative.
In an era where filmmakers often focus on pan-India high-budget action dramas, it's refreshing to see a wholesome family entertainer like this. Sankranthiki Vasthunam is a true "Telugu" film that's perfect for the festive season.
