Starring: Priyadarshi, Kavya Kalyanram, Venu, Muralidhar Goud, Jayaram, Roopa, Racha Ravi
Director: Venu Yeldandi
Producers: Harshith Reddy, Hanshitha Reddy
Music Director: Bheems Ceciroleo
Cinematography: Acharya Venu
Venu, a small-time comedian in Telugu has turned director and is trying his luck his directorial debut Balagam. The movie is backed by Dil Raju. The film hit the screens today, and let’s find out how it is.
Story: Balagam is a movie set in the rural parts of Telangana, which revolves around the long-standing feud between two families – Ailayya (played by Jayaram) and Narayana (played by Muralidhar Goud). The protagonist, Saailu (played by Priyadarshi), is a young man who has tried his hand at various businesses but has failed to find success. In an attempt to pay off his debts and escape the wrath of moneylenders, Saailu decides to get married. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when his grandfather Komurayya passes away during the wedding ceremony, leading to the cancellation of his marriage due to a petty argument. How will Saailu cope with these challenges? Will he be able to clear his debts? What is Sandhya’s (played by Kavya Kalyanram) role in this story, and what is the reason behind the ongoing feud between the two families? Watch Balagam to find out the answers.
Plus Points: Balagam is a natural and relatable film that captures the essence of village life in Telangana. The authenticity of the village environment, body language of the characters, and the petty quarrels that take place among villagers add to the film’s realism, making it easy for the audience to connect with the story. The characters are portrayed in a genuine and realistic manner, making them familiar to those who see them in their daily lives.
The film’s focus on exploring human values and emotions and how they are linked to the death of a person is commendable. The emotions are presented without any cinematic exaggeration, and the situational humor will leave the audience with a big smile. The second hour of the film highlights the emotional aspects and is guaranteed to touch the heartstrings.
The use of folklore songs to narrate the story is a brilliant directorial choice, effectively presenting the Telangana culture and traditions as an integral part of the plot. Priyadarshi and Kavya Kalyanram deliver outstanding performances, immersing themselves in their roles, and showcasing their talent at a young age.
Director Venu and Racha Ravi deliver satisfactory performances, with Racha Ravi’s scene with Priyadarshi in the second half being hilarious. The casting is perfect, with every actor nailing the Telangana dialect and conveying their emotions effectively. Supporting actors Muralidhar Goud, Roopa, and Jayaram stand out for their excellent performances. The climax is executed brilliantly and is heart-wrenching. Overall, Balagam is a must-watch film that delivers on its heartwarming subject.
Minus Points: The initial part of Balagam focuses more on character development, which may seem prolonged and could have been handled more efficiently. The pace of the first hour is sluggish, and it picks up only after the interval.
This film may not cater to those seeking purely entertainment-based movies. The storytelling is sincere, and it doesn’t rely on commercial elements that some viewers might anticipate. However, the editing during the first hour could have been improved.
Verdict: Overall, Balagam is a genuine attempt to tell a heartwarming story and explore human values and emotions without relying on commercial ingredients. It is a film that can be watched on the big screen to experience the authentic Telangana culture and countryside.
Rating:3/5