Sankrathiki Vasthunam

Basically, Technically, Logically, Practically and Finally Sankrathiki Vasthunam (2025) is a wholesome entertainer.

Venkatesh Garu shines!

Aishwarya Rajesh Garu scintillates!

Meenakshi Choudhary Garu shimmers!

The film is a slapstick entertainer with its basic premise being a rescue mission with an incoherent story line. Don't look for logics. There's none! Just enjoy.

The film works only because it's culturally rooted targeting Telugu audiences. It breaks away from the pan-Indian hype! (Not every film can be pan-Indian. Good sense prevailed here!) There is comedy, there are sentiments, there are messages, there are emotions, there are fights - a bit of everything for everybody and nicely packaged.

The songs and background music enhance the festive mood.

Relying on clichés and tropes repeatedly, Director Anil Ravipudi Garu serves us a festive wholesome lunch.

All the scenes in the film are forced, but the film surprisingly works for most part and seems to have been made for Instagram reels.

The film is laced with several genuine lol moments though.

Catching this light-hearted film in theater today was a great experience - everyone in the theater were having a good time. And the whole vibe was nice.

Venkatesh Garu is as usual in his elements, surrendering to Anil Garu's style and playing it to the galleries. Aishwarya Rajesh Garu was the surprise! She complements Venkatesh Garu very well. Rest of the cast are passable.

Venkatesh Garu must really owe the film's success to his niche audience - the Telugu women! Droves of women coming to theaters in autos, it's like old times! This film had everything to draw them to the theaters.

I am not really a fan of Anil Ravipudi Garu's mediocre film-making. It's cringe. But people seem to love his films.

My IMDb rating 7/10.

It's like that perfect meal for festival after having two tasteless snacks (you know what are those 😑)

Venkatesh as usual in his elements, surrendering to Anil's style and playing it to the galleries, Aishwarya Rajesh's a surprise package, equally complementing Venky's timing, Meenakshi okayish, expected bit more from Upendra Limaye, Revanth as Bulli Raju is a cracker 💥r,est all fine.

Technically, Bheems' music is the biggest asset, every song worked out really well, nothing to complain from DOP Sameer Reddy, credit to editor Tammiraju for keeping the run time short, okayish production values from Shirish.

Coming to Anil Ravipudi, he knows his strengths, knows his audience pulse and strikes the chords, though writing could have been better, since most gags worked out because of actor's timing, direction is neat and simple.

BOTTOMLINE: This is festival time, so watch it and ENJOY PANDAGOWW!!

"Sankranthiki Vasthunam" (2025) is a delightful Telugu film that perfectly captures the spirit of the Sankranthi festival with its heartwarming story, lively music, and a generous dose of laughter. This film is a joyous celebration of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of life, making it a perfect watch for the holiday season.

Venkatesh Daggubati delivers a charming and endearing performance as a family man navigating the complexities of relationships and societal expectations. His comedic timing is impeccable, bringing a lighthearted touch to the narrative. Aishwarya Rajesh shines as his wife, adding a layer of warmth and authenticity to their on-screen dynamic.

The film's music is a major highlight, with catchy tunes and energetic dance numbers that perfectly capture the festive spirit. The cinematography is vibrant and colorful, showcasing the beauty of rural India and the joyous celebrations of Sankranthi.

While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it effectively delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of family, forgiveness, and embracing the simple joys of life. The film's humor is lighthearted and family-friendly, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.

Overall, "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" is a delightful and entertaining film that perfectly captures the spirit of the Sankranthi festival. Its heartwarming story, lively music, and charming performances make it a must-watch for those seeking a feel-good cinematic experience.

Entertaining indeed, but is that enough? An ex-govt. Official seemed too irresponsible. Venkatesh is a good actor, however, it made me a bit gloomy after watching his performance in this movie. I found that having 4 kids in six years is problematic when we're battling an overpopulation problem. Stars like Venkatesh should not promote this kind of insanity. Despite their good acting, the female leads seemed brainless and useless in this film. Projecting women in such a disrespectful way in 2025 is disappointing. The songs are not up to the mark and did not enjoy the dance. The only thing I found in this movie is Venkatesh's comic acting.

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.