Mallesham

I usually try to avoid watching inspirational movies. Not because I don't need motivation, but partly because I don't get motivated via films and I'm not a fan of the inspirational genre. I'm glad I didn't skip Mallesham based on my prior habits.

Having problem solving mindset is an incredible asset. Mallesham has it. His lack of education didn't stop him. Dissent from his parents, friends, relatives, neighbors didn't stop him. Supportive life partner is always a huge plus though. A must watch movie.

I caught a screening of this film at Sarathi Studios, and I was really put to my knees. Based on the life of Chintakindi Mallesham, this film covers his journey from his childhood dreams of helping his mother rid of the pain caused by the labor intensive work of Asu (process of designing, on a Pochampally saree) to his innovation called 'Asu machine.' What makes this film stand-out from the rest of the glossy and shoddily made masala films is its down-to-earth kind of sentimentality. The film ponders on little things that have influenced this man to make this inventive and empowering machine that has helped many lives relieve their stressful and physically exhausting work (that, at times, leaves them disabled.) The journey is filled with so much heart and understanding that it made me cry at times. Further, this is also elevated by the tremendous acting by Priyadarshi, and the supporting cast. The culture and beauty of Telangana was captured with real and raw authenticity, that I really felt immersed. The cinematography deserves a mention too, as it's a really good looking film. The direction, sound and production values are all fine, but what really stands-out of all is the performances of various artistes. They did justice to their parts. Although, it's not really a great film, it will be remembered as a really good story of a man who endured, and kept pushing on towards his dream of making the Asu Machine. Because, after the movie was over, I was moved and inspired by this story of Mallesham, who wanted to do good and contribute to his community. At the end of the day, it's a well-knit yarn. A yarn for the hardworking knitters of the Pochampally silk sarees.

It was great to see so many off beat movies this month, Mallesam was one I wasn't going to miss and a story I always thought that would inevitably end up on the big screen ever since I saw his TED talk. Special thanks to everyone who decided to make this movie without jumping away from reality.

The story starts with the childhood journey of Mallesam, it was a little longer than expected but needed given the context of his path to create the Asu machine. The narration for me looked a little too straight forward and the director could have made attempts to show it in a more artistic way but it's alright. Ever since Priyadarshi lands on screen, he never ceases to entertain us. Him and Jhansi have done their jobs very well, Ananya was surprisingly good as well, the innocence on her face and dialogues was very neat. The acting from the sides within the neorealistic environment seems to fall flat a little but its excusable given the significance. The music from Robin was good, having not heard the songs before (except one), I really liked them and it didn't feel unnecessary as well since it adjusts well with the village background.

Mallesam's countinous strive to achieve the glory was very well put, it's a story that makes you emotional, inspires you in many ways and motivates you on what you do. Overall, it's a great story that never fails to grab your attention any minute. I'm glad this movie is getting good word of mouth since the producers couldn't put their money on promotions, it's a movie that definitely needs to be seen for people of all ages.

The director should get a big round of applause. And the another asset of the movie is priyadarshi he just lived in the role of mallesham. The have a perfect casting every actor put there heart and sole in the film. And the art department have also done a great job.

Excellent movie that you can watch with complete family. The story is told so beautifully. Each actor is tailor made for the character. Superb acting by everyone. The screenplay, direction excellent. The rural setting, city setting is captured so realistically. The people speak so affectionately to each other. No show of. Super!!! Wish it was longer and showed the struggle for version 2 and 3 of the machine involving learning coding and micro controllers!! Enjoy the movie