Sankranthiki Vasthunnam Review – A Farcical Entertainer with Hits and Misses

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam follows the story of Satya Akella (Avasarala Srinivas), an NRI heading one of the largest IT companies in America, who finds himself kidnapped by the Bijju Pandey gang during a party hosted by the Telangana Chief Minister. The kidnappers demand the release of Bijju’s brother, Pappa Pandey, from prison. To resolve the crisis, IPS officer Meenu (Meenakshi Chowdary) brings in former officer Y.D. Raju (Venkatesh). The film’s plot then revolves around their efforts to solve the issue and secure Pappa Pandey’s release.

Analysis:

Director Anil Ravipudi is known for his fast-paced films with light storytelling, but Sankranthiki Vasthunnam may leave some audiences questioning the logic behind its improbable situations. The film opens with an unbelievable premise — the kidnapping of a CEO on the scale of Satya Nadella — which sets the tone for a highly exaggerated, farcical ride.

As the story shifts to a village in the Godavari region, the film offers some comedic relief, and the character of Bulli Raju, Venkatesh’s son, steals the show. His web-series-inspired mannerisms resonate with the audience and provide some entertainment. Songs like “Godari Gattu” and “Meenu” are visually appealing and add to the fun.

However, the second half of the film falls flat. While the focus shifts to Y.D. Raju and his team’s attempts to resolve the situation, the storytelling loses its charm. The second half feels like a disjointed collection of skits, with the comedy failing to hit the mark. While farcical humor relies on improbable events and exaggerated characters, here, it becomes over-the-top and chaotic — a far cry from the smooth delivery seen in other commercial entertainers.

Though Sankranthiki Vasthunnam leans heavily on its commercial aspects, it might just scrape by due to its catchy soundtrack, courtesy of Bheems Ceciroleo. The music, which has already become a hit, elevates the film slightly, although the production values are subpar.

Performances:

Venkatesh, as the seasoned officer Y.D. Raju, delivers a solid performance, fitting well into his role. Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chowdary are apt for their parts, contributing to the film's overall effectiveness. The actor who plays Venkatesh’s son emerges as a new talent to watch.

Positives:

Venkatesh’s star power

Anil Ravipudi’s fast-paced direction

Bulli Raju’s character and comedic timing

Catchy music that adds to the film’s commercial appeal

Negatives:

A cringe-worthy story and weak scenes

Comedy lacks substance and coherence

Low-budget production values

Verdict:

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam may find some appeal with family audiences, especially due to Venkatesh’s strong presence and the popular music. While the first half is passable, the second half’s farcical nature and chaotic humor may not land well for all viewers. When farcical comedy works, it’s enjoyable, but here, it feels overdone. Despite its shortcomings, the film remains watchable, primarily due to its entertainment factor, but may not resonate as strongly with audiences seeking a more cohesive narrative.

Director: Anil Ravipudi

Cinematography: Sameer Reddy

Music: Bheems Ceciroleo

Producer: Dil Raju

Production: Sri Venkateswara Creations