Movie Review: Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025)
Languages: Telugu, Tamil (titled Pongalukku Varugirom), Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam
Genre: Action Comedy
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Producers: Dil Raju, Sirish
Cast: Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Naresh, Sai Kumar, VTV Ganesh, Upendra Limaye, Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, Srinivas Avasarala
Music: Bheems Ceciroleo
Cinematography: Sameer Reddy
Editing: Tammiraju
Runtime: 144 minutes
Rating: 6.2/10
Released during the 2025 Sankranthi festival, Sankranthiki Vasthunam is an action-comedy film directed by Anil Ravipudi. Marking his third collaboration with Venkatesh after F2 and F3, the film aims to deliver a festive entertainer filled with humor and family-friendly moments.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Raju (Venkatesh), a former police officer who is now leading a peaceful life with his wife Bhagyalakshmi (Aishwarya Rajesh). Their tranquility is disrupted when Meenakshi (Meenakshi Chaudhary), Raju’s ex-girlfriend and a police officer, seeks his help for a high-stakes rescue mission. This setup leads to a series of comedic events, misunderstandings, and action sequences, all wrapped in a festive backdrop.
Performances
Venkatesh delivers a performance that leverages his comedic timing, bringing charm to the character of Raju. Aishwarya Rajesh portrays Bhagyalakshmi with grace, while Meenakshi Chaudhary adds energy as the assertive Meenakshi. Supporting actors like Naresh, Sai Kumar, VTV Ganesh, and Upendra Limaye contribute to the film’s humor, with child artist Revanth standing out for his comedic presence.
Direction and Screenplay
Anil Ravipudi crafts a narrative that prioritizes entertainment, blending slapstick humor with situational comedy. The first half is engaging, filled with light-hearted moments and family dynamics. However, the second half introduces a crime-comedy angle that, while ambitious, results in a somewhat uneven pace and forced humor. The inclusion of a moral message towards the end feels disconnected from the overall tone of the film.
Technical Aspects
Bheems Ceciroleo’s music complements the film’s festive spirit, with songs that are both catchy and well-integrated into the narrative. Sameer Reddy’s cinematography captures the vibrant settings effectively, and Tammiraju’s editing ensures a brisk pace, especially in the first half.
Strengths
- Venkatesh’s engaging performance and comedic timing
- A strong supporting cast contributes to the humor
- Catchy music that enhances the festive atmosphere
- The first half is filled with relatable family moments and effective comedy
Weaknesses
- The second half’s shift to crime-comedy feels forced and less engaging
- The inclusion of a moral message disrupts the film’s overall tone
- Some characters are underutilized, lacking depth
- Certain comedic elements may not resonate with all audiences
Final Verdict
Sankranthiki Vasthunam offers a mix of humor, action, and family drama, making it a suitable choice for festive viewing. While the film excels in delivering laughs in its first half, the second half’s tonal shift and forced elements slightly diminish its impact. Nevertheless, for audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment during the festival season, the film serves its purpose.
Recommended For
Fans of Venkatesh and those looking for a family-friendly entertainer with a blend of comedy and action.