Sankranthiki Vasthunam: Keep logic aside and enjoy the fun

After solidifying their status as a winning duo with both F2: Fun and Frustration and F3, Victory Venkatesh and director Anil Ravipudi have teamed up again for the film Sankranthiki Vasthunam. The movie features Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary in the lead roles, with a stellar supporting cast including Upendra Limaye, Sai Kumar, Naresh, VTV Ganesh, Prithviraj, Srinivas Avasarala, and others.

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Director Anil Ravipudi has built a reputation for seamlessly blending humour with heartfelt family moments, crafting films that resonate with audiences of all ages.  After a detour into action space with Nandamuri Balakrishna in Bhagavanth Kesari, Anil Ravipudi returns to his comedic roots with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam. Does this latest entertainer live up to the magic of their earlier successes? Let’s find out!

D. Raju (Venkatesh) is a retired encounter specialist enjoying the quiet joys of family life in a village near Rajahmundry. He is content in his role as a doting husband to his wife (Aishwarya Rajesh) and as the anchor of a joint family which thrives on love and laughter. However, life takes an unexpected turn when an old flame, now a no-nonsense police officer (Meenakshi Chaudhary), knocks on his door with a plea for help. Raju is thrust back into action, setting off a chain of events that are equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

The film’s first half is a testament to Ravipudi’s ability to entertain with comedy-driven sequences and relatable family dynamics. Bulliraju’s (Venkatesh's son) hilarious one-liners and the chemistry between Raju and his wife form the backbone of this section, with Aishwarya Rajesh stealing the spotlight with her natural, impactful performance. The integration of her character into the mission proceedings in the second half is a notable highlight, showcasing well-handled writing and direction.

However, while the writing shines in certain portions, it falters in others, particularly in the second half. The narrative loses momentum as it leans heavily on formulaic tropes and forced comedic subplots involving Upendra Limaye, Naresh, and VTV Ganesh. These tracks, while amusing in parts, feel repetitive and disrupt the story’s flow.

The climax, after a hilarious mix of action and drama, takes an unexpected detour with a moral message about the importance of teachers. Though well-intentioned, it feels misplaced and overly preachy, undercutting the film’s light-hearted essence and leaving a disjointed impression.

The background score from Bheems Ceciroleo’s lively music and a strong background score elevates several moments. It reminds you of some Venkatesh's music from his older hit movies. The picturesque cinematography compliments the village setting, creating a festive atmosphere that resonates with the audience.

At its heart, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is an entertainer designed to cater to Ravipudi’s niche family audience. It’s not innovative, but its engaging comedic design ensures a fair share of laughs. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and Venkatesh’s unparalleled comedic timing, making it a suitable festive watch despite its shortcomings. With its mix of engaging comedy and uneven storytelling, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is a decent outing for families seeking light-hearted entertainment. Just one thing to remember before watching is keep the logic out and watch it as a comedy.

(Movie reviewed by Archana Ravikumar, a senior journalist.)