Post Brahmotsavam debacle, director Srikanth Addala shifts to bold and rustic content. His previous one was Narappa (Asuran remake) with Venkatesh. Now, he comes up with Pedda Kapu that marks the launch of Virat Karrna as the male lead. Will Srikanth score success and cement his position?

Plot

Set in 1980s in a fictional village near Rajahmundry where caste politics and family feuds rule, Peddha Kapu (Virat Karrna) fights against oppression in the village by two power centres – Satya Rangayya (Rao Ramesh) and Bhaiyanna (Aadukalam Naren). How things drastically changed after NT Ramarao starts political party in 1982. How Peddha Kapu settles all the scores by taking on mighty Satya Rangayya and Bhaiyanna is the story. Who is Akkamma (Anasuya) and how is she involved?

Performances

Debutante Virat Karna has made a decent performance. He scored points in action scenes, while he underscored in emotional scenes. Rao Ramesh is best-suited for the role of a crooked villain and selfish politician set in rural milieu. His mannerisms and behaviour create an aura. Pragati Srivastava plays a rural belle and she pulls it off well. She was abandoned by her parents which gives emotional depth. But she is jovial and extroverted. Her character has a twist to the story. Barring this, she doesn’t have much scope to perform. Tanikella Bharani is seen as a drunkard who is vexed with caste and opportunistic politics. He is presented as a person who cares for society and the village. Naga Babu is seen as party incharge. His character is largely involved in bringing Satya Rangayya and Bhaiyyana together to create peace in the village. Anasuya as Akkamma has got a meaty role. There was a lot of hype around her role. But it didn’t translate as expected. Her character couldn’t leave the desired impact. As a villain, Srikanth Addala leaves half-impact. Rajeev Kanakala and Easwari play the parents of Pedda Kapu. They have nothing much to add value to the story. Overall, some performances are over-played and some are too subtle. This uneven in the cast’s performances confuses the viewers.

Technicalities

Pedda Kapu sounds and looks quite ambitious, thanks to visuals, production design and the scale of the film involving large canvas and huge crowd in camera frames. But this suffers with its writing. Director banks on cinematography, background music technically. Songs have failed miserably. Mickey J Meyer couldn’t do the magic. After listening to songs, Mickey was the wrong choice for this genre. The slow-paced narration is yet another shortcoming.

Highlights

Visuals
Rural Set-Up & BGM

Drawbacks

Brutal Violence
Stretched Out Drama
Disconnecting Emotion
Slow & Predictable Narration
Songs

Analysis

Rangasthalam, a film set in rural backdrop involving caste politics, turned the Tollywood’s landscape. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa is also the rise of a common man against all the odds in rural setting. The blockbuster result of these films gave huge breather to big-budget rural backdrop movies. Nani travelled the same path with Dasara (again village domination politics and rustic backdrop) and yet again scored success. Even films like Palsa and Uppena has lower-caste and oppression as the core-elements in their plots. And Telugu Cinema has quite familiar with this lower-caste and self-respect theme. Director Srikanth Addala is a late entrant who catches the trend a bit late. After remaking Narappa, Srikanth seems to have believed there is still room to explore this genre.

With Pedda Kapu, Srikanth largely banks upon bold content. He chose raw and rustic content. There was no supporting base (story) to add weight to the raw, rustic content. On top of it, director has gone overboard. The violence is what drives Pedda Kapu with scenes of head-chopping. Blood and gory was all over. All this indicate Pedda Kapu is intentionally a bold attempt. The film has got large canvas, big scale with prominent cast, technicians. But it couldn’t work.

‘Meeku Ante Vunte, Maaku Entha Vandali’, this dialogue sums up the Peddha Kapu’s plight. The first half is decent and promises to be somewhat intense. The interval scene was spine-chilling and gives some high. But the second-half of the film nosedives, leaving audience disappointed. There is a twist as well involving Akkamma (Anasuya). But this twist and following consequences didn’t pan out as it was intended. After Akkamma, the film turns out to be predictable. The climax portions are not engaging. The whole story is narrated in confusing way. The drama has been stretched out without the engaging scenes and without depth. It is only build-up and elevation with BGM. There was no supporting base. Pedda Kapu might be ambitious and intended to become a big film, but it falters marginally in terms of narration. For debutante Virat Karna it is not the end of the world and it is a decent start, for Srikanth Addala, Pedda Kapu is certainly a blow.

Verdict: Addala’s ‘Mass’ter Stroke!

Rating: 2/5

Tags Pedda Kapu

This article contains spoilers for the premiere of “The Golden Bachelor.”

Arguably the most hyped series of the new fall season, “The Golden Bachelor,” ABC’s new twist on its hit “The Bachelor” franchise, has finally arrived. One of the biggest questions revolves around whether a large audience, particularly regular members of the Bachelor Nation fan base, will enjoy seeing a story about senior citizens falling in love.

The show features Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old widower from Indiana who is looking for a partner to share his “golden years.” He is introduced to 22 women in their 60s and 70s, many of them hoping for a second or third chance at love.

Although “The Golden Bachelor” carries over many of the touchstones of the franchise, producers are counting on attracting viewers who are not familiar with the show.

So does “The Golden Bachelor” live up to expectations? Senior writers Greg Braxton — who has written numerous stories about “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” — and Meredith Blake, a relative newcomer to the franchise, weigh in.

Braxton: Welcome to Bachelor Nation, Meredith!

I will start by admitting that I have never gotten a lump in my throat or felt any surge of emotion when watching “The Bachelor.” But resistance was futile while watching “The Golden Bachelor.” The premiere was a heady mix of humor and heart, a definite departure from the usual bombastic kickoff, which typically promises all kinds of sexy fun and games in exotic locations as the leads start their journey for love. This chapter starts almost with a whisper — a Cat Stevens tune scores Gerry’s introduction as he recounts his devastation losing his wife, Toni, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, to a bacterial infection seven years ago. It’s impossible not to be moved as we see both his deep grief and his hopes of finding a new partner. It’s hard to imagine folks tuning out after those moments.

Blake: Someone must have been chopping onions because I, too, found myself tearing up while watching this episode, which was such a pure delight that I can’t believe it’s taken ABC this long to give us a “Golden” spinoff.

I agree that there probably will be a lot of curiosity seekers checking out the premiere — and that they’ll probably stick around. To state the obvious, Gerry makes an absolutely superb “Bachelor.” He’s handsome, kind, funny, self-deprecating, big-hearted and open-minded. Listening to him talk about Toni and their 43-year marriage, it’s impossible not to root for the guy.

However, I do wonder whether the ruthlessness of reality TV — even a kinder, gentler version of it like “The Golden Bachelor” — will take a toll on our hero over the coming weeks.

I was also impressed by the ladies, who were vibrant, fun and seemingly as eager to compliment each other as they were to win Gerry’s approval. They were all well-versed enough in “The Bachelor” to know that making a memorable first impression was essential, with Leslie (the freakishly fit aerobics instructor who disguised herself as a hobbled old lady) winning my vote for best entrance. Since this is a competition, I’m already starting to wonder if any of the early standouts — like Faith, who rode in on a motorcycle and won the first impression rose, or Theresa, who shared a birthday kiss with Gerry — will go the distance.

Greg, as a seasoned viewer of “The Bachelor,” are you ready to make any predictions yet? What are your impressions of the ladies so far?

Braxton: Before I get to the ladies, I have to do my own salute to Gerry. I don’t know how a retired restaurateur from Indiana can have such a natural presence and charisma perfect for TV. I interviewed him over Zoom about a week after he started filming and liked him instantly. Believe me, most of the other Bachelors in recent years should take lessons from Gerry about being real and genuine. He’s so down-to-earth, and seems so far up to the considerable challenge of being the face of this very popular and expensive show.

As for the ladies, producers and the casting department deserve their own bouquet of golden roses. The women are so elegant and vibrant, with an unquenchable spirit. They’re also very open and comfortable with their sexuality, a real revelation for those of us holding on to the stereotype that older people have little interest in getting it on.

Another refreshing departure from the usual “Bachelor” dynamic is that Gerry and the ladies all seem to be there for the right reason, and not interested in portraying an outrageous character or competing for camera time. These folks are not trying to increase their social media followings. There’s a real desire for connection and honesty. When Gerry and the ladies he’s talking to look into each other’s eyes, the warmth is palpable. You just don’t see that kind of genuine feeling on most reality dating shows.

And no, I’m not making any predictions yet.

Blake: I am not ready to make predictions, either, except to say I think this spin on “The Bachelor” is going to be a hit and will probably generate more positive chatter than the last few seasons of the show combined. Who knew the best way to reinvigorate a 20-year-old franchise would be to cast a retired senior citizen with a hearing aid in the lead role?

But as you noted, in an era when we’ve grown accustomed to watching fame-thirsty people do insane things on reality TV, often for dubious reasons that have more to do with building a social media presence than forging real human connections, it is lovely — revelatory, even — to see people earnestly looking for romance later in life.

And in a culture that worships youth, it’s refreshing to see a show that centers aging and experience and deals with issues like grief and loss in an unflinching manner. It was striking to see Gerry dissolve into tears as he recalled his wife’s passing, and equally moving to hear from the women as they spoke about the events that shaped their lives and compelled them to sign up for “The Bachelor” — from Ellen, egged on by a best friend battling cancer; to Theresa, whose husband died nine years ago; to April, who longed to get back in touch with who she was before she became “a caretaker and matriarch.”

I know you will roll your eyes at me for saying this, but one of the most redeeming qualities of “The Real Housewives” franchise — my reality TV drug of choice — is that it shows women over 40 living full (if chaotic) lives. I’d be thrilled if “The Golden Bachelor” ushered in a new era of older-skewing reality shows. How about a season of “Love Is Blind” featuring residents of the Villages? Sign me up.

Gerry Turner is looking for love in “The Golden Bachelor.”

(Craig Sjodin / ABC)

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Braxton: Meredith, my hope is one day deprogramming you away from those horrid “Housewives.” Meanwhile, I’m putting ABC and every studio and network on notice that I have already thought of an idea for a show that features older people dancing to current hits. So the IP belongs to me. That scene with Gerry and all the ladies dancing to “Little Boo Thing” was priceless, and my pick for the water-cooler moment of the hour. When else have you seen such unbridled joy and spontaneity on a reality show?

Of course, one tradition of the franchise is showing the lead encountering difficulties as the field narrows, and as his feelings for the front-runners vying for the final rose grow deeper. There always seems to be a preview scene where the lead threatens to quit the show, and it’s suggested that Gerry had some raw and emotional moments as the season progressed. Those clips are designed to heighten viewer interest, or course.

But it seems like ultimately Gerry’s search for love has a happy ending. He deserves it, and I’m rooting for him.

Blake: Me too, Greg. Me too! I suspect the previews were edited for dramatic effect, but I also expect this process will be hard for Gerry — as it would be for any normal person who suddenly found himself simultaneously dating multiple women on national television. All we can hope is that the pain is worth it and Gerry finds the next great love of his life.

Final Report:

Peddha Kapu offers solid technical values and supporting cast, but the core story, emotions, and drama are lost in the confusing narration. Director Srikanth Addala’s comeback is a mixed bag.

First Half Report:

Despite superb visuals and a solid score, Peddha Kapu feels a bit all over the place in the first half but still maintains intrigue. Hopefully, the second half will provide less confusion and more clarity on character arcs and the core plot.

— Peddha Kapu show started with an intense, chaotic action sequence in a village, setting up the perfect beginning for the drama. Stay tuned for the first half report.

Stay tuned for Peddha Kapu 1 Movie Review, USA Premiere Report.

Peddha Kapu 1 is directed by Srikanth Addala, marking his return after a long hiatus since “Brahmotsavam” in 2016. The film features Virat Karrna, Pragati Srivastava, Rao Ramesh, and Tanikella Bharani in lead roles. Srikanth Addala, known for his soft genre films, is making a comeback with this intense film, and the trailer has raised expectations for the movie.

Cast and crew : Virat karrna, Pragati srivasthava, Rao Ramesh, Naga Babu, Tanikella Bharani, Brigada saga, Rajeev kanakala, Anusuya, Eeshwari Rao, Naren

Producer : Miryala ravinder reddy
Director: Srikanth Addala

Dop : Chota K Naidu
Music : Mickey J meyer
Fights : Peter Hein
Editor : Marthand K Venkatesh
Art : GM Sekhar
Dance Master : Raju sundaram

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