Pottel, directed by Sahith Mothkuri and starring Ajay, Yuvachandra, and Ananya Nagalla in pivotal roles, is a rural drama that delves into the socio-cultural issues of the 1970s. The movie, which captivated audiences with its intriguing title, was released in theaters in October and recently debuted on OTT platforms Amazon Prima and Aha. With music by Sekhar Chandra, the film aims to strike an emotional chord with its thought-provoking narrative.

Plot Summary:
The story is set in a remote village during the 1970s, where the powerful Patel family dominates the region. Believing that education empowers people to question authority, the Patels discourage the villagers from pursuing it. Mallanna (Chatrapathi Sekhar), who recognizes the importance of education, dreams of educating his son Gangadharam (Yuvachandra). However, his efforts are thwarted when Patel (Ajay) kills him to maintain control over the village.

The villagers revere a local deity, Balamma, and Patel manipulates their beliefs to suppress dissent. Gangadharam grows up in this oppressive environment, determined to bring change. He marries Bujjamma (Ananya Nagalla), defying her brother and societal norms.

Meanwhile, the village observes a ritual every 12 years, offering a Pottel as a sacrifice to their deity. This time, Gangadharam is tasked with overseeing the ritual. The stakes are high, as failure to perform the ritual properly could have dire consequences for him. Caught between his goal of educating his daughter and empowering the villagers, and the ritualistic traditions, Gangadharam faces immense challenges from Patel. How he overcomes these obstacles forms the crux of the story.

Analysis:
The film effectively portrays the socio-political dynamics and superstitions prevalent in rural India during the 1970s. The director highlights the dominance of landlords like the Patels and their efforts to maintain control by keeping the marginalized sections uneducated. The screenplay weaves these themes with clarity, emphasizing the need for education as a tool for empowerment.

The movie also sheds light on superstitions and rituals like animal sacrifices, which were exploited by the powerful to manipulate the weak. The village itself feels like a character in the story, with its landscapes and traditions adding depth to the narrative. The realistic portrayal of the struggles and resilience of rural communities enhances the film’s authenticity.

Performances:
Yuvachandra delivers a compelling performance as Gangadharam, capturing the character’s struggle and determination effectively.
Ajay excels as the antagonist Patel, portraying the role with authority and menace.
Ananya Nagalla impresses with her portrayal of Bujjamma, adding emotional depth to the story.
The supporting cast, including Chatrapathi Sekhar, performs within the scope of their roles, contributing to the narrative’s strength.

Technical Aspects:
Cinematography by Monish Bhupathiraju stands out, beautifully capturing the rural and forest backdrops, adding an immersive visual quality.
Music by Sekhar Chandra complements the narrative well, with both songs and background score enhancing the emotional impact.
Editing by Karthik Srinivas ensures a cohesive flow, although some scenes feel slightly stretched.
The authentic depiction of rural settings and customs adds to the film’s credibility.

Final Verdict:
Pottel is a sincere attempt to address important social issues like education, empowerment, and superstition through a rural narrative. While the film’s pacing and predictability in certain areas might deter some viewers, its emotional core and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in rural dramas.

Psychologist Lilly Jay is taking ownership of “the sudden public downfall” of her marriage to actor Ethan Slater, a year after their divorce and his romance with “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande became tabloid fodder.

“This, I tell myself, is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide,” Jay writes in an essay published Thursday in the Cut. “Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child.”

In her essay, Jay gets candid about having “a window into her life pried open” for the public — and her therapy patients — to see. In summer 2023, pop diva Grande and Slater sparked dating rumors shortly after news broke that the “Yes, And?” singer was divorcing real estate broker Dalton Gomez after two years of marriage.

Grande and Slater, a Tony-nominated Broadway star known for the “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical, began filming the first half of Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” in the United Kingdom in early 2023. The film stars Grande as Glinda and Slater as Boq, a Munchkin friend at Shiz University.

Jay does not name either Slater or Grande, but reveals she “moved to another country” with their 2-month-old child (they welcomed a baby in late 2022) and her ex to “support his career.” At the time, she says, “I didn’t understand the growing distance between us.”

Slater filed to divorce Jay the same month that news of Grande’s split with Gomez split broke.

Her essay doesn’t delve into much detail about Slater and Grande’s relationship or how that played out, but she says she and her ex-husband remain committed to co-parenting their son, whom they love “fiercely.” The exes finalized their divorce in September, months into the tireless publicity campaign for “Wicked,” which also stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

While time with her baby boy brings her light and joy, Jay writes, “Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest day of my life are darker.”

Chu’s first “Wicked” film opened with $114 million at the domestic box office and has since gained awards season traction. The second film, titled “Wicked: For Good,” is set for a November 2025 release date and holds promise (and maybe space) for yet another ubiquitous and viral promotional campaign. Clearly, it’ll take some time for the magic of “Wicked” to fade from Hollywood.

In her essay, Jay also contemplates whether headlines about her divorce affected her career opportunities and relationships with patients. Ultimately, Jay writes, she’s come to accept her spot in the public eye and hopes her experience will be a boon in her therapy work.

“I can start hearing myself when I tell patients that avoidance maintains fear,” she writes, “and maybe it’s time to accept that I’m not unknown anymore.”

Jay also apologizes to patients that the public fallout with Slater disrupted a boundary she’s worked to maintain, and reminds them they are “much stronger” than they might think.

She continues: “Some of what you loved most about your partner was actually your own goodness reflected back to you; it’s yours to keep and carry forward.”

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