Baapu Review: Brahmaji's film has a solid backdrop but is lost in execution

2/5

Baapu Story

The film is set in a small town in the state of Telangana. Mallanna (Brahmaji) is a poor farmer who is neck-deep in debt. To clear his debts, he needs a huge amount of money, which he does not have. One fine day, he comes up with a wicked plan to kill his old father to claim insurance money and pay off his debts. The rest of the story follows whether Mallanna goes through with the unthinkable and how it impacts his life.

Baapu Review

Baapu is written and directed by Daya, who chooses a very interesting subject and sets it in rural Telangana, showcasing the plight of several farmers burdened with debt and forced to take desperate measures to survive.

Against this backdrop, he adds a small thrill factor and integrates it neatly into the narrative. However, despite the intriguing premise, the film lacks emotional depth.

The guilt of attempting to kill one’s parent is a strong conflict point that has great potential for emotional depth, but the director fails to explore it fully. While the assassination attempts on the old man and his escape sequences are engaging, the core emotions in the narrative feel underdeveloped.

That said, certain scenes manage to hold the audience’s attention. The father’s character is key to the film, and the story gains momentum whenever he is on screen. The humour generated through his character is well-executed and keeps the audience engaged. Sudhakar Reddy of Balagam fame delivers an excellent performance, entertaining viewers with his role.

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The second half introduces a small subplot involving a hidden treasure and how it saves the family, which adds some intrigue. However, the climax feels rushed and could have been handled with more intensity.

The romantic track featuring the lead pair feels unnecessary and slows down the narrative. The two songs featuring the couple could have been removed to improve pacing.

Although the film runs for just two hours and ten minutes, it feels lengthy and sluggish at times. The logic behind the family's actions as they attempt to assassinate their own kin lacks clarity and focus.

The guilt factor in the proceedings could have been explored further to enhance the film's emotional impact. Unfortunately, this does not happen, leaving Baapu feeling incomplete and lagging in several aspects.

Coming to the performances, Brahmaji gets a tailor-made role in Baapu and delivers a strong performance. Known for his comic roles, he takes on a serious character this time and does well.

Senior actress Amani plays his wife and delivers a solid performance, adding depth to the narrative with her intense acting. Dhanya Balakrishna plays the female lead and is effective as a village belle. Her intense acting adds depth to the narrative

The actor who played Brahmaji’s son was not very impactful. Racha Ravi, however, gets a good role and excels in a negative character.

The production values of the film are impressive, with cinematography effectively capturing the village setting. Editing, especially in the first half, feels weak, while the production design is well-executed.

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The film's core story is strong, offering ample opportunity for emotional and thrilling moments. However, the execution falls short, leaving the film in an uncertain space.

Baapu Verdict

On the whole, Baapu is a rustic village drama with a strong core concept. However, the emotional depth is weak, and the thrill factor is not fully explored, making it a below-par watch this weekend.