Peddha Kapu 1 review: Srikanth Addala’s rural drama sparkles intermittently

2.5/5

Story:

Violent clashes erupt in a village between the followers of two leaders - Satya Rangayya and Bayanna - with the emergence of a new political party in Andhra Pradesh. While the leaders resort to questionable activities to keep power in their grasp, the scenario paves the way for the rise of a young leader Peddha Kapu, who stands up for the masses in the hour of need.

Review:

Peddha Kapu 1 may be a rural drama charting the rise of a local leader, but ultimately it’s a sociological study of power hierarchies within a village. Set in 1982, the film documents social circumstances during an important phase in the political history of Andhra Pradesh - the emergence of the Telugu Desam Party under the leadership of actor NT Rama Rao.

It’s hard to imagine Peddha Kapu is made by Srikanth Addala, the same filmmaker who once told stories of human empathy, preaching the need for generosity. While he craves for a better society here too, he seeks to explore bitter realities of villages and human behaviour in a raw action drama. The attempt is unquestionably earnest, but the film is only engaging in spurts.

Also read: Peddha Kapu 1 director Srikanth Addala: My father and NTR’s political entry are the inspirations behind the film

The rise of a political party is only used as a hook to begin the story. The variety in the characterisation is impressive. Bayanna has an amputated hand, his arch rival Satya Rangayya has a son who can barely walk. Despite their physical inadequacies, they chase power and employ every tactic in the book to not let an alternative emerge.

There’s a woman who silently tries to steer the future of the village in a different direction. There are only two kinds of people in the film - good and bad, rich and the needy. Yet their interpersonal relationships, situations are equally complex. The reluctance (or a creative choice?) to address the significance of caste in their realities, much like Addala’s earlier film Narappa, is surprising.

Excepting the haunting flashback in the 1960s and a couple of key plot points, the drama in the first hour doesn’t quite flourish. You sense that Peddha Kapu’s character and his rebellion are underdeveloped. He’s more relatable when he’s not trying to be the messiah and has a hearty conversation with his lady love and family. The absence of a strong reason to root for him affects the film.

The writing gets sharper post intermission, the storytelling is more seamless and the sub plots are elaborated in detail. Srikanth Addala makes an impression because he’s not after a mere character-driven film, but prioritises on building its ambience authentically. By the end, there are at least a half-a-dozen characters with strong identities that stay with you as much as Peddha Kapu.

This is easily the most beautifully mounted film in Srikanth Addala’s career. Cinematographer Chota K Naidu uses the environs and the various elements of nature organically to drive the story forward. The earthy colour tone and the realism in the setting are a delight to watch. The picturisation and choreography of the action sequences are memorable, in particular. Mickey J Meyer makes a sincere effort to reinvent himself with the songs and the music score.

Srikanth Addala masks the limitations of debutant Virat Karrna smartly with the storytelling - he doesn’t make him do heavy duty drama but places him in the right situation that brings out his heroic nature. Pragati Srivastava, as Tayi, brims with innocence as the village belle and is a crucial link to the story. Anasuya Bharadwaj, playing a woman of strength, steals the show in her brief appearance.

Rajeev Kanakala, Tanikella Bharani, Brigida Saga, Naga Babu and Easwari Rao blend with the story effortlessly and it’s hard to take your eyes away when they’re around. Rao Ramesh may not boast huge dialogue sheets, but lets his body language and mannerisms communicate the needful in a meaty part. Aadukalam Naren is cast in a familiar space and continues to be a reliable performer.

In his first appearance as an actor, Srikanth Addala sparkles with his screen presence and portrays villainy without trying too hard. Peddha Kapu 1 may not be his best but is nevertheless an important film in his career graph and serves as a good showcase of his versatility.

Verdict:

Provided you have the patience to get past a sluggish start, Peddha Kapu 1 makes for a decent watch. It extracts fine performances from Anasuya Bharadwaj, Rao Ramesh, Aadukalam Naren, Srikanth Addala and is technically brilliant. The writing and the drama, however, needed more depth.

Also read: Peddha Kapu-1 star Virat Karrna: Srikanth Addala asked me to tone down my energy on sets