Shashtipoorthi Review: Rajendra Prasad's film is old school but a passable family drama

Shashtipoorthi Story

Sriram (Rupesh), an honest public prosecutor, faces challenges due to his straightforward nature. Janaki (Aakanksha Singh) enters his life with a land dispute, and he helps resolve it. They fall in love and plan to marry, but trouble brews when Sriram’s parents (Rajendra Prasad and Archana) separate. The story follows how he reunites them in time for their 60th wedding anniversary.

Shashtipoorthi Review

Shashtipoorthi is written and directed by Pawan Prabha and features seasoned actors like Rajendra Prasad and Archana in lead roles. The family drama showcases how life teaches new lessons when you turn sixty. Within this setup, the director presents a story of a couple separating due to personal issues and how their son works to bring them back together. 

This aspect is well portrayed in the film, and to make things more engaging, a few commercial elements are added through Aakanksha Singh’s track. The handling of societal themes without sounding preachy is commendable. However, after a point, the narrative slows down due to repetitive scenes.

Still, several emotional moments between Rajendra Prasad and Archana are touching and engaging. The social message about aging parents is also well integrated into the narrative. Unfortunately, the slow pace hampers the flow repeatedly. Had the screenplay been crisper and more focused, Shashtipoorthi would have made a stronger impact.

One of the major assets of the film is the music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. His songs enhance the film and are well placed within the story. The emotional songs in the second half are a particular highlight.

As for performances, Rajendra Prasad of Samantakamani, Mr Pellam, and Iddaru Pellala Muddula Police fame lead the way. The veteran actor delivers a heartfelt performance, especially in emotional scenes, where his dialogue delivery and body language stand out. Archana, making a comeback to Telugu cinema after a long gap, is also excellent. Her chemistry with Rajendra Prasad is one of the film’s main strengths, evoking nostalgia.

Rupesh performs well in his role despite being relatively new. Aakanksha Singh plays a crucial role and adds depth to the story. Her character is well written, and she does justice to it. The production values are top-notch, and the visuals are pleasant. However, the story feels somewhat dated and may appeal only to a specific section of the audience.

Times have changed, as has the way social messages are conveyed in cinema. Shashtipoorthi has an old-school story, but its presentation feels fresh. It will resonate with those who enjoy heartfelt family dramas.

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Shashtipoorthi Verdict

On the whole, Shashtipoorthi is a passable family drama that has its moments. The performances from the lead cast are heartwarming, though the story feels a bit outdated.