"Peka Medalu," a title that immediately piques curiosity, promises a compelling story set against the backdrop of ambition, reality, and the consequences of chasing quick wealth. With Vinoth Kishan at the helm, the film is slated for release on July 19th, 2024.
While the intriguing title and Vinoth Kishan's presence generate anticipation, the question remains: will "Peka Medalu" resonate with movie lovers? Will the film deliver on its promise of a captivating narrative exploring the complexities of greed and its impact on a family?
As the release date approaches, moviegoers are eager to discover if "Peka Medalu" delivers a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience, or if it falls short of expectations. Will the film leave audiences pondering the choices they make and the consequences they face? Only time will tell if "Peka Medalu" truly delivers a powerful and impactful story.
Peka Medalu story is all about a lower middle class person who aspires to become rich instantly without any hard work. How it affects his life and that of his family due to his acts form the interesting part. "Peka Medalu" centers around Lakshman (Vinoth Kishan), an engineering graduate who, despite his education, chooses to live in a world of illusions, dreaming of quick wealth without the hard work. He works as a real estate agent, clinging to the fantasy of striking it rich overnight.
Driven by his insatiable greed, Lakshman embarks on a series of questionable actions, leading him down a slippery slope. The film explores the ripple effects of his choices, showcasing how his wife Varalakshmi (Anoosha Krishna), a hardworking woman struggling to raise their son, reacts to his reckless pursuits.
The film delves into the consequences of Lakshman's actions, highlighting the devastating impact of his choices on his family and the struggles they face as a result of his greed. The narrative focuses on the stark contrast between Lakshman's pursuit of easy money and Varalakshmi's unwavering efforts to provide for their son, showcasing the complex dynamics of their relationship.
"Peka Medalu" seeks to highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of hard work, and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities in the pursuit of fleeting riches.
Despite the film's shortcomings, several performances stand out in "Peka Medalu," showcasing a touch of realism in an emotional drama narrative.
Vinoth Kishan delivers a commendable performance as the frustrated individual desperate for quick riches. His portrayal of a man caught in the cycle of poverty and desperation is both believable and engaging. Kishan's natural screen presence adds authenticity to the character, making him relatable despite some weaknesses.
Anoosha Krishna shines as the resilient wife, struggling to raise her son and instill change in her husband's life. She brings a sense of authenticity to the character, portraying the hardships faced by women living in poverty with a nuanced performance.
Rethika Srinivas makes a positive impact in her role as an NRI woman, adding another dimension to the film's narrative. The supporting cast, including Pradeep Raparthi, Muralidhar Goud, Anusha Nuthula, Ganesh Thipparaju, and Sruti Meyer, all contribute effectively to their respective roles, providing a solid foundation for the film's narrative.
Wherever the execution of "Peka Medalu" falters, the performances by the actors bring a sense of realism and depth to the characters.
"Peka Medalu" attempts to explore the harsh realities of life in the slums, focusing on a family grappling with poverty, greed, and the consequences of their choices. The film delves into the husband's pursuit of easy money, contrasting it with the wife's relentless hard work.
Despite having conviction in story telling, the film's execution suffers from a flaw: its glacial pace. Director Neelagiri Mamilla, despite a promising premise, at times suffers with a narrative that feels repetitive. The film's two-hour runtime comes in favour of the film keeping the proceedings crisp and straightforward.
Though the plot unfolds predictably,. The screenplay filled with engaging and relatable drama connects to the audiences. The director's vision in delivering a middle class family drama with a layer of women empowerment is commendable.
The technical aspects are decent. Haricharan K's cinematography effectively captures the harsh realities of slum life, offering a realistic portrayal of the environment. However, Srujana Adusumilli's editing fails to tighten the film's pacing. Smaran Sai's music is situational, with the background score in sync with the mood of the film. The dialogues are situational, and the production values are impressive.
In the end, "Peka Medalu" leaves viewers with an Experience of watching decent family drama with neatly handled emotions. While the film's slow pace, and predictable plot, are on the downside, the subject matter holds potential, and the well executed emotions resulting in a film that is somewhat decent and satisfying
Altogether, Peka Medalu is depicts the lives in the slums with relatable characters and situations. The concept of Peka Medalu held promise, director Neelagiri Mamilla succeeded to some extent in delivering a captivating narrative.
Cinejosh, after careful consideration, assigns Peka Medalu a rating of 2.25/5. The film with potential subject could have been better with more fine tuning in the writing department.