Priyadarshi's Balagam directed by Venu Yeldandi is generating immense interest among movie lovers with unique trailers and teasers and with early premier shows. With Dil Raju getting associated with the project, curiosity levels increased. The film's OTT partner is yet to be finalized and streaming will be on after the completion of its theatrical run. The film is releasing on 3 March 2023. Let us find out what Balagam offered to movie lovers.
Balagam story is all about human emotions in the rustic and rural backdrop of the interiors of Telangana. Komarayya (Sudhakar Reddy) who mingles with everyone in his village has a grandson Saiyulu. Saiyulu (Priyadarshi) burns his hands by doing various business taking debts. Unable to pay the debts he pins his hopes on the dowry. But one day prior he gets a huge shock when his grandfather passes away. Many relatives come to attend his final rites and Saiyulu comes to know that his uncle's daughter Sandhya (Kavya Kalyanram) heirs lot of properties and decides to trap her in the name of love. But his father (Jayaram) and uncle (Muralidhar) has age old disputes. What are the disputes, whether Sayilu emerge successful in his plans form the rest of the narration.
All the artists did not act but lived in those roles. Priyadarshi who is known as a natural performer once again stole the show. He carried the expressions and emotions and elevated the scenes with his screen presence. Kavya Kalyan Ram impressed with her looks. She not only attracted by her looks but also beautified the scenes with her performance. She came out with good emotions and expressions. Sudhakar Reddy who played the role of Priyadarshi's grandfather might have got a limited screen presence but she stole the show with his performance making a powerful impact.
Balagam's story readied by Venu Yeldandi is high on emotions and highlighted the thinking of people and the practices still followed by them in the name of superstitions. Venu Yeldandi on debut emerged successful in highlighting how the villagers practice and follow superstitions even though they use modern technology like cell phones. He highlighted the sensitivities quite well and the climax situation makes a powerful impact. It leaves everyone move emotionally.
Veun Yeldandi not only narrated the emotional story in a beautiful way with his interesting screenplay and direction but also made his presence felt as a singer, especially during the climax. He also performed well in an important role.
Acharya Venu's cinematography is realistic and he showed the rural village atmosphere in a natural way. Madhu's editing is ok but there are few drags that slowed the pace of the film at times. Bheems music is good and he took the film to another level with his background music.
Production values are good. Dil Raju should be complemented by encouraging his younger generation to break away from the commercial entertainers and create a trend with a pathbreaking film like Balagam.
Altogether, Balagam's film highlights the traditions, slang, and language of the Telangana region. More than the slang, the film directed by Venu Yeldandi and featuring Priyadarshi is powered by intense emotions. Veun Yeldandi took the viewers slowly into the real story by starting the narration in a hilarious way and then setting the stage to the high emotions stealing the hearts of all. Balagam reminds of the Kannada film Thithi which was released in 2015. Dialogues are impactful and thought-provoking and blended well with rich emotions. Considering all these elements, Cinejosh goes with a 3 Rating for Balagam.