Ashlesha Thakur, acclaimed for her role in The Family Man web series, is set to grace the silver screen as the female lead in the upcoming Tollywood film, Shantala. Rising to prominence through her noteworthy performances, she has successfully transitioned from web series to lead roles, making a notable appearance in Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan.
Shantala has been sparking considerable interest, with former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu himself showering praises upon the film after a special screening. His endorsement extends to predicting that the movie is destined for a National Award. Intrigued by this acclaim, let's delve into what Shantala, releasing in multiple languages, has to offer to cinema enthusiasts.
Shantala unfolds the poignant narrative of an orphaned girl residing in a rustic village and her resilient response to the heinous acts perpetrated by the predatory Zamindar, who preys on the vulnerability of young women. Ashlesha Thakur, portraying the titular character, brings depth to Shantala's journey.
Raised under the care of Doddappa and Gundamma (enacted by Anand Chakrapani and Siva Parvathi, respectively), Shantala's life takes a tumultuous turn as the village succumbs to the oppressive clutches of the lecherous Zamindar, played by Vinod Kumar.
The narrative intricately explores the profound impact of the Zamindar's actions on Shantala's life, unraveling the threads that connect her to pivotal characters such as Rajasekhar (Nikhal Kodhaty), the compassionate Dance Teacher (Manju Bhargavi), the resilient Koila (Rekha Nirosha), and the enigmatic Beautiful Queen Shantala Devi (Veena Nayar).
As the story unfolds, Shantala navigates through the challenges posed by the Zamindar's tyranny, forging alliances with characters who play pivotal roles in shaping her destiny. The intricate connections and alliances weave a compelling tale of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. Shantala's journey, intertwined with the lives of these characters, forms the heart of this evocative narrative, promising a cinematic experience that transcends mere storytelling.
Ashlesha Thakur graced the screen with undeniable beauty, seamlessly blending grace and talent. Her expressive portrayal of emotions, coupled with a captivating showcase of classical dance prowess, added a layer of sophistication to her character. Thakur adeptly delivered dialogues that perfectly resonated with the situation, effortlessly elevating the scenes and contributing to the film's overall impact.
Nihal Kodhaty, portraying the role of the lover boy, exhibited a commendable performance. His handsome and charming demeanor was complemented by a nuanced portrayal of the soft character, adding depth to his role.
Vinod Kumar, in the role of the menacing Zamindar, left an indelible mark with his powerful on-screen presence. His expressive eyes conveyed a palpable sense of fear, injecting intensity into a character that might be considered routine in less capable hands.
Manju Bharghavi, a yesteryear actress, showcased her impeccable dancing skills, though one might wish for her to have had more screen time. The ensemble cast, including Veena Nayar, Rekha Nirosha, Anand Chakrapani, and Siva Parvathi, played their respective roles with finesse, contributing to the overall coherence of the film. Each actor's commitment to their character added depth to the narrative, creating a well-rounded cinematic experience.
Shantala, penned by Peddireddy Seshu Babu, endeavors to shed light on the rampant atrocities committed against women by Zamindars, portraying the courageous fight of a poor girl against the silent suffering endured by others. Seshu Babu's commendable intention is evident as he attempts to deliver a potent societal message against such injustices. Set against the backdrop of Halebedu and Beluru villages, the narrative weaves a connection with the historical figure of Shantala Devi, the beautiful queen of King Vishnuvardhan.
While the premise excites, the storytelling takes a somewhat meandering path. The initial promise loses momentum as the narration gradually unfolds, with a slow pace and repetitive scenes causing disappointment, particularly in the first half leading up to the interval. The second half, however, sees a notable improvement as the pace picks up, showcasing intense performances and steering the plot toward its core theme. Yet, the pre-climax and climax introduce confusion, leaving viewers perplexed and questioning the director's narrative choices.
The storyline follows a predictable trajectory, and the screenplay and direction, though with good intent, fall into the realm of average execution. Some fine-tuning could have elevated the overall impact of the project.
Vishal Chandrasekhar's contribution in the form of beautiful and soulful melodies adds charm to the romantic interludes between the lead pair. The well-shot and artfully picturized songs, accompanied by his evocative background music, enhance the emotional resonance of the scenes. R. Ramesh's cinematography effectively captures the rustic village atmosphere, although Sasak Vupputuri's editing could have benefited from a tighter hand, addressing the issues of pacing and repetitiveness that detract from the immersive experience. The dialogues, alternating between powerful and ordinary, contribute to the film's mixed impact.
In terms of production values, the film stands commendably, showcasing good attention to detail. With a touch of refinement in storytelling and editing, Shantala could have realized its potential more fully.
Shantala, in essence, emerges as yet another in the line of routine women-centric films. Peddireddy Seshu Babu, utilizing the talents of Ashlesha Thakur, aimed to underscore the importance of women's empowerment—a commendable concept. Thakur, in her debut, delivered a spirited performance that showcased her potential. However, the film falls prey to predictability and a conventional narrative, ultimately overshadowing the positive aspects of the endeavor. A strategic rework on the storyline and script could have altered the outcome significantly. In light of these considerations, Cinejosh bestows a 1-star rating upon Shantala.