Abhay Bethiganthi, celebrated for his standout performances in "Pellichupulu" and "Geetha Govindam," is set to grace the screen once again as he takes on the role of both actor and director in the eagerly awaited project, "Ramanna Youth." This much-anticipated film is scheduled to hit theaters on September 15th, marking a significant event for cinema enthusiasts.
While the OTT rights for the film are yet to be finalized, streaming is expected to follow once the theatrical run is concluded. With high expectations surrounding "Ramanna Youth," let's eagerly anticipate what this film has in store to offer to movie aficionados.
"Ramanna Youth" story revolves around the journey of a young and ambitious individual who draws inspiration from a prominent politician, nurturing aspirations to become a youth leader himself. The protagonist, Raju (Abhay Bethiganthi), resides in the town of Khanapur and nurtures the dream of emerging as a youth leader within a political party. His determination takes root when the local MLA, Ramanna (Srikanth Iyengar), acknowledges him by name during a public meeting.
Encouraged by his steadfast friends, Balu (Anil Jeela), Chandu (Bunny Abhiram), and Ramesh (Jagan Yogiraj), Raju embarks on an intriguing journey. Together, they devise a dynamic campaign named "Ramanna Youth," sparking a series of events that lead to a heated altercation. Undeterred, the four friends resolve to meet MLA Ramanna in Hyderabad, determined to rely solely on their own efforts without leveraging any external influence.
The narrative then unfolds to explore the consequences of this bold decision, shedding light on how Raju's fiancee, Swapna (Amulya Reddy), the former Sarpanch Anil (Thagubothu Ramesh), Anil's brother Mahipal (Vishnu Oi), Patel (Kommidi Viswendar Reddy), Balu's father (Venu Polsani), and others react to these unfolding events. Their responses and actions form the heart of this engaging story.
Abhay Bethiganthi truly shone in his portrayal of a determined young individual aspiring to become a youth leader. His impeccable body language, coupled with his ability to convey a range of emotions and expressions, elevated the film's scenes and left a lasting impact. However, in moments of heightened enthusiasm, there were instances where his performance bordered on the excessive side. Nevertheless, sincerity is reflected in his performance.
Amulya Reddy, although with limited screen time, delivered a satisfactory performance in her role.
Anil Jeela, Bunny Abhiram, and Jagan Yogiraj, who portrayed Raju's friends, not only provided strong support through their screen presence but also played their roles impeccably. They skillfully carried the film alongside Abhay Bethiganthi, contributing significantly to its overall success.
Vishnu Oi, in the role of the envious Mahipal, effectively conveyed his character's emotions and jealousy on screen.
Kommidi Viswendar Reddy and Venu Polsani left a noticeable impact with their compelling performances, adding depth to the narrative. Thagubothu Ramesh's departure from his usual roles showcased his versatility as an actor, and he delivered a decent performance.
Srikanth Iyengar, portraying the role of MLA Ramanna, did complete justice to his character, contributing to the overall success of the film. The rest of the cast also performed in accordance with their respective roles, collectively contributing to the film's effectiveness.
"Ramanna Youth," conceived by Abhay Bethiganthi, delves into the prevalent issue of today's youth often getting carried away by celebrity influences, be it in politics or the film industry, and subsequently wasting their time attempting to emulate them. Abhay's impressive narrative presented a compelling and thought-provoking concept that piques the audience's interest.
He maintains a consistent tempo with his screenplay and direction. However, as the story unfolds, The protagonist's mission to meet his idol, revealed within the early minutes of the film, appears somewhat simplistic. But, Abhay's honest attempt makes the viewers engaged to the theme.
Subsequently, Abhay Bethiganthi endeavors to showcase how the protagonist overcomes the obstacles in his path. The narrative tends to gravitate towards highlighting Telangana culture, emphasizing drinking habits, subsequent brawls, and petty conflicts, mirroring trends in recent films.
While the performances remain commendable, The screenplay and direction too exhibited a quality and significant, relatable plot. The dialogues are well-crafted, particularly appealing to those who appreciate the nuances of the Telangana dialect.
In sum, "Ramanna Youth" tackles a pertinent issue but could benefit from a more engaging and diversified approach to storytelling. The film delivers with its honest attempt by Hero, Director Abhay Bethiganthi.
The film features a couple of songs, with Kamran delivering foot-tapping mass beats that perfectly align with the essence of Telangana culture. His music contributes significantly to the film's overall appeal. Kamran's background score is seamless and effectively propels the narrative, leaving a lasting impression and making a positive impact on the audience.
Fahad Abdul Majeed's cinematography excels in portraying the village of Khanapur authentically and realistically. Through skillful use of camera angles and a keen eye for selecting the right colors, he brings a natural and immersive quality to the on-screen locations.
The editing, handled by Rupak Ronaldson and Abhay Bethiganti, maintains a decent pace throughout the film. However, a slightly more concise approach, especially in both halves, could have enhanced the overall viewing experience.
One of the major highlights of the film is its dialogues, enriched with the distinctive Telangana slang. These dialogues add depth and authenticity to the narrative, enriching the characters and their interactions.
Lastly, the production values by Firefly Arts stand out as quite impressive, contributing to the overall visual and aesthetic appeal of the film.
Altogether,"Ramanna Youth" as a whole emerges as a message-driven film aimed at today's generation of youngsters. Abhay Bethiganthi, who not only graced the lead role but also took the reins as the film's editor and director, delivered a commendable performance that extended beyond his on-screen presence. His directorial skills not only brought out the best in the entire cast and crew but also demonstrated his prowess as an editor.
Furthermore, Abhay crafted an engaging narrative with a meaningful message, effectively conveying it in a lucid and precise manner. As a result, the plot though seems one-dimensional delivers with its authentic presentation.
A touch of refinement in the storytelling and script, with the inclusion of a few humorous elements and romantic sequences, could have enhanced the overall viewing experience. Considering these aspects, Cinejosh assigns a Rating of 2.25 to "Ramanna Youth."