A blend of crisis, emotions and entertainment, the 2020 Telugu blockbuster “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” (AVPL) is a living example of director Trivikram Srinivas’ distinctive screenplay style. Allu Arjun shines here as a dashing young man named Bantu, whose free-spirited laughter hides bitter memories of his father’s rejection. Neglected since childhood, Bantu’s world turns upside down when he learns the truth that he was switched at birth from the heir of a millionaire family. This is where the interesting struggle for family, identity and authority begins, which Trivikram blends with comedy, action and deeply emotional moments.
Allu Arjun’s energetic screen presence, Pooja Hegde’s charming charm, serious performances from veteran actors like Tabu and Jayaram, and Murali Sharma’s memorable negative role—all give the film a strong foothold. Cinematographer P.S. Vinod’s colourful cinematographic vision and Naveen Nooli’s tight editing keep the pace going, while ThamanS’ music takes the narrative forward with chart-buster songs like ‘Butta Bomma’. Released on Sankranti, the film is a ‘full-meal’ package of family comedy, social message and thrilling action that audiences of all age groups can enjoy without hesitation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (AVPL) |
| Language | Telugu |
| Genre | Action • Family Drama |
| Director & Writer | Trivikram Srinivas |
| Producers | Allu Aravind, S. Radha Krishna |
| Production Companies | Geetha Arts, Haarika & Hassine Creations |
| Main Cast | Allu Arjun (Bantu), Pooja Hegde (Amulya “Ammu”) |
| Key Supporting Cast | Jayaram, Tabu, Sushanth, Nivetha Pethuraj, Murali Sharma, Sachin Khedekar, Samuthirakani |
| Cinematography | P. S. Vinod |
| Editor | Naveen Nooli |
| Music Composer | Thaman S (National Award‑winning soundtrack) |
| Release Date | 12 January 2020 (Sankranti) |
| Runtime | 165 minutes |
| Budget | Not officially stated (mid‑range big‑budget Telugu film) |
| Worldwide Box Office | Approx. ₹262 – 280 crore; 3rd highest‑grossing Telugu film at release |
| Critical Reception | Highly positive—praised for performances, music, entertainment value, and Trivikram’s writing |
| Accolades | National Film Award (Best Music Direction), 10 SIIMA Awards (incl. Best Film) |
| Notable Songs | “Butta Bomma”, “Ramuloo Ramulaa”, “Samajavaragamana” |
| Remake | Hindi remake Shehzada (released 17 Feb 2023) |
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Story
Bantu is a bright young man raised in a middle-class household who faces severe criticism from his father Valmiki since childhood. Valmiki’s indifference is due solely to jealousy—twenty-five years ago he had replaced his newborn son Raj with the presumed dead baby of the millionaire Ramchandra, so that his son could grow up in luxury. Coincidentally, the replaced child, Bantu, survives, but Valmiki taunts and disdains Bantu to hide his mistake.
In 2020, Bantu wants to pursue a career, but Valmiki stops funding his MBA. Bantu gives an interview in a travel company, where he impresses the CEO Amulya (Ammu) by displaying confidence and strength and gets the job. On a business trip to Paris, the two come closer to each other and love blossoms. Meanwhile, Raj, who is actually Valmiki’s son, returns from abroad leaving his studies incomplete. Ramchandra is disappointed to see him unsuccessful in the family business. Ramchandra is impressed by Bantu’s efficiency when Raj backs out during a deal. Meanwhile, the powerful industrialist Appala Naidu attacks Ramachandra. Bantu bravely rescues Ramachandra and takes him to the hospital, where nurse Sulochana, who wakes up from a coma, reveals his true identity to Bantu. Knowing the truth, Bantu slaps Valmiki but decides to enter Ramachandra’s home “Vaikunthapuram” to remove the bitterness in the family.
Bantu solves the financial and family problems of the house-brings sweetness back to Ramachandra and Yasoda’s relationship, brings the greedy relatives to justice and saves the family by confronting Naidu. In the climax, Bantu saves Raj, Nandini and the entire family while fighting Naidu’s henchmen. Ramchandra accepts Bantu after understanding the truth, but Bantu asks him to keep the secret to protect the feelings of his mother Yashoda. Yashoda treats Bantu as Raj’s equal and gives him half the share, while Raj himself decides to adopt a middle-class life.
The film ends here, as Bantu flies off in a helicopter with Ammu, and Valmiki stands guiltily watching. “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” is an emotional, colourful and joyous Sankranti-like festive tale of family, identity and forgiveness.
Movie Review
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is a film that entertains the audience to the fullest. I watched the film for the first time in a theatre today (with English subtitles), and I was hooked to the story till the end. The film is a perfect masala entertainer with a perfect blend of action, emotion, comedy, music and a fresh story.
Allu Arjun has played the role of a “mass hero” in this film in a very charismatic and impressive manner. His style, dance and screen presence keep the audience captivated. The length of the film is almost three hours, but not for a moment does it feel long. On the contrary, it feels as if time has flown by – this is the magic of director Trivikram Srinivas’s brilliant writing and direction.
Every actor in the film has got a chance to do something special. Pooja Hegde has played the character of Amulya very well. Tabu, Jayaram and Samuthirakani have also given excellent supporting roles. But Murali Sharma makes the biggest impact in the film – his performance is very strong.
The music of the film is given by Thaman S, which is very melodious and deeply connected to the story. Songs like “Butta Bomma”, “Ramuloo Ramulaa” and “Samajavargamana” are still on people’s lips. The cinematography is colourful and vibrant, and the editing is very tight.
The action scenes are the soul of the film, especially the action sequence in the climax felt different and experimental. If you like Allu Arjun in action avatar, then this film is no less than a treat. Along with this, the emotional scenes also touch the hearts of the audience and the climax of the film feels very practical and fresh.
The dialogues of the film, such as “Enthi ra gap ichchavu?”, were already in the news from the trailer and the film lives up to the expectations of the audience. Trivikram has once again proved that he is a “Maatalu Manchikudu” (magician of words).
This movie is a Sankranti blockbuster and a must watch in theatres. It brings something special for every kind of audience. And yes, let’s hope this movie is not remade as some movies just need to be watched in their original form.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
The film “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” is a great entertaining experience that keeps the audience hooked till the end. It has a great blend of action, emotion, comedy and music. Allu Arjun’s powerful performance and Trivikram Srinivas’ storytelling have made this film a complete family drama. The cinematography, music and editing of the film are also very impressive. The film is not only a commercial success but is also full of heartwarming story and fresh style. “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” is a must-watch for all kinds of audiences.
