Telugu cinema has a tradition of presenting social and family issues through comedy and drama, and Pekamedalu (2024) is a new attempt in this direction. Directed by director Nilgiri Mamilla, the film stars Vinod Kishan and Anusha Krishna in the lead roles. The story of the film revolves around a young man named Laxman, who lives in a small locality in Hyderabad, who dreams of making quick money in real estate instead of doing a traditional job and wastes his time playing online rummy. His wife Varalakshmi runs the household expenses by making snacks with her own hands and dreams of starting her own “curry point” business. The story takes a turn when Lakshman gets into an affair with an NRI woman and cheats on his wife. The film depicts the self-reliance, courage and fight of a common housewife against social pressures. Pekamedalu not only entertains but also gives a deep social message that self-respect, self-reliance and women empowerment are more important than any relationship.
| Title | Pekamedalu |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Neelagiri Mamilla |
| Screenplay by | Neelagiri Mamilla, Hamza Ali, Sreenivas Ittam |
| Story by | Neelagiri Mamilla |
| Produced by | Rakesh Varre |
| Starring | Vinoth Kishan, Anoosha Krishna |
| Cinematography | Haricharan K. |
| Edited by | Srujana Adusumilli, Hamza Ali |
| Music by | Smaran |
| Production Company | Crazy Ants Productions |
| Release Date | 19 July 2024 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Genre | Comedy Drama |
| Running Time | Not specified |
| Soundtrack Composer | Smaran |
| Label | Sony Music India |
Pekamedalu Story
The film “Pekkamedalu” is the story of Lakshman (Vinod Kishan), an engineering graduate living in a small locality of Hyderabad. He has no interest in a traditional job. He dreams of getting rich quickly and plays online rummy all day long. His wife Varalakshmi (Anusha Krishna) works from house to house and makes and sells snacks. She dreams of starting her own curry point, for which she needs ₹50,000.
Lakshmana borrows this money from his friend Shivanna but spends it on himself and lies to his wife that he got it from some deal. Meanwhile, he comes in contact with an NRI woman Swetha (Rethika Srinivas) and develops a relationship with her so that he can acquire her wealth. When Lakshmana asks for a divorce from Varalakshmi, his family is shattered.
Swetha’s brother learns the real truth and exposes Lakshmana and Swetha also breaks the relationship. Varalakshmi returns to her home, but due to social pressure, she comes back to Lakshmana. He reforms for a while, but relapses into his bad habits. Varalakshmi now becomes self-reliant and starts her own business, but Lakshmana turns violent again.
In the end, Varalakshmi moves on to a better life with her son and Lakshmana is completely ruined by his addiction to rummy. The film is a story of self-reliance and struggle of a woman who makes her mark by fighting domestic violence.
Movie Review
The film Pekkamedalu is a sensitive story that shows the truth and struggles of a middle-class family. What makes this film special are its lead actors Vinod Kishan and Anusha Krishna, who have brought their characters to life. Both the actors have portrayed the emotions that ordinary middle-class people experience in their everyday lives – like financial difficulties, dreams, struggles and ups and downs in relationships.
The character of Lakshmana played by Vinod Kishan is a symbol of that section of the society which avoids hard work and wants to succeed in an easy way. On the other hand, Anusha Krishna has played the character of Varalakshmi in a very strong and lively manner. She has portrayed the form of a tolerant, hardworking and self-reliant woman, who, fed up with the atrocities and lies of her husband, finally chooses a new path for herself.
The film is also technically strong. Haricharan’s cinematography works to add depth to the story and gives a real feel to the scenes. At the same time, Smaran Sai’s background score smoothly adds emotions to the entire story, keeping the audience connected to the film. The art direction also maintains realism, making the locations and situations shown in the film look more natural.
Director Nilgiri Mamilla has presented this story very honestly. He showed social reality without any frills and proved that a big budget is not needed to tell a good story. Producer Rakesh Varre’s commitment to such sensitive and socially issue-based films is also commendable.
The response of the audience has also been positive. A viewer writes that even though the film is of a small budget, its music and camera work are excellent. The hero’s character reflects the image of the common people. The heroine’s tolerance and hard work have been effectively depicted. The special thing is that the climax of the film where Varalakshmi leaves her husband and becomes self-reliant is an inspiration for today’s women. This scene gives a strong message especially to those women who suffer atrocities.
Though some viewers were expecting a change in the protagonist, the film stays close to reality and shows that not everyone changes. Overall, Pekkamedalu is a powerful, emotional and inspiring film that is worth a watch.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
Pekkamedalu is a powerful social drama that brilliantly portrays the complexities, struggles and human emotions of middle-class life. The film’s strong writing, excellent acting and powerful direction make it special. Anusha Krishna’s character of a self-reliant woman is an inspiration for today’s generation of women. Although the film is made on a small budget, its story and presentation deeply impacts the audience. This film shows that self-respect and self-reliance are the greatest power. Pekkamedalu is definitely a one-time watch and a thought-provoking film.
