Srikanth Addala’s latest film, “Peddha Kapu 1,” has taken the audience by surprise with its promotional content. Starring newcomer Virat Karrna and produced by Akhanda producer Miryala Ravinder Reddy, the film is set in the 1980s, unfolding the journey of Peddha Kapu (Virat Karrna), a common man who defies the odds. The narrative delves into themes of oppression and power politics, with two rival gangs led by Satya Rangaiah (Rao Ramesh) and Bhaiyanna (Naren) vying for supremacy. Against this backdrop, the film explores how Peddha Kapu emerges as a leader amid intense bloodshed, coinciding with the establishment of the Telugu Desam Party by Sr. NTR.
Highlights:
The film’s storyline is captivating, with Srikanth Addala crafting powerful characters. Virat Karrna, Anasuya, Rao Ramesh, Naren, Brigada Saga, and Pragathi Srivasthava all contribute significantly to the narrative. Despite being a debutant, Virat delivers a commendable performance, particularly in challenging action sequences.
The second half of the film is marked by compelling drama, revealing crucial details and twists. Well-written and executed scenes showcase the talents of Rao Ramesh, whose impactful expressions compensate for his limited dialogues. Naren and Brigada Saga also impress in their roles. Anasuya’s character subtly conveys a meaningful message, showcasing the actress’s stellar performance.
Chota K. Naidu’s cinematography stands out, providing visually stunning scenes, complemented by Micky J. Meyer’s uplifting background score.
Drawbacks:
The screenplay of “Peddha Kapu 1” differs significantly from conventional films, opting for a slow narrative style that emphasizes character development. The entire first half is dedicated to establishing characters, which may not align with the expectations of audiences accustomed to faster-paced cinema.
The film draws inspiration from movies like “Rangasthalam,” “Rakthachatritha,” and “Gangs Of Wasseypur,” incorporating intense violence and profanity that might be challenging for certain audience segments.
The first half is occasionally confusing, with some dialogues being repetitive and loud. Certain sequences could benefit from less dialogue, but the overuse of repetitive words becomes a source of mild irritation.
Technical Aspects:
Micky J. Meyer’s background score and Chota K. Naidu’s cinematography contribute significantly to the film’s excellence. The production values, rural atmosphere, and art department’s representation of the 80s are commendable. The editing aligns with the director’s vision.
Director Srikanth Addala takes a bold approach, presenting the film in a unique manner, although some aspects like the love track and dialogue delivery could have been improved.
Conclusion:
In summary, “Peddha Kapu 1” is a daring film that resonates with a specific audience. Exploring power politics and oppression in detail, it showcases Virat Karrna’s impressive debut performance. While the director’s deliberate slow-paced narrative may not appeal to everyone, the film’s extreme violence adds a layer of intensity. For those comfortable with a slower-paced drama, this film is worth a watch.