A man makes a myth. It spirals in a demonic illusion, which is beyond its control. Can one remove such confusion and help others to see the truth? Debut director Praveena Paruchi’s Telugu Drama Kothapililo Okappudu ,Once in Kothapalli), Presented by Rana Daggubati, the French-American writer opens with an quotation by Anas Nin: “We see things as they are, but as we are.” This is a line that frames how characters see the world around them. There is no easy answer here.
Written by Guru Kiran Bathula, the story examines complex themes through a light-hearted, attractive lens. As the story gradually reveals itself, it becomes difficult to see away.
New York -based cardiologist Pravena, who loved very much before C/O KancharapalemNow in the role of a director to tell a story inspired by the real events of rural Andhra Pradesh.
Set a few decades ago, Kothapililo Okappudu With the context of Chiranjeevi, the roots in Nostalgia Gang leader, Gharana MoguduAnd Vijayashant and Bhanupriya’s stardom held it in a specific cultural moment.
Kothapililo Okappudu (Telugu)
Director: Praveena Parucuri
Cast: Manoj Chandra, Monica, Usha Bonella
Time: 123 minutes
Story: To marry a woman of her dreams, a man should destroy a myth he made.
Petros Antoniadis, director of photography, brings rural Andhra Pradesh alive in warm, vivid tones – ocher earth meets green -fed fields, which disappears in the horizon with hills. His visual framing gets poetry everyday. A motorcycle, cuts through a shirt muted palette in a painted wall, or striking turquoise, offers moments of visual relief.
In between Kothapililo Okappudu There is a simple basis. Ramakrishna (Debutant Manoj Chandra), who runs a local dance recording studio, goes out to meet a woman of his dreams, to meet Savitri (Monica T) near a Histac. What comes out is the kind of chaos that enhances the routine of an entire village and reveals its fault lines.
The story attracts attention. A preamble mourns Ramakrishna under a tree. In an early scene, a moneylender, Appanna (is played by manless by Ravindra Vijay), is shown under the tree – a scene echoed which later becomes meaningful. In the next few minutes, his work establishes his character. An actor who creates a brief appearance here later returns to reveal a new layer.
In another scene, one appears to line – “Nuvu Devudu Anna (You are God, brother) ” – The story comes out.
A running between Appanna (a node for the word Telugu) AppuEarth loans) and zamindar, Reddy (Bannerji), layered with comments on caste, class and privilege. Gandubabu (Prem Sagar) is fighting for a water tank contract, and among the electric plays of these village, Ramakrishna is smiled by Reddy’s daughter, Savitri.
Adi Lakshmi (Usha Bonella), which she uses to reach Savitri, is a standout character. The film has used the barbes thrown at its dark skin and its surname ‘Endham’ (beauty) to criticize the passion with the fairness of the society. While some aggressive jibes, reflective about the prejudice of the society, would have helped in a strong counterpoint. Usha Bonella is a calm revelation, which plays a role with influencing realism.
While the first scenes may feel uneven, the story eventually settled in a confident rhythm. As long as you dissect the promotional material, the twist comes as a surprise, transferring the film from a romantic comedy to a layered social drama.
The score of the background by songs by Varun Unni and Mani Sharma – some of which shakes the head for the vintage Telugu hits – raise the play. Jitendra Maurya and Vishal Ganchandani keep the production design down, highlighting the rustic attraction.
The script does not feed its audience. It discusses what people believe – what trust is a lie or just a need? These ideas are gently introduced. Small moments indicate the clue of hiding in plain vision. For example, Ramakrishna said what Ramakrishna said after the specialty of a bedide man.
There is even a pull moment when the film jokes on the authors of commercial cinema, who is accused of running their imagination wild. But this is not a condensed film, it is a boon. It asks whether Shakti is supported by wealth, only with those who inherit them.
Assistant characters enrich the tapestry. Ramakrishna’s friend is not generic sidkix. His life-like some village constables who do moonlight as a priest-feels specific and alive.
Manoj Chandra brings a freshness to Ramakrishna and clearly portrays his arc. Monica’s performance is still impressive. Praveena Paruchuri plays a brief role that asks hard questions. But it is Ravindra Vijay who steals the show with his naturally frightening act.
They say that destruction is easy and creation is difficult. But what if the reverse was true? Kothapililo Okappudu Search for this reverse with strong belief. Last parts allow room for discussion and debate. Despite its rough edges, the film is a welcome for the Telugu Indie landscape.
Published – July 18, 2025 07:31 am IST
