Pottel Movie Review: A Tale of Resilience and Social Struggle
Pottel Movie Review: Critics Rating: 2.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,Pottel is a heartfelt portrayal of one man’s fight against social injustice and the strength it take
Critic's Rating: 2.5/5
Story: In the secluded village of Gurramgattu, nestled deep within forested lands, Pedda Gangadhar (Yuva Chandra Krishna), a shepherd, dreams of giving his daughter a formal education—a rare ambition in his caste-stricken community. His aspirations, however, clash with the deeply ingrained prejudices of the village, led by the authoritarian Patel (Ajay). As Gangadhar unintentionally challenges age-old customs, a storm brews, setting off a string of intense confrontations. With his family’s survival on the line, he faces not just one man’s wrath but an entire community’s scrutiny.
Review: Directed by Sahit Mothkhuri, Pottel is a moving exploration of resilience against social boundaries. Yuva Chandra Krishna is captivating as Pedda Gangadhar, channelling raw authenticity into his character’s struggle for dignity and a better life. Opposite him, Ananya Nagalla as Bujjamma, his steadfast yet burdened wife, exudes a quiet strength that grounds the story. Ajay as Patel embodies the unyielding village head with chilling ruthlessness, especially in scenes where his character appears possessed by Balamma, the village goddess, creating an eerie effect. The film tackles the clash between caste traditions and Gangadhar’s desire for change, adding layers to the narrative.
The supporting cast—Noel Sean as Seenu, Srikanth Iyengar as the school teacher, Chatrapathi Sekhar as Mallanna, and Thanasvi Chowdary as Saraswati—deliver nuanced performances that add depth to the story.
Monish Bhupathi Raju’s cinematography captures the rustic beauty of the village, while Shekar Chandra’s score draws viewers into its atmosphere. Together, the visuals and music create an authentic, warm backdrop. At times, though, the pacing dips into melodrama, slowing the momentum.
At a 160-minute runtime, the film begins to feel stretched, with moments that detract from its otherwise high-calibre premise. A tighter edit and more focused screenplay would have sharpened the impact. The endless hardships that Gangadhar’s family endures from Patel and the villagers eventually become wearying, dulling the emotional punch the film strives to deliver.
is a heartfelt portrayal of one man’s fight against social injustice and the strength it takes to challenge deep-seated norms. While the narrative could benefit from a more streamlined screenplay and conflict resolution, the film’s compelling performances and poignant themes make it a noteworthy addition to Telugu cinema.
Review: Directed by Sahit Mothkhuri, Pottel is a moving exploration of resilience against social boundaries. Yuva Chandra Krishna is captivating as Pedda Gangadhar, channelling raw authenticity into his character’s struggle for dignity and a better life. Opposite him, Ananya Nagalla as Bujjamma, his steadfast yet burdened wife, exudes a quiet strength that grounds the story. Ajay as Patel embodies the unyielding village head with chilling ruthlessness, especially in scenes where his character appears possessed by Balamma, the village goddess, creating an eerie effect. The film tackles the clash between caste traditions and Gangadhar’s desire for change, adding layers to the narrative.
The supporting cast—Noel Sean as Seenu, Srikanth Iyengar as the school teacher, Chatrapathi Sekhar as Mallanna, and Thanasvi Chowdary as Saraswati—deliver nuanced performances that add depth to the story.
Monish Bhupathi Raju’s cinematography captures the rustic beauty of the village, while Shekar Chandra’s score draws viewers into its atmosphere. Together, the visuals and music create an authentic, warm backdrop. At times, though, the pacing dips into melodrama, slowing the momentum.
At a 160-minute runtime, the film begins to feel stretched, with moments that detract from its otherwise high-calibre premise. A tighter edit and more focused screenplay would have sharpened the impact. The endless hardships that Gangadhar’s family endures from Patel and the villagers eventually become wearying, dulling the emotional punch the film strives to deliver.
is a heartfelt portrayal of one man’s fight against social injustice and the strength it takes to challenge deep-seated norms. While the narrative could benefit from a more streamlined screenplay and conflict resolution, the film’s compelling performances and poignant themes make it a noteworthy addition to Telugu cinema.
