Story: Set against the serene backdrop of Araku Valley, Vanchana begins with the mysterious death of church father Andrew Joseph (RK Naidu). The police arrest Chalam (Srinivasa Rao), his car driver, based on what appears to be damning evidence. Krishna, a young and determined criminal lawyer (Umamahesh Marpu), takes on Chalam's defence. As Krishna delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a series of unsettling truths. Who actually killed Joseph, and what was the motive?
Review: Vanchana marks the debut of young director-actor Umamahesh Marpu, who presents a courtroom drama that delves into the complexities of truth, justice, and moral dilemmas. The film's strength lies in its focused narrative, avoiding commercial distractions or unwarranted subplots. Marpu’s dual role as director and lead actor is impressive for a debutant, with his portrayal of Krishna demonstrating earnestness.
The supporting cast, featuring seasoned actors such as Surya Kumar Bhagvandas as the private lawyer and Rajendra as the public prosecutor, adds credibility to the narrative. RK Naidu as Joseph, Sony Reddy as Aanya, and Maddila Sai Supriya as Durga, Thanuja as Tulsi and Srinivasa Rao as Chalam ensure the story remains engaging.
Visually, the film shines with its authentic settings in Araku Valley, Vizag, and Delhi, which heighten the storytelling. The cinematography creates a contrast between the picturesque landscapes with the sombre undertones of the narrative. The background score effectively complements the film’s mood, though a more dynamic composition could have enhanced the impact during key moments.
While the screenplay has a solid structure, it leaves room for improvement. The overall product could have benefited from further refinement, but this is compensated for by the interval reveal and the well-executed climax, which neatly ties up loose ends.
Vanchana is a sincere attempt that balances storytelling with thought-provoking themes, making it a commendable debut for Umamahesh Marpu. Despite shortcomings, the film's focused narrative, decent performances, and authentic visuals make it a worthwhile watch for fans of independent cinema.