Pekamedalu Movie Review: A Realistic Drama of Marriage and Ambition
Movie Name: Pekamedalu
Release Date: 2024-08-15
Cast: Vinoth Kishan, Anoosha Krishna, Rethika Srinivas, Muralidhar Goud, Jagan Yogi Raj
Director: Neelagiri Mamilla
Produ cer: Rakesh Varre
Music: Smaran
Banner: Crazy Ants Productions
In recent times, small films have been making a significant impact on OTT platforms, often receiving unexpected attention due to their strong content. One such film, Pekamedalu, has been released on the ETV Win platform.
After its theatrical release on July 19th, this film became available on ETV Win from August 15th. Let’s dive into how the film fares.
Plot Summary:
Set in a humble neighborhood in Hyderabad, Pekamedalu revolves around Lakshman (Vinoth Kishan), who lives with his wife, Varalakshmi (Anoosha Krishna), and their ten-year-old son.
Despite holding a B.Tech degree, Lakshman works as a real estate agent but shows little interest in his job, relying heavily on his wife’s earnings. Varalakshmi makes and sells snacks (‘murukku’) to support the family.
Lakshman is portrayed as an irresponsible alcoholic who squanders his wife’s money and spends his time with friends, often incurring debts.
Frustrated, Varalakshmi worries about the future of their son and strives to provide him with a better education.
In parallel, a woman named Shweta, who lives abroad, returns to India, leaving her children behind out of anger towards her husband.
She plans to buy a duplex house, which brings her into Lakshman’s orbit.
Learning about her background, Lakshman pretends to be wealthy by borrowing money, hoping to impress her. His plan succeeds, and he begins to envision a better life with her.
Lakshman becomes increasingly indifferent towards his family, causing more strain. In a desperate attempt to improve their financial situation, Varalakshmi starts a food business, ‘Curry Point’, using borrowed money.
Meanwhile, Shweta considers divorcing her husband, which gives Lakshman hope that he can leave his wife and live happily with Shweta.
As Lakshman’s behavior becomes more erratic, Varalakshmi realizes his intentions to abandon her.
The film then explores whether she will confront this reality and what decisions she will make. Will Lakshman achieve the life he dreams of, or will reality catch up with him?
Review:
Pekamedalu is a story about the struggles within a marriage set in a lower-middle-class backdrop. It portrays a mother’s determination to secure a better future for her son and a husband’s descent into irresponsibility and vice.
The film presents a dual perspective: the husband’s fragile ambitions are likened to a “house of cards,” while the wife’s perseverance is portrayed as the true foundation of a family.
Director Neelagiri Mamilla showcases a deep understanding of the rural setting, reflected in the authentic depiction of the characters’ behaviors and dialogues.
The domestic squabbles and village council scenes feel realistic and engaging.
The performances by the main cast are commendable. The background score by Smaran and the cinematography by Haricharan enhance the film’s appeal.
Filming in real locations adds authenticity, and while the storyline may not be groundbreaking, the natural treatment of the characters and situations keeps the audience engaged.
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