Nov. 20, 2020|USA|92 Min.|PG
Genre: Drama;South;Indian;Thriller
Description: Mallika (Payal Rajput) is a woman deeply dissatisfied with the hand life has dealt her. When a houseguest, Chinni Krishna (Chaitanya Krishna), arrives with a case full of money, her desperation and greed drive her to take drastic action. But will she achieve everything she desires in life? *Anaganaga O Athidhi* (2020) is a Telugu remake of the 2018 Kannada thriller *Aa Karaala Ratri*, directed by Dayal Padmanabhan. While the original film received critical acclaim, the remake fails to match its impact. Set in a rural backdrop, the story explores the greed of a struggling family. On paper, the plot holds promise, but the execution falls short with outdated writing, excessive preaching, and a slow pace that tests the audience’s patience.
Mallika, frustrated both physically and financially, encounters Chinni Krishna, who introduces himself as a journalist and a nomad. Despite initial reluctance, her family agrees to shelter him. However, his careless display of wealth triggers a chain of events. Mallika, along with her alcoholic father and seemingly innocent mother, decides to take his life. The film meanders from this point, culminating in a messy and unimpactful conclusion. The emotional twist at the end lacks resonance.
Payal Rajput, known for her role in *Rx 100*, delivers a compelling performance as Mallika, portraying a character with a dark side. Her expressions are strong, though the dialogues often feel forced. Overall, *Anaganaga O Athidhi* struggles to live up to its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled expectations.
Cast director: Dayal Padmanabhan
Cast actor: Payal Rajput, Chaitanya Krishna, Darbha Appaji Ambarisha, Chakrapani Ananda, Veena Sunder
Original name: Anaganaga O Athidhi