Raajadhani Files Movie Review

Raajadhani Files is a social drama written and directed by Bhanu. Anil Acchugatla has co-written the script for this film. Kantamanenie Ravi Shankar has produced this film. This film is distributed under the banner of TeluguOne Productions. Ramalingam Ramesh Babu Bio coming soon... >> Read More... is the cinematographer, while Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao- The most wanted editor >> Read More... is the editor of this film. This film stars an ensemble cast of Pushparaj Akilan, Veena Panchaparvala Bio coming soon... >> Read More... , Vani Vishwanath, Vinod Kumar Vinod Kumar was born on 1 April 1963. He is an Ind >> Read More... , Shanmukh Guntuboyina Bio coming soon... >> Read More... , Vishal Patni Vishal Patni is an Indian film actor, popular amon >> Read More... , etc. The film got a theatrical release on 15 February 2024.

Plot

Gautham, a resident of Bhullur village, contemplates leaving the village. However, he soon discovers the sufferings of many fellow villagers, who had sacrificed their land for the construction of the new capital of AP, Airavathi. When the newly elected CM chooses to ignore their problems, it is up to Gautham to fight a tough, if not impossible battle against the system.

Star Performances

The film may not be flawless, but the acting performances are to some extent. The ensemble cast has done an earnest job, even if the screenplay did not back their efforts.

Apart from the acting crew, the production designers and the cinematographers also did a fair job. If only they got equal support from the writing and editing department.

Analysis

Elections are around the corner, and what better way to sway the masses in your favor than cinema? The political undertones of this film are hidden from none. However, what was missing was the intent to make a gripping, convincing political drama.

‘Raajadhani Files’ is loosely based on the turmoil faced by the farmers, who had given up their lands for the creation of the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. The makers had a golden opportunity to create a no-nonsense drama that could have asked some tough questions to the establishment.

However, writer cum director Bhanu chose the easier route, choosing melodrama over content. Even if the actors performed to the best of their abilities, their efforts were diminished by the sheer mediocrity of the narrative. Some of their sequences looked cartoonish, even if it wasn’t the intent. Despite having an editor like Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao, the film looked like a never-ending lecture on moral science. Much of it has to do with the long runtime of 2 hours 40 minutes.

The only saving grace for this film was the visuals and some acting performances. Despite the flaws in the film, Pushparaj Akilan gave his best as the lead protagonist, supported ably by actors like Vinod Kumar, and Vani Vishwanath to name a few.

What's There?

• Impressive camerawork
• Good acting by Pushparaj Akilan, Vinod Kumar, Vani Vishwanath

What's Not There?

• Unimpressive editing
• Shoddy attempt at making a ‘bold’ political drama
• Half-hearted attempts by writer cum director Bhanu

Verdict

‘Raajadhani Files’ could have been a bold political drama to remembered for ages. However, shoddy writing and lack of clarity in the narrative prevented it from being so. Watch it, if only for the performances of Pushparaj Akilan, Vinod Kumar, and Vani Vishwanath.