Sweety Shetty is back! After a hiatus, our beloved Devasena returns to the silver screen in “Ghaati,” a gritty action drama set against the backdrop of cannabis cultivation in the Eastern Ghats. Helmed by Krish Jagarlamudi, the film explores the dangerous world of “Ghaatis” and their trade in the prized “Sheelavathi” strain. Will Anushka’s comeback set the box office ablaze? Let’s dive into our review.
Key Points
Anushka’s “Sheelavathi” dominates Ghats’ cannabis trade
Ex-Ghaatis amass crores with secret liquid cannabis
Brutal betrayal forces Anushka into vengeful rampage
Stunning visuals can’t save predictable “Ghaati” plot
From Ghaati to Conductor
“Ghaati,” starring Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu, delves into the world of cannabis cultivation and trade in the Eastern Ghats along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Presented by UV Creations and produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Babu Jagarlamudi under the First Frame Entertainment banner, this Krish Jagarlamudi-directed film hit theaters on September 5th. The film also features Jagapathi Babu, Chaitanya Rao, and Raveendra Vijay in key roles. The story centers on “Ghaatis,” individuals who harvest, process, and transport cannabis from the remote hills and forests to dealers. Among the various cannabis strains found in the region, “Sheelavathi” reigns supreme in quality and price.
Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and her brother-in-law, Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), were once Ghaatis themselves. Following the death of Desi Raju’s father, they vow to leave the trade behind, with Sheelavathi becoming a bus conductor and Desi Raju a lab technician. Meanwhile, a police officer (Jagapathi Babu) works to dismantle the cannabis operations. Unbeknownst to the local cannabis gangs, Sheelavathi and Desi Raju develop a lucrative business using the Sheelavathi strain to create a new liquid cannabis product, earning them crores. This success attracts the attention of Kastral Naidu (Raveendra Vijay) and his brother Kundula Naidu (Chaitanya Rao), who control the area’s cannabis trade. Initially proposing a partnership, they ultimately betray and murder Desi Raju. Driven by grief and a thirst for revenge, Sheelavathi is forced back into the dangerous world she had left behind.
While the film attempts to address the societal impact of the cannabis trade, it struggles to effectively connect this message to the main narrative. The first half primarily focuses on the love story between Sheelavathi and Desi Raju, interspersed with scenes depicting the Ghaatis and their trade. The second half shifts into high-gear action mode as Sheelavathi seeks vengeance.
Revenge Blooms in the Ghats
Despite Anushka Shetty’s powerful performance, especially in the action sequences, and the visually stunning backdrop of the Eastern Ghats, the predictable plot and heavy emphasis on stylized action over emotional depth ultimately detract from the film’s overall impact.
The film features strong performances from the supporting cast, including a compelling villainous turn by Chaitanya Rao, though his character’s tendency towards over-the-top shouting can become distracting. The technical aspects, particularly the cinematography showcasing the rugged beauty of the Eastern Ghats, are a highlight.
“Ghaati” presents a familiar story of revenge set against the backdrop of the cannabis trade, but it falls short of delivering a truly compelling narrative or a resonant social message. While Anushka Shetty’s return to the screen is welcome, the film ultimately relies too heavily on spectacle and predictable plot points, leaving the audience wanting more.
Looking Ahead
Anushka’s comeback is a ray of sunshine, but “Ghaati” doesn’t fully harness her star power. The film’s formulaic approach disappoints, leaving us hoping her next venture offers a stronger narrative and a more impactful cinematic experience. Will Tollywood learn its lesson? Only time will tell.
