Sweety Shetty is back, and how! “Ghaati” sees Anushka deliver a knockout performance as Sheelavathi, a former cannabis harvester navigating the treacherous world of the Eastern Ghats. Paired with Vikram Prabhu, the film promises a gripping revenge saga with a twist, exploring the dark underbelly of the ganja trade on the Orissa-Andhra Pradesh border. Will Sheelavathi and Desi Raju escape their past, or will their innovative “Sheelavathi” strain drag them back into danger?
Key Points
Anushka’s Fierce Comeback in “Ghaati”
Cannabis Queen Turns Bus Conductor
Stunning Visuals, Predictable Plot?
Anushka’s Powerful Return
“Ghaati,” starring Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu, offers a new take on a familiar revenge story set against the backdrop of the cannabis trade in the Eastern Ghats on the Orissa-Andhra Pradesh border. Anushka delivers a powerful performance as Sheelavathi, a former “Ghaati” – someone who harvests and transports cannabis. The film follows Sheelavathi and her brother-in-law, Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), who vow to leave the dangerous trade after the death of Desi Raju’s father. Sheelavathi becomes a bus conductor, and Desi Raju a lab technician. However, their lives are irrevocably altered when they develop a lucrative liquid cannabis product using the prized “Sheelavathi” strain, drawing the attention of the ruthless local cannabis kingpins, Kastral Naidu (Raveendra Vijay) and his brother Kundula Naidu (Chaitanya Rao).
Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and presented by UV Creations, “Ghaati” boasts impressive visuals, capturing the beauty and rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats. The cinematography is a highlight, with evident care taken in crafting visually striking shots. While the first half focuses on the love story between Sheelavathi and Desi Raju, interspersed with glimpses into the world of Ghaatis and the cannabis trade, the interval brings a dramatic shift. The murder of Desi Raju sets Sheelavathi on a path of revenge, propelling the second half into action-packed territory.
Cannabis, Revenge, and the Ghats
Despite Anushka’s commanding screen presence and strong action sequences, the film suffers from a predictable plot and a tacked-on social message about the impact of the cannabis trade that feels disconnected from the main narrative. While the performances are generally strong, with Vikram Prabhu convincingly portraying Desi Raju and Chaitanya Krishna delivering an energetic, albeit sometimes over-the-top, performance as a villain, the film falls short of Krish’s usual impactful storytelling. Jagapathi Babu delivers a solid performance as a police officer attempting to dismantle the cannabis trade.
The editing could have been tighter, particularly in the first half. Ultimately, “Ghaati” offers visually stunning action and a compelling performance from Anushka Shetty, but its predictable plot and underdeveloped social message prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it showcases Anushka’s return to female-oriented cinema after a hiatus, it remains to be seen whether this film will become another milestone in her career. The film’s success hinges on whether audiences are captivated by the twists, performances, and visual grandeur.
Looking Ahead
Anushka’s powerful screen presence undeniably elevates Ghaati. Though the narrative falters in parts, the breathtaking visuals and her commanding performance are a treat for fans. The box office will ultimately decide if this marks a triumphant return or just a stepping stone in her illustrious journey.
