What’s it about?
Shiva, Surya, Subbu, William, Aatram, Ravi, Rambabu, and Peddodu form a group of friends in a village in the Godavari region. They have maintained friendships since childhood, regardless of their diverse communities and social classes, without considering caste or rank. They put their friendship to the test when they successfully pass the EAMCET exam and prepare to enroll in an engineering college.
One of their friends, who is an exceptional student, is denied admission to a government engineering institution only because of their higher social caste, whereas others effortlessly secure seats due to their caste-based reservation. This brings about a newfound awareness of their castes. As a result, a minor altercation ensues, marking the first physical confrontation between them.
Simultaneously, the village commemorates Jathara, a recurring event that takes place every 12 years. As a result of one incident during the Jathara period, all friends part ways. 12 years pass. The time for another Jathara comes and they receive an invitation to reunite for this village festival. Will the buddies be capable of forsaking the past and restoring their relationship?
Analysis
The term “Committee Kurrollu” refers to young people who form a committee to organize the village carnival and local body elections. This film’s plot revolves around a group of half a dozen friends in a village in Godavari district where ammavari jathara (a carnival festival of a local deity) takes place every twelve years. In this setting, the new director Yadhu Vamsi explores the story of friendship and local culture.
Though the main plot and its sequences are quite familiar, the director has managed to hold our attention with the core part of this movie. The second act (the middle portion) is where the film’s real strength lies. From the moment their friends learn about the reservation system and their castes, to their eventual break-up and a tragic incident that breaks their friendship, the film is completely engaging and quite interesting.
Even in the second half, the key episode, where all friends reunite to meet one person and offer apologies, is narrated in a touching manner. This episode is the most poignant in the story.
In the aforementioned sections, “Committee Kurrollu” really shines.
However, the same cannot be said for the later portions, especially the penultimate and climax portions that involve village politics, which are pretty ordinary and superficial. Some scenes feel forced, and the drama involving Sai Kumar lacks depth. The girls get silly roles.
In terms of performances, all newcomers have given natural performances. Sandeep Saroj, Yaswanth Pendyala, Eshwar Rachiraju, and Trinadh Varma shine in particular.
The film features visually appealing cinematography and production design. The music complements the theme. The producers have made sure that the Jathara episodes look grand. The editing lacks precision. Niharika Konidela, in her debut production, passes the muster.
Bottom line: “Committee Kurrollu” has some strong merits, especially some touching moments in the middle portion. The second half lacks grip. Overall, it is a decent youthful drama that trips on nostalgia and makes a neat watch.
Rating: 2.75/5
Film: Committee Kurrollu
Cast: Sandeep Saroj, Yaswanth Pendyala, Eshwar Rachiraju, Trinadh Varma, Prasad Behara, Goparaju Ramana, Sai Kumar, Sreelaxmi, Kancherapalem Kishore, Kota Jayaram, Raadhya, Tejaswi Rao, Teena Sravya, Vishika, Shanmukhi Nagumanthri and others
Music: Anudeep Dev
DOP: Edurolu Raju
Editor: Anwar Ali
Action: Vijay
Production Designer: Pranay Naini
Presented by: Niharika Konidela
Producers: Padmaja Konidela and Jayalakshmi Adapaka
Written and directed by: Yadhu Vamsi
Release Date: August 09, 2024
