What’s it about?
In the Andhra–Odisha border region of the Eastern Ghats, many people live as ghaatis, transporting goods on their backs for livelihood. Among the community is Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty), named after a fine strain of cannabis, and her bava Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu). She works as a bus conductor, while he is employed as a lab technician. The two also run a secret operation in the hills, where they process cannabis into liquid form and sell it in the markets.
They believe this covert business will enhance reaching their goal of providing better life to their community. But their success soon attracts the attention of Kaastala Naidu and his brother Kundulu Naidu (Chaitanya Rao), who control the cannabis smuggling network in the region. At first, the brothers resist Sheelavathi and Desi Raju’s entry into the trade, but eventually propose a partnership. With the deal finalized, Sheelavathi and Desi Raju prepare to marry.
However, on the wedding day, the Naidu brothers reveal their true intentions. They brutally murder Desi Raju and subject Sheelavathi to humiliation. The story then poses the central question: will Sheelavathi rise from tragedy to avenge her bava’s death and reclaim her dignity?
Analysis
Krish’s “Ghaati,” with Anushka Shetty headlining the cast, takes up a backdrop rarely touched in Telugu cinema. The film is set against the cannabis cultivation and smuggling in the Uttarandhra–Odisha belt, an issue that continues to challenge governments in the region. On the surface, Krish has chosen the right subject. Yet, a novel backdrop alone cannot make a film compelling. It demands an engaging narrative and an arresting presentation.
Unfortunately, Krish falters in this crucial aspect. By unfolding the story in the most linear fashion, “Ghaati” strips itself of intrigue. The plot is straightforward: the heroine loses her lover to the villains, seeks vengeance, and eventually emerges as a leader of her community. This template-driven screenplay, despite its fresh setting, robs the film of any dramatic tension.
Barring the interval episode, the first half offers little to hold attention. The second half meanders along familiar lines, never delivering a true high. The emotional punch, usually Krish’s forte, is conspicuously absent, even in the climax. The lack of surprises, either in screenplay turns or in action sequences, becomes a major drawback, though a few action blocks are mounted with flair.
Krish attempts to shape Anushka Shetty’s character first as a victim and later as a legend. However, the arc is underwhelming. The role does not offer her any memorable moments, and her performance, while competent, feels routine given her caliber. The antagonist track is equally disappointing. Chaitanya Rao, cast as the chief villain, is misfit for the role and fails to create any menace. Ravindran Vijay fares no better.
Among the supporting cast, Jagapathi Babu is better, Larissa fits the bill, and the rest leave little impression.
On the technical side, the film scores higher. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the beauty of Odisha’s hills and adding authenticity to the production design. Sadly, the music is a complete washout. The songs fail to make any impression, and the background score is functional at best.
Bottom line: “Ghaati” may boast a novel backdrop, but its template-driven screenplay drain out all the potential. What could have been a powerful drama ends up as a plain affair.
Rating: 2.5/5
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Ghaati
Cast: Anushka Shetty, Vikram Prabhu, Chaitanya Rao Madadi, Jagapathi Babu, Raghav Rudra Mulpuru, Jisshu Sengupta, John Vijay, Ravindra Vijay, Devika Priyadarshini, Larissa Bonesi, VTV Ganesh and others
Story: Chintakindi Srinivas Rao
Dialogues: Sai Madhav Burra
Additional Screenplay: D S Kannan, Ramana Salwa
Music Director: Sagar Nagavelli
Director of Photography: Manojh Reddy Katasani
Art Director: Thota Tharrani
Editor: Venkata Swamy Nakka, Chanakya Reddy Toorupu
Action: Ram Krishan
Produced by: Rajeev Reddy, Sai Babu Jagarlamudi
Written and Directed by: Krish Jagarlamudi
Release Date: September 5, 2025
