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Shatamanam Bhavathi
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Jeevi
rating: 3/5
Punchline: home calling for NRIs
Genre: Family/Drama
Type: Straight
Banner: Sri Venkateswara Creations
Runtime: 134 minutes
Censor Certificate: U
Release date: 14 January, 2017
Theater watched: Screen 2, Prasads multiplex, Hyderabad
Cast: Sharwanand, Anupama Parameswaran, Prakash Raj, Jayasudha, Naresh, Sijju, Raja Ravindra, Indraja, Ravi Prakash, Praveen, Prabhas Sreenu, Tanikella Bharani, Chalapati Rao, Sitara etc
Music: Mickey J Meyer
Cinematography: Sameer Reddy
Art: Ramana Vanka
Editor: Madhu
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry & Srimani
Story, Screenplay & Direction: Satish Vegesna
Producers: Raju & Sirish
Shatamanam Bhavathi links: |
Raghava Raju (Prakash Raj) and Janakamma (Jayasudha) is an old couple living in Konaseema. Bangarraju (Naresh) - son of deceased Raghava Raju also stays with them along with his son Raju (Sharwanand). As the Sankranthi festival approaches, Janakamma misses her three children who are settled in various foreign countries. Raghava Raju knows that they don't come to India unless there is a compelling reason. Hence he mails them all saying that he is seeking divorce from his wife. Rest of the story is all about what happens when the families of their kids visit them in India and how Raju makes sure that all goes well.
Actors: Sharwanand is seen with a slight beard and his look is nice. Since it’s a village guy’s character, Sharwanand changed his dialogue delivery a bit and delivered dialogues with authenticity of kona seema. Anupama Parameshwaran looks good in traditional dresses and acts well. Her dialogue delivery (dubbed by herself) is also good. Prakash Raj is seen on Telugu screen after a long gap and he excels as a noble grandfather who appear stoic most of the time. Jayasudha plays the role of a grandmother who longs for see kids. She plays it to the perfection. Praveen provides good comedy relief. 
Story - screenplay - direction: Story of the film is about a family being together and getting bonded over an occasion. It also explores the angle that kids should be educated on ethics and should not always think about profitability. Though the story has good element, the premise (old couple seeking divorce) appears sketchy. Vegesna Satish who didn’t have a successful film to his credit so far is given a good opportunity with this film. He has succeeded in showing village nativity and emotions well. The lightly sprinkled comedy has also worked well. However, the screenplay of the film becomes predictable in the second half and it becomes preachy towards climax. 
Other departments: Music by Mickey J Meyer is likable though it reminds us of his old tunes. Title song is pretty good. Cinematography by Sameer Reddy is nice. Dialogues penned by Vegesna Satish explored morals and relationships in a heart touching way. Art direction by Ramana Vanka is good. Editing by Madhu is fine. Technical aspects like DI (color grading) are done well. Production values by Sri Venkateswara Creations banner are grand.
Analysis: First half of the film is pleasant as it establishes characters and conflict. Second half is slow as it takes a lot of time to resolve to the conflict. Plus points are the village environment, family subject and cast. On the flipside, it becomes preachy and predictable towards latter part of second half. It’s sad to see NRIs are typecast as people who neglect their parents/roots. Despite of slugging pace in second half, Shatamanam Bhavati has elements and intent that attract family crowds this festival season.