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The Telugu movie Aatagallu, a gripping courtroom drama mixed with thriller elements, hit theaters on August 24, 2018. Directed by Paruchuri Murali, this film attempts to keep the audience guessing till the very end. Starring Nara Rohit and Jagapathi Babu in lead roles, Aatagallu promises an intriguing battle of wits between a celebrated filmmaker and a determined lawyer. While it may not have become a blockbuster, it is a movie worth discussing for its plot twists and performances.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Siddharth (played by Nara Rohit), a renowned film director accused of murdering his wife, Anjali. As the case unfolds, the talented public prosecutor Veerendra (Jagapathi Babu) is determined to bring the truth to light. What begins as a straightforward murder investigation soon spirals into a web of deceit, manipulation, and unexpected revelations. With each layer peeled back, the line between truth and lies blurs, keeping the audience engrossed in this psychological thriller.
What’s Good?
One of the standout aspects of Aatagallu is its powerful performances. Jagapathi Babu steals the show with his commanding presence as the no-nonsense prosecutor. His dialogues and intense portrayal add gravitas to the narrative. Nara Rohit delivers a subtle yet effective performance, especially in scenes where he oscillates between innocence and suspicion.
The screenplay deserves applause for its attempt at weaving suspenseful moments that make viewers second-guess their assumptions. Paruchuri Murali’s direction ensures that the pacing remains steady, and the tension never fully dissipates, maintaining a sense of anticipation.
The music by Sai Kartheek complements the film’s mood. While the songs are decent, it’s the background score that truly enhances the viewing experience, particularly in the courtroom scenes and pivotal dramatic moments.
Visually, the movie benefits from strong cinematography. The framing and lighting of key scenes amplify the tension and mystery, while the urban settings lend a contemporary feel to the film. The editing also plays a crucial role in building suspense, though some sequences could have been crisper.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The biggest strength of Aatagallu lies in its unpredictable plot. The twists and turns, coupled with compelling performances, keep the narrative engaging. Jagapathi Babu’s portrayal of Veerendra elevates the entire film, while Nara Rohit’s restrained approach adds a layer of complexity to Siddharth’s character.
However, the film does falter in a few areas. The screenplay, though ambitious, sometimes feels convoluted, with too many twists that can confuse the audience. Some subplots remain underdeveloped, leaving gaps in the storytelling. The pacing in the first half is uneven, and certain dialogues feel overly dramatic, detracting from the realism of the narrative.
Target Audience
Aatagallu will appeal to fans of courtroom dramas and psychological thrillers. Those who enjoy a mix of mystery and legal battles will find the movie intriguing. It may not cater to audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment or pure action but is a good pick for those who appreciate suspenseful storytelling.
Box Office Details
With a production budget of approximately INR 10 crore, Aatagallu had modest expectations at the box office. The movie’s worldwide collection stood at around INR 6.5 crore, falling short of recouping its investment.
Here’s a breakdown of its day-wise earnings for the first five days:
- Day 1 (India): INR 1.2 crore
- Day 2 (India): INR 1 crore
- Day 3 (India): INR 0.8 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): INR 0.5 crore
- Day 5 (India and Overseas): INR 0.7 crore
While the film garnered some attention for its storyline, it struggled to sustain momentum at the box office, largely due to mixed reviews and tough competition from other releases.
Recommendation
Aatagallu is an ambitious attempt to blend courtroom drama with psychological intrigue. While it has its flaws, the strong performances and unpredictable twists make it worth a watch for thriller enthusiasts. If you enjoy unraveling mysteries and don’t mind a slightly complex narrative, this movie is worth checking out.
Genres:
Thriller, Action, Crime
Rating:
4/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Nara Rohith | Sidharth |
| Jagapati Babu | Veerendra |
| Darshana Banik | Anjali |
| Brahmanandam | |
| Mamilla Shailaja Priya | |
| Subbaraju | |
| Tulasi | |
| Jeeva |
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