‘Racharikam’ is a Tollywood political action drama, a film directed by Suresh Lankalapalli, set in the rural Telangana of the 1980s. Starring Apsara Rani, Varun Sandesh, and Vijay Shankar in the lead roles, the film was released in theaters on January 31, 2025. Did this film, which combines rural politics, caste differences, oppression of women, and a love story, live up to expectations? Did Apsara Rani impress in a powerful role along with her glamour? Let’s see in this review!
What is the story?
The story takes place in a village called Rachakonda in Telangana in the 1980s. Raja Reddy (Srikanth Iyengar), a cruel leader with political dominance in the village, yearns for a girl child in his family. His daughter Bhargavi Reddy (Apsara Rani) and son Vivek Reddy (Varun Sandesh) dream of making it into politics. Bhargavi loves Shiva (Vijay Shankar), a youth leader of Mana Shakti Party. Shiva considers RSF leader Kranthi (Eswar) as his guru. But, Bhargavi's love is opposed by both Raja Reddy and Vivek. This love story, how will Bhargavi fight for her love and political aspirations amidst political rivalries and family differences? Will Raja Reddy's dream of becoming CM come true? This is the core of the story.
How did you like it?
'Racharikam' seems like a routine political drama, with some emotional and action moments in a rural setting. The first half is impressive with elements like political rivalries, Shiva-Bhargavi's love track, caste differences, and oppression of women. The interval twist is decent and keeps the interest in the second half. But, even though the second half is emotional and violent, the story becomes predictable. It is disappointing that the character of Shiva, in line with the buildup in the first half, turns into a side character in the second half. The balance between political drama and love story is not achieved, some scenes feel stretched. However, Apsara Rani, Varun Sandesh's performance, and some emotional moments keep the movie engaging. But, the gripping twists and lack of depth keep the movie at an average level.
How did the actors do it?
Apsara Rani impressed as Bhargavi. Along with glamour, she looked neat in a strong character fighting for political ambitions and love. Her emotional scenes and dialogue delivery are a plus for the movie. Varun Sandesh surprised in a different role as Vivek Reddy. He cultivated his internal conflict and negative shades well. Vijay Shankar as Shiva was energetic in the first half, but his role became weak in the second half which was disappointing. Srikanth Iyengar did well as a ruthless politician as Raja Reddy, his screen presence was strong. Eswar Kranthi, Jabardasth Mahesh, Hyper Aadi were okay in supporting roles, but their characters lacked depth. The supporting characters could not elevate the story.
How was the technical teamwork?
Arya Sai Krishna's cinematography is the biggest asset of the film. He captured the rural setting of 1980s Telangana, political conflicts, and action scenes realistically. Vengi's music was decent, the background score was emotional, and supported the action scenes well. But, the songs were not very memorable. Janaki Ram's editing was smooth in the first half, but some scenes seemed to drag in the second half. Chill Bros Entertainment's production values were good for the budget, the rural sets and costumes looked neat. The action sequences were realistic, but the thrill was not that great.
How was the direction?
Suresh Lankalapalli made 'Racharikam' in the rural political backdrop of the 1980s, showing the oppression of women, caste differences, and political violence naturally. He built the political conflicts and love track well in the first half, and the interval twist was interesting. But, in the second half, the screenplay became stretched where it should have gained momentum. Diluting the character of Shiva and the routine story template kept the film at an average level. A plus for the director for writing Bhargavi's character strongly, but a minus for the lack of depth in the supporting characters and subplots. The film reminds us of a 'Sarkar Vaari Paata' or 'Leader' vibe at some places, but fails to deliver that level of impact.
Hits:
Apsara Rani, Varun Sandesh's performance
Arya Sai Krishna's cinematography, realistic rural setting
Vengi's background score
Political drama in the first half, interval twist
Bhargavi's strong characterization, emotional moments
Missed:
Predictable story, weak second half
Shiva's character dilution, lack of depth for supporting characters
Sagathi scenes, routine screenplay
Lack of impact of songs
Gripping twists, missing thrill
Final word:
'Racharikam' is an average political action drama, which mixes rural politics, love story, and family conflicts. Apsara Rani, Varun Sandesh's performance, realistic visuals, emotional moments made the movie enjoyable. But, the predictable story, weak second half, and ungrip screenplay kept the movie at an average level. Political drama lovers and Apsara Rani fans can try it once, but those expecting shocking twists and innovative story will be disappointed. It is better to stream it if it is released on OTT.
Recommendation: This movie is a decent watch for those who like political dramas and rural-themed films. The violent scenes may seem uncomfortable to the family audience, so it will suit youth and solo watchers.
Rating: 2.5/5