Dhanraj Koranani, who has established himself as a comedian, made his directorial debut with Ramam Raghavam. This Telugu emotional drama thriller stars Samuthirakani and Dhanraj in the lead roles, while Harish Uttam, Moksha, Pramodini, Satya, Sunil, Prithviraj, Srinivas Reddy and others appear in supporting roles. Produced by Prithvi Polavarapu under the Slate Pencil Stories banner, the film was written by Siva Prasad Yanala and released in theaters on February 21, 2025. Arun Chiluveru composed the music, Durga Prasad Kolli provided the cinematography, and Marthand K. Venkatesh provided the editing. How is this film, which is streaming on ETV Win and Sun Next from March 14, 2025? Let's see in this review
What is the story?
This is a story that takes place in Amalapuram in Konaseema district. Dasaratha Ramam (Samudrakhani) is an honest government employee in the registrar's office. His son Raghava (Dhanraj) dreams of becoming a doctor, but Raghava is unfocused in his studies and wastes his time in gambling and betting, leaving him unemployed. The father wants to start a business by borrowing money, but loses it in betting. This leads to a fight between father and son. Raghava forges his father's signature, which leads to Ramam getting him arrested. Raghava, enraged, plans to kill his father with the help of his friend Deva (Harish Uttamman). Why did Raghava come to this decision? Will Ramam survive? Will Raghava change his mind? How will this emotional drama end? The rest of the story is about the film.
How was the film?
Ramam Raghavam starts as an emotional drama based on the father-son relationship and impresses with some thrilling moments. While the story is routine in the first half, the interval twist arouses interest. Raghava's decision to kill his father is shocking, which gives the film a unique edge. The second half is tear-jerking with emotional scenes, especially in the pre-climax and climax. The scenes between Samudrakhani and Dhanraj are realistic and heart-touching. Dhanraj tried to tell this story honestly in his directorial debut, which worked out to some extent.
However, the film has some shortcomings. The first half is slow and routine, which tests the patience of the audience. The director does not show in depth why Raghava went down the wrong path and when the distance between father and son increased. If this backstory was stronger, the story would have had more depth. Raghava's character comes across as very negative at times, which makes it difficult for the audience to connect with him. Arun Chiluveru's songs are so-so, and the background score elevates some scenes, but overall it is not impressive. If the editing was crisper, the 2 hour 3 minute runtime would have been even better.
Actors and technical aspects
Samudrakhani is adept in the role of Ramam. His performance as an honest father, who cares for his son, is a big strength of the film. Dhanraj is impressive as Raghava in some emotional scenes, but his performance needs more depth at some places. Pramodini is impressive in the role of the mother, even in her limited screen time. Harish Uttam made a good impression in the supporting role as Deva, but his role could have been developed more. Satya, Sunil, Prithviraj are okay in their roles.
Technically, Durga Prasad Kolli's cinematography realistically shows the Amalapuram setting naturally. The production values are decent. Siva Prasad Yanala's writing is simple and interesting with a few twists, but the impact of the film would have increased if the screenplay had been written more tightly.
Plus points
Samudrakhani, Dhanraj's performance
Emotional scenes in the second half, climax
Interval twist
Realistic cinematography
Minus points
Slow, routine first half
Lack of depth in Raghava's character
Ordinary music, background score
Lack of depth in the screenplay
Who can watch it?
Ramam Raghavam is a decent watch for those who like father-son relationships and emotional dramas. Fans of Samuthirakani, Dhanraj, and those who enjoy slow-paced family dramas can try this movie. Released with a U/A certificate, this movie is suitable for the family audience. However, those who expect fast-paced stories and deep conflicts may be a little disappointed.
Rating: 2.5/5
Ramam Raghavam is an honest emotional drama, impressive with twists and climax in the second half. Samuthirakani's performance and Dhanraj's directorial effort are the strengths of the movie. But, it stops halfway due to the slow pace and lack of depth in the backstory. A movie worth watching once for those who want to watch an emotional drama with their family.
Streaming: ETV Win, Sun Next (from March 14, 2025)
Release Date: February 21, 2025 (Theaters)
Cast: Samudrakhani, Dhanraj, Moksha, Harish Uttam, Pramodini
Director: Dhanraj Koranani