Story
Set in the Telangana village of Adluru, the story revolves around Gandhi (Sukriti Veni Bandreddi), a schoolgirl named after Mahatma Gandhi by her freedom-fighter grandfather (Chakrapani Ananda). From a young age, Gandhi learns Gandhian principles from her grandfather, shaping her values and beliefs. The villagers are primarily engaged in cultivating sugarcane, which they sell to a nearby factory. However, when the factory announces its closure, the farmers are left with unsold crops and no income. During this crisis, a representative named Satish arrives in the village with a tempting proposal to purchase all the farmland at an attractive price. While most of the villagers are convinced to sell their land, Gandhi’s grandfather, who owns a significant and strategically located plot, refuses to part with it. His attachment to a cherished tree on the land plays a key role in his decision. He entrusts Gandhi with a promise to protect the tree at all costs. The rest of the story unfolds as Gandhi takes it upon herself to honor her grandfather's wishes, protect the tree, and save the village from losing its identity and livelihood.

Artists Performance

Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, daughter of acclaimed director Sumukar, delivers an outstanding debut performance as a girl embodying Gandhian principles. Her appearance and body language perfectly align with the character's commitment to nonviolence. Taking on the bold decision to appear tonsured in the latter part of the film, Sukriti showcases immense dedication to her role. Chakrapani Ananda is excellent as the wise and principled grandfather. Nehal Anand Kumkuma and Bhanu Prakash are commendable as Gandhi’s supportive friends. Rag Mayur stands out as a character who outwardly appears soft but harbors ruthless intentions, even injecting humor into certain scenes with his expressions. Viva Raghav makes a convincing cameo, while Tanikella Bharani lends a soulful voiceover for the tree, adding depth to the narrative. Lavanya Reddy also impresses with her performance as Gandhi’s mother.

Story - screenplay - direction: The film’s story is simple yet meaningful, focusing on a granddaughter who uses Gandhian principles to protect a tree deeply cherished by her grandfather. Director Padmavathi Malladi weaves a narrative that is both impactful and heartfelt, seamlessly blending humor with sincerity. The characters feel authentic and grounded, drawing viewers into a world of innocence and simplicity. The portrayal of women empowerment through certain dialogues and scenes is commendable. The song “Ole Sandhamama,” which beautifully celebrates inner beauty during the girl’s tonsuring, is especially captivating. While the climax could have been more emotionally compelling, the powerful message it delivers ensures a satisfying conclusion.

Other departments: The cinematography by Srijitha Cheruvupally and Vishwa Devabattula is commendable, especially considering the film was made on a shoestring budget through crowd-funding. Ree’s music deserves special praise, as the songs beautifully complement the film's theme. Nani Pandu’s production design is authentic, effectively capturing the essence of the village and the prominent neem tree. However, the tree isn't consistently shown against a blue sky in all shots. For instance, in the crucial interval scene, it appears against the backdrop of a green hill, which blends with the tree's color. Editing by Hari Shankar is adequate. As an independent production, the simplicity of the production values adds to the film’s charm.

Analysis: Gandhi Tatha Chettu is an independent film built around a noble and poignant concept, blending Gandhian principles with the profound relationship between humans and nature. It also underscores the importance of environmental conservation. The film’s strengths lie in its authentic portrayal of village life and the heartfelt performances, particularly by Sukriti. Rather than viewing it through a commercial lens, this film deserves appreciation for its sincerity and the meaningful message it conveys. A worthwhile watch during your leisure time!