Movie: Peka Medalu
Directed by: Neelagiri Maamilla

Starring: Vinoth Kishan, Anusha Krishna, Ritika Srinivas, Jagan Yogi Raj, Anusha Nuthala, Ganesh Tipparaju, Naren Yadav and others

Producer: Rakesh Varre

Editors: Srujana Adusumilli, Hamza Ali
Cinematographer: Haricharan K
Music: Smaran Sai

Banners: Crazy Ants Productions
Release Date: 19 July 2024

iQlik Movies Rating: 3.25/5

These days people don't come only for star hero films. A medium-range film with newbies is now trending in Telugu. The film is titled Peka Medalu, and it was released today. There are no stars in it. Almost all are new. Premiere shows for Rs.50 have brought good buzz to the movie. The teaser and trailer were interesting. Let us check out the film review here.

Story:
Laxman (Vinoth Kishan) is a B.Tech graduate who works as a real estate agent due to a lack of better opportunities. Living in a modest neighborhood, he dreams of a luxurious life in the Banjara Hills. Driven by his ambitions, he often spends money frivolously and indulges in alcohol. On the other hand, his wife (Anusha Krishna) is self-reliant, tries to make a living by baking pastries, and hopes to provide a better education for their son. Laxman meets Shweta (Ritika Srinivas), an NRI, and becomes infatuated with her, neglecting his family. The story follows Laxman's journey as he gets entangled in this new relationship, the consequences, and how his wife reacts when she discovers the truth.

Performances:
The casting is commendable, with each actor fitting their role perfectly. Vinod Kishan, familiar to Telugu audiences through dubbed movies, delivers a natural performance as Laxman. Anusha Krishna stands out with her compelling portrayal, especially in the climax. Ritika Srinivas impresses as the sophisticated NRI, fitting her role well. The supporting cast also performs admirably, with no one seeming out of place. The rest of the cast made their presence felt.

Technical Aspects:
Despite being a small film with budget constraints, "Peka Medalu" maintains good production quality, thanks to natural locations and sharp editing. The background music complements the narrative well. The director's ability to present scenes naturally and authentically adds to the film's appeal. The dialogues are good. The camera work is decent. The production design is excellent. The production values are lavish.

Review:
Peka Medalu reflects real-life societal issues and characters that are relatable. The film portrays Laxman's dissatisfaction with his life and the consequences of his actions. The director takes time to introduce Laxman's character, making the audience empathize with his struggles. The story gains momentum with Shweta's entry, and Laxman's attempts to woo her add humor and interest. The second half focuses more on family drama, showcasing the wife's determination and the natural conflict between the couple.The climax, emphasizing that some lives remain unchanged, feels realistic. While the first half meanders a bit, the second half is emotionally engaging, and the heroine's portrayal is inspiring. Peka Medalu successfully attracts attention with its strong promotional strategy and intriguing teaser and trailer. The film lives up to the hype, honestly portraying societal issues and personal struggles. The film delivers a relatable and engaging story, making it worth a watch.

Plus Points:
Performances
Plot
Climax
Direction

Minus Points:
Few Scenes
Pace Issue

Final Verdict: Peka Medalu Is Worth A Watch