Anushka Shetty's "Ghaati" Telugu Movie Review: A Fierce Performance in a Flawed Revenge Drama

Anushka Shetty's "Ghaati" Telugu Movie Review: A Fierce Performance in a Flawed Revenge Drama

The much-anticipated Telugu movie "Ghaati," starring Anushka Shetty and directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, released on September 5, 2025, has drawn mixed reactions with its strong performances but weak narrative. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Andhra-Odisha border in the Eastern Ghats, the film explores the perilous world of ganja cultivation and trafficking. The story centers around Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), who initially work under the local gangster Kaastala Naidu but eventually attempt to carve their own path, sparking conflict and a gripping revenge arc.

Anushka Shetty's performance stands out as a highlight, embodying a fierce and convincing character whose screen presence dominates key scenes, especially the action sequences. Vikram Prabhu makes a noteworthy Tollywood debut, contributing impactful moments despite his limited screen time. The supporting cast, including Jagapathi Babu and Chaitanya Rao, add lightness and depth where possible.

Despite these strong points, "Ghaati" struggles with a flat and predictable screenplay that fails to cohesively tie its elements of action, romance, and revenge. The film lacks emotional depth, particularly in the second half, where character development feels rushed and incomplete. Even central characters like Sheelavathi and Kaastala Naidu suffer from underdeveloped arcs, which hinders audience engagement.

Technically, the movie offers visually appealing shots of the Eastern Ghats, but the editing feels sluggish, stretching the film longer than necessary. The music by Nagavelli Vidya Sagar also falls short, with the background score being the only redeeming audio element.

In conclusion, "Ghaati" delivers a partially effective revenge drama buoyed by Anushka Shetty's commanding presence and Vikram Prabhu's promising debut. However, the weak storytelling and uneven execution make it advisable for viewers to approach the film with tempered expectations.