Friends, today let’s talk about Ghati, a film that has been making a lot of noise because it marks Anushka Shetty’s big comeback. Directed by Krish, the movie is set in the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Ghats, along the Andhra–Odisha border. It’s a story that mixes raw human emotions, crime, and survival with strong visuals. While the film has a lot going for it, it also comes with a fair share of flaws. Let’s dive into what works and what doesn’t.
The Story
The movie is centered around the Ghati community, people who are forced into growing and smuggling cannabis for local gangs and powerful men. Life is tough for them, and escaping this cycle feels almost impossible. In this setting, we meet Sheelavathi, played by Anushka Shetty, who works as a bus conductor. She’s engaged to Desi Raju, a lab technician portrayed by Vikram Prabhu. Both of them dream of breaking free from the dangerous world they were born into.
Their lives take a sharp turn when they discover a new liquid-based strain of cannabis. At first, it looks like an opportunity, but it soon attracts the attention of ruthless gang lords. This is where the film takes a darker turn, leading Sheelavathi into a dangerous fight for survival. Her journey slowly transforms her from a simple woman into a symbol of power and resistance.
Performances
The heart of Ghati is Anushka Shetty. She carries the film on her shoulders with her powerful screen presence. Whenever she appears on screen, you cannot look away. She portrays strength, pain, and resilience in a way that makes you root for her character. However, at times, her emotions feel restricted, and you wish she was given more variety to play with.
Vikram Prabhu, in his Telugu debut, does a neat job. His role is not very lengthy, but it adds emotional weight to the film. He makes a decent impression even with limited screen time.
The supporting cast, including Jagapathi Babu, Chaitanya Rao, and Ravindra Vijay, bring their own flavor to the story. They do justice to their parts, though none of them leave as big an impact as Anushka.
Visuals and Technical Aspects
If there is one thing you will definitely remember about Ghati, it is the breathtaking visuals. The cinematography captures the beauty and roughness of the Eastern Ghats in a way that feels almost like another character in the movie. The landscapes, forests, and villages are shown with so much detail that you are drawn into that world immediately.
The music and background score are functional. They do the job of supporting the story but don’t create a lasting impact. The action sequences are shot on a grand scale and look impressive, but at times they feel stretched and disturb the flow of the film.
Strengths of the Film
The film shines in the way it sets up its world. In the first half, you really feel connected to the struggles of the Ghati community. The hardships, the helplessness, and the way they are trapped in the cycle of crime are shown convincingly. The transformation of Sheelavathi from a simple woman into a fighter is one of the biggest strengths of the movie.
The movie also stands out for its attempt to show how one person’s fight can inspire a whole community. Anushka’s character becomes more than just a woman taking revenge—she turns into a voice for her people. That part of the story is definitely inspiring.
Weaknesses of the Film
However, the second half of the film doesn’t live up to the promise of the first half. Once the revenge angle kicks in, the story starts to feel predictable. The screenplay becomes flat, and the emotional depth is missing. Many scenes feel like you’ve seen them in other films before.
The pacing also becomes uneven. The first half keeps you hooked, but the second half feels dragged out with repetitive sequences. The film tries to mix too many ideas—revenge, empowerment, crime, and community struggle—and in the process, it loses focus.
Final Word
So, is Ghati worth watching? Yes, but with some expectations. If you love Anushka Shetty and want to see her in a strong, bold role, this movie will give you that satisfaction. The visuals are stunning, and the idea behind the story is powerful. However, if you’re looking for a tight screenplay and fresh storytelling, you might feel a little disappointed, especially in the second half.
Overall, Ghati is a visually rich film with a strong central performance. It’s not perfect, but it’s a reminder of why Anushka Shetty is still considered one of the most powerful actresses in Telugu cinema.
Also Read:
