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Pekamedalu Review : A Slice-of-Life Drama Steeped in Reality
Pekamedalu, sheds light on the struggles of lower-middle-class families across South India. Directed by Nilgiri Mamilla and starring Vinoth Kishan and Anuhya Krishna, the movie takes a realistic approach, steering clear of the usual Tollywood extravagance.
A Relatable Family Story
The plot is about Lakshman (Vinoth Kishan), an unemployed engineering graduate with unrealistic dreams of getting rich quickly through real estate ventures. His wife, Varalakshmi (Anuhya Krishna), takes on the responsibility of running the household, working tirelessly to make ends meet. Their contrasting personalities form the crux of the story. Although Varalakshmi is okay with her husband not supporting her financially, stealing the household money, and not really caring about them, she couldn’t take him cheating on her. What happens next? Will Lakshman mould his ways? What’s the fate of Lakshman and Varalakshmi? The story is familiar, as every other household goes through the same thing.
A drunk husband who dreams of big things without actually doing anything beats the wife for questioning accountability for his actions. Pekamedalu also excels in its execution. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of the raw realities of life for the families. The characters are believable, and their struggles are relatable. The audience connects with the showcase of the cramped living conditions, the daily anxieties about finances, and the desire for a better life. The movie portrays the toxicity of societal pressures on a woman, making her the sole responsible person to hold a toxic marriage together. It sticks to the reality that “one’s true nature will never change”—an opinion shared in one of his interviews about his movies by Director Sukumar.
Performances that Resonate
Vinoth Kishan delivers a nuanced performance as the flawed Lakshman. Anuhya Krishna shines as the strong and resilient Varalakshmi. The portrayal of close-knit community spirit when a problem arises among one’s neighbours adds more colour to the narrative.
Pekamedalu avoids melodrama.
Instead, it focuses on building emotional connections with the characters. The movie doesn’t shy away from painting the harsh realities of poverty and uninvolved partners, but silver-lines the resilience of the human spirit. The climax of the movie seems to be the whole motivation for the entire movie to portray this story now. The movie explains the journey of two different souls. One dreams, and one lives. It explores compatibility issues in real time. How the compatibility between a couple affects the entire marriage and the lives involved in it. We sometimes see women like Varalakshmi; either they are stuck in a failed marriage addicted to something to forget their woes per day, or they leave that husband and live with their children, a solo, alone life.
Their main goal is to take care of their children. Once they are settled, they may remember their lives. Whatever a woman chooses, it’s highly influenced by the society she lives in. This applies to anyone in general, yes. But the most judgement is drawn towards a woman. Even if someone helps her. These are also societal taboos. These are all discussed on a beautiful platform by the makers. The ending, with what happens next to the characters, is left to the audience. But won’t we want to see some difference in the ending like, “What if Suhasini (Jaya Sudha) married Bharani (Sharat Babu) in K Balachande’s movie Idi Kadha Kadu?”
The background music gives a British Royal-themed series tinge. The songs are apt for the movie.
Beginners Mistakes: The film’s pacing can be slow at times, especially in the first half.
A Thought-Provoking Watch
Pekamedalu remains a relatable, thought-provoking watch. It offers a glimpse into a world often not known and not much explored climax and an understanding of the struggles faced by those living on the margins. If you’re looking for a film that is grounded in reality and explores the complexities of human relationships, Pekamedalu is definitely worth a watch.
Cast
Anoosha Krishna, Vinoth Kishan, Naren Yadav, Ritika Srinivas, Jagan Anusha Nuthala, Ganesh Thipparaju, Yogi Raj
Crew
Producer: Rakesh Varre
Writer & Director: Neelagiri Mamilla
Dop: Haricharan K.
Editor: Srujana Adusumilli, Hamza Ali
Music Director: Smaran Sai
Sarkar Rating: 3/5
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