Released on January 14, 2025, sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review is a Telugu-language action comedy that has captured the festive spirit of Sankranthi, one of the most celebrated festivals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Directed by Anil Ravipudi and starring the ever-charismatic Venkatesh Daggubati alongside Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary, this film marks the third collaboration between Ravipudi and Venkatesh, following the blockbuster successes of F2: Fun and Frustration and F3. With its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and a mix of slapstick humor and family drama, the movie aims to be the perfect Sankranthi treat for audiences. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, technical aspects, audience reactions, box office performance, and more to give you a complete picture of this festive entertainer.
sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review details
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Attribute |
Details |
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Title |
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam |
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Release Date |
January 14, 2025 |
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Genre |
Action, Comedy, Family Drama |
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Director |
Anil Ravipudi |
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Cast |
Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Naresh, VTV Ganesh, Srinivas Avasarala, Upendra Limaye, Sai Kumar, and others |
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Music |
Bheems Ceciroleo |
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Cinematography |
Sameer Reddy |
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Editing |
Tammiraju |
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Producers |
Dil Raju, Shirish (Sri Venkateswara Creations) |
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Runtime |
2 hours 24 minutes |
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CBFC Rating |
UA |
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Box Office (Worldwide) |
₹258–300 crore (as of July 2025) |
Spoiler-Free Plot Summary
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam (translated as “We Are Coming for Sankranthi”) revolves around Yadagiri Damodarraju, fondly known as YD Raju (Venkatesh), a former police officer who has retired to a peaceful life in a village near Rajahmundry. Happily married to Bhagyalakshmi (Aishwarya Rajesh) and father to four children, Raju has left his action-packed days behind. However, his tranquil life is disrupted when a high-profile kidnapping case shakes the state. Satya Akella (Srinivas Avasarala), the CEO of a global tech company, is abducted, and the Chief Minister (Naresh) entrusts the rescue mission to Meenakshi (Meenakshi Chaudhary), a dedicated police officer who also happens to be Raju’s ex-girlfriend.
Meenakshi seeks Raju’s expertise to tackle the crisis, pulling him back into the world of action and intrigue. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic journey as Raju’s wife, Bhagyalakshmi, gets involved, leading to a comedic tug-of-war between his past and present relationships. The story weaves together elements of action, family drama, and Ravipudi’s signature slapstick humor, set against the vibrant backdrop of Sankranthi festivities. Without giving away spoilers, the film explores themes of loyalty, family bonds, and the balance between duty and personal life, all wrapped in a lighthearted, festival-friendly package.
Cast Performances
Venkatesh Daggubati as YD Raju
Venkatesh, fondly called “Venky” by fans, is the heart and soul of sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review. Playing a retired cop turned family man, he effortlessly balances comedy, emotion, and action. His impeccable comic timing shines in scenes where he navigates the awkward dynamics between his wife and ex-girlfriend. Venkatesh’s ability to switch from a loving husband to a fierce encounter specialist is a testament to his versatility. His performance is tailor-made for the family audience, and he carries the film with his charisma and charm. As one review noted, “Whenever Venky comes with a family entertainer, it’s bound to be a hit”.
Aishwarya Rajesh as Bhagyalakshmi
Aishwarya Rajesh delivers a standout performance as Bhagyalakshmi, the devoted yet insecure wife of YD Raju. Her portrayal of a relatable, uneducated, and fiercely loyal spouse resonates with the audience, particularly women. Her comic timing in scenes where she confronts Meenakshi is spot-on, and her emotional depth adds heart to the film. Aishwarya’s lively and natural acting makes her character a highlight, earning praise for reflecting the lives of many married women.
Meenakshi Chaudhary as Meenakshi
Meenakshi Chaudhary brings charm and confidence to her role as the no-nonsense police officer and Raju’s former lover. Her playful chemistry with Venkatesh and her teasing interactions with Aishwarya Rajesh are thoroughly entertaining. Meenakshi’s performance is both glamorous and grounded, making her a perfect fit for the role of a strong, independent woman. Her scenes in the second half, particularly, add a fresh dynamic to the narrative.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Naresh as the Chief Minister, VTV Ganesh, Srinivas Avasarala, and Upendra Limaye, adds significant value to the film. Naresh’s portrayal of a worried yet comical CM is engaging, though some reviews noted his role felt underwritten. VTV Ganesh and Srinivas Reddy contribute to the humor with their quirky characters, while child actor Bheemla Revanth Pavan steals the show with his OTT-inspired antics, though his use of foul language raised eyebrows among some audiences. Upendra Limaye’s over-the-top villainous role as Bijju Pandey is effective but occasionally borders on caricature.
Direction and Screenplay
Anil Ravipudi, known for his knack for crafting commercial entertainers, returns to his comfort zone with sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review. His direction is characterized by a blend of mass-appeal humor and family-oriented storytelling, reminiscent of legendary Telugu directors EVV Satyanarayana and Jandhyala. Ravipudi’s strength lies in his ability to cater to family audiences, and this film is no exception. The screenplay is packed with punchy dialogues and situational comedy, particularly in the first half, which keeps the audience engaged with back-to-back laughs.
However, the second half falters with an overreliance on farcical humor and a predictable narrative. Some sequences feel dragged, and the kidnapping subplot takes a backseat to the comedic wife-lover dynamics, which may disappoint viewers expecting a tighter plot. Despite these flaws, Ravipudi’s ability to weave entertainment into every frame ensures the film remains a fun watch. His signature style of prioritizing humor over logic is both a strength and a weakness, depending on the viewer’s expectations.
Cinematography
Sameer Reddy’s cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Sankranthi, with colorful visuals of rural Andhra Pradesh that enhance the festive mood. The Godavari district’s scenic beauty is showcased beautifully, adding authenticity to the setting. However, some action sequences, particularly those using green screens, appear artificial and detract from the overall experience. The cinematography excels in comedic and family scenes, where the framing and lighting complement the lighthearted tone.
Music and Background Score
Bheems Ceciroleo’s music is a major highlight of sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review. The song “Godari Gattu” became a viral sensation before the film’s release, setting high expectations. Other tracks, like “Meenu,” add fun and energy to the narrative, while the background score amplifies key moments. Some reviewers noted that the score occasionally mimics Anirudh Ravichander’s style, particularly in action sequences, which adds a familiar yet effective touch. The quirky use of a frog sound in the score is a unique and playful addition that enhances the comedic vibe.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The VFX in sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review are a mixed bag. While the film doesn’t rely heavily on visual effects, the action sequences involving green screens are noticeably subpar, with some scenes looking unpolished. However, the colorful depiction of Sankranthi festivities and minor effects in comedic sequences are executed well, maintaining the film’s vibrant aesthetic. The VFX serve the purpose of a lighthearted entertainer but fall short in high-stakes action moments.
Strengths
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Venkatesh’s Performance: Venkatesh’s comic timing and versatility make him the film’s biggest asset, delivering a role that resonates with family audiences.
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Comedy and Family Appeal: The first half is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, and the wife-lover dynamics are both hilarious and relatable.
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Festive Vibe: The film captures the essence of Sankranthi with vibrant visuals, catchy music, and a feel-good tone, making it a perfect holiday watch.
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Supporting Cast: Aishwarya Rajesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and child actor Bheemla Revanth add depth and humor to the narrative.
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Music: Bheems Ceciroleo’s chartbuster songs and energetic background score elevate the film’s appeal.
Weaknesses
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Predictable Storyline: The plot follows familiar tropes, and the kidnapping subplot feels underdeveloped.
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Second-Half Lags: The pacing slows in the second half, with some forced comedic sequences and over-the-top humor that may not resonate with all viewers.
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Underutilized Characters: Supporting characters like Naresh and Srinivas Avasarala are given limited scope, reducing their impact.
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Weak VFX: Action sequences with green-screen effects appear artificial, detracting from the overall experience.
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Overreliance on Slapstick: The film prioritizes humor over logic, which may alienate viewers seeking a more cohesive narrative.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences, with praise for its entertainment value and Venkatesh’s performance, tempered by criticism for its predictable plot and uneven second half. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film is described as “simple and fun,” with observations about its use of classic Telugu cinema tropes. Critics like Avad Mohammad from OTTplay gave it 3.5/5 stars, calling it “a perfect festival watch packed with loads of entertainment”, while T. Maruthi Acharya from India Today rated it 3/5, noting its “engaging comedy and uneven storytelling”.
Audience reactions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, highlight the film’s appeal as a family entertainer. One user commented, “I took my parents, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Anil Ravipudi gave a perfect Sankranti treat”. However, some viewers expressed disappointment with the lack of memorable comedy and a weak storyline, with one IMDb review calling it “one of the worst Telugu movies of early 2025” due to its “pathetic storyline” and “forced comedy”. The film’s target audience—families and fans of Venkatesh—seems to have embraced it, while those seeking logical storytelling were less impressed.
Box Office Buzz
sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review emerged as a commercial success, grossing ₹258–300 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025 and the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of the year. The film’s advance bookings were impressive, with Hyderabad shows selling out and touching ₹1.6 crore before release. The viral success of “Godari Gattu” and strong pre-release buzz contributed to its massive opening, with day-one bookings crossing ₹10 crore. The film’s family-friendly appeal and festive timing ensured strong box office performance, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Comparisons with Other Films
Compared to Ravipudi’s previous works like F2 and F3, sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review doesn’t quite reach the same comedic heights but maintains a similar lighthearted tone. While F2 was lauded for its non-stop humor, this film’s second half feels less cohesive. It also draws parallels to Venkatesh’s earlier family entertainers like Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu, with references to the wife-lover dynamic that evoke nostalgia. Unlike recent pan-India action dramas, this film stays true to its Telugu roots, focusing on regional humor and family values, which sets it apart in the current cinematic landscape.
Final Verdict
sankranthiki vasthunnam movie review is a quintessential Sankranthi entertainer that delivers laughs, heart, and festive cheer, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Venkatesh’s stellar performance, supported by Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary, makes it a delightful watch for families. While the predictable storyline and uneven second half prevent it from being a classic, the film’s vibrant visuals, catchy music, and comedic charm make it a worthy addition to the festive season. It’s not for those seeking logical depth, but if you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted movie to enjoy with loved ones, this one hits the mark.
