Aakashavaani Review – Unique Idea, Works Partially!

What Is the Story About?

A bunch of 40 people live cut off to the outside world in a Goodem of a forest. There is a Dora (Vinay Verma) who exploits them posing himself as a God. He makes them bonded labor in his cannabis (Ganjayi) cultivation and killing many of them when there is the slightest hint of disobedience. A discarded radio comes into their ignorant world and becomes their god to save them.

Performances?

Aakashavaani mostly and aptly has newcomers in its ranks. The new faces bring in the novel factor to the proceedings. Samuthirakhani is the only star in the movie who plays an upright school teacher, Chandram Master. His portions are more in the second half and he does a decent job. There is nothing scintillating about the performance but then, we can’t complain because he has done what he is expected of. The story and his character require him to be natural and he does that honestly.

Analysis

Aakashavaani marks the directional debut of Ashwin Gangaraju. Like his father, Ashwin seems to be a fan of different subjects. In fact, he went a notch higher with these unique subjects. Real stories in Telugu are as rare as a diamond mine. Aakashavaani is such a real story.

He then draws an intelligent analogy to Hiranyakashyapa and Prahaladha’s story to give a finish to the story. Coming to the flow of the story, the proceedings start on a slower note initially. The interest is triggered when the radio enters the village. The first half ends on an interesting note. The way how the radio is assumed as a God by the tribal people is neatly dealt with.

The second half also starts on a promising note. There will be eyebrows frowning about how the radio gets to speak the right words at the right time. But then, it is manageable and does not look or sound absurd. The movie moves towards a logical conclusion when Chandram Master drops into the Goodem. The very noticeable episode is the argument about what is God between Chandram Master and the Poojari. The dialogue leaves you with a long impact and makes you think.

Towards the end of the film, ever since the tribals know about Dora’s true side, things get routine but that does not kill the entire experience. The director gives you a feeling that he may end the story with Dora’s sick son thread but that remains a loose end for the film and rightly so. It would have been even predictable if it is used that way.

Aakaashavaani, as said earlier, is a rare original idea in Telugu. Ashvin Gangaraju has also executed it decently for a large portion. The problem, however, is the inconsistency. There are moments of brilliance and also moments of boredom going hand in hand throughout the film. Having said that all, it is still a decent watch especially because we are watching it on OTT.

Other Artists?

Apart from Samuthirakhani, there are only a few known faces. Vinay Verma who played Dora is decent. Mime Madhu who played Rangadu excelled in the character. Getup Sreenu is seen as the driver of Chandram Master and has not much to do in the film. Master Prashanth who played Gidda is a surprise package and is refreshing. The rest of the characters are mostly theater actors and Junior artists who are like okay.

Music and Other Departments?

The writing has been effective in places. Kaala Bhairava composes music to the film. There are a couple of songs in the film which are situational. They are fine to ears but we may feel the movie will be better of without them. The background score is very appealing and enhances the depth of the scenes in many places. Suresh Raghutu has captured the dusty and green locales of Uttarandhra (?) very well. The VFX is not on par at places. Editing by Sreekar Prasad has been great.

Highlights?

Original Idea Casting Interval Sequence The Starting of the Second half

Drawbacks?

Inconsistency In Pace Slow Narration Predictable Ending

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes

Will You Recommend It?

Yes

Aakashavaani Telugu Movie Review by Binged Bureau 

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