Thu Jan 30 18:50:00 IST 2025: ## “Pothugadda” Review: Rayalaseema Setting Fails to Save Predictable Telugu Film

**Hyderabad, India** – The new Telugu film “Pothugadda,” streaming on the ETV Win app, attempts a fresh take on Rayalaseema politics but falls short, according to critics. While aiming to distance itself from the typical portrayal of faction violence often seen in films set in the region, the movie ultimately offers a predictable love story intertwined with election-season intrigue.

The film, starring Adukalam Naren, Shatru, Prithvi Dandamudi, and Vismaya Sri, revolves around the sitting MLA of Pothugadda constituency, Samudra (Naren), facing a challenging re-election battle against Bhaskar (Shatru). The narrative introduces a subplot involving Samudra’s daughter Geetha (Vismaya Sri), who runs away with her lover Krishna (Prithvi Dandamudi), adding a layer of suspense.

However, despite a promising premise, critics point to several shortcomings. The storyline, centered around a love story and a predictable political rivalry, lacks originality and fails to generate emotional depth. Performances, while individually adequate, fail to create believable chemistry between the lead pair. The music and background score also receive negative feedback, with critics citing a lack of impactful moments.

While the film attempts to present a realistic portrayal of Rayalaseema, critics argue that this is undermined by a lack of emotional connection and an overreliance on a familiar narrative structure. The dialogue, though employing Rayalaseema dialect, fails to evoke the intended emotions, leaving the audience detached.

The film’s technical aspects, including cinematography, are deemed satisfactory, but the editing could have been tighter. Ultimately, “Pothugadda” is deemed a skippable film despite the star cast. The film’s attempt to showcase a different side of Rayalaseema is hampered by its underdeveloped plot and lack of emotional resonance.

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