O Pitta Katha Movie Review - BOTTOM LINE
Short Filmmaking Kills The True Potential

OUR RATING
2.25/5

CENSOR
‘U’ Certified, 2 hrs 08 mins


O Pitta Katha Movie Review - What Is the Film About?
Venkata Lakshmi aka Venky (Nithya Shetty) is the doted daughter of Veeraju. Krish (Vishwant) is the son-in-law of Veeraju who loves Venkata Lakshmi. What happens when she goes missing on a trip to Araku? How does Prabhu (Sanjay Rao) fit into this story is what the movie is all about?

How Is Viswant’s Performance?
Both Vishwant and Sanjay Rao get equal importance. While one is presented classily, the other is seen in a mass way. They do well within the given scope.

Sanjay Rao appeals more due to more entertainment in his track. It doesn’t mean he is better, even though it could very well have been the case. Similarly, Vishwant should have done a lot better in the crucial moments to steal the show and register. The fact that neither happens is one of the primary weaknesses of the movie.


O Pitta Katha Movie Review - Direction by Chandu?
Chendu Muddhu making his debut as a director has picked a very regular looking story on the surface. It is true to the title; however, it the screenplay, which is aptly placed as the caption, where the content lies.

A large part of the first half is highly predictable and boring, frankly. We have seen them many times before, including the screenplay with back and forth narration. Just when one starts to feel restless, some sort of momentum is built towards the interval. It is fine considering the highly predictable path it has been up to preceding it.

But, when we look at the second half, that is where parts of the first half start to make sense. It is a Roshomon style narrative where all the events of the first half are recounted from various perspectives. The same scenes, which were boring previously, get a different context and tone. The screenplay and the little twists that keep coming, engage.

Considering what is happening, in the second half, after a point, one can start to second guess the proceedings. If one gets what’s ahead, the narrative might not offer that thrill or fun. However, if that is not the case, there are indeed engaging parts that will take one by surprise.

The problem apart from the lacklustre major part of the first half is the making itself. It is substandard for the big screen. One gets a feeling of watching a short film on the big screens. Many scenes lack the impact and also the acting on display, due to the same issue.

Overall, if one doesn’t mind a large part of the first half of a movie, there is some fun in store in the second half. Add to it the making aspect, Oka Pitta Katha, therefore, comes across as the right movie for a digital platform. On the big screen, give it a try, if you are willing to provide a significant chunk of the movie a free pass. Otherwise, wait for the streaming.


O Pitta Katha Movie Review - Nitya Shetty and Others?
Nithya Shetty has a lovable screen presence. The cue given to her seems to be to replicate the cutesy act of ‘Colors Swathi’. She has done a good job in that aspect. Apart from the two male leads, there are three principle supporting roles. One of that of heroine’s father, the second is hero’s friend and finally, the police played by Brahmaji. They all have done well within the opportunity given to them. The guy playing hero’s friend stands out due to some silly humour.

O Pitta Katha Movie Review - Music and Other Departments?
The music by Praveen Lakkaraju offers a likeable soundscape, but there is nothing memorable in it. The cinematography by Sunil Kumar N doesn’t help the movie shrug off its short film feel. The editing is neat, though. The writing is okay with a lot of silly humour.


O Pitta Katha Movie Review - Highlights?
Second Half
Ending
Screenplay
Short Run Time

Drawbacks?
A Large Part Of First Half
Making Quality
Direction In Parts


O Pitta Katha Movie Review - Alternative Take
Only the last week we had seen Kanulu Kanulu Dochayante. The movie is set in similar worldview, but with a different take, which is precisely like an alternative take.

Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in parts

Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with reservations

O Pitta Katha Review by Siddartha Toleti