Movie Name : Kothapallilo Okappudu
Release Date : July 18, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Ravindra Vijay, Benerjee, Bongu Satti, Phani, Premsagar
Director : Praveena Paruchuri
Producers : Gopalakrishna Paruchuri & Praveena Paruchuri
Music Directors : Mani Sharma, Varun Unni
Cinematographer : Petros Antoniadis
Editor : Kiran R
Related Links : Trailer
Critically acclaimed C/o Kancharapalem producer Praveena Paruchuri has made her directorial debut with the new Telugu movie Kothapallilo Okappudu. Presented by Rana Daggubati, the village drama was released in theaters today. Here is our review.
Story:
Set in 1997 in the village of Kothapalli, near Paderu, Andhra Pradesh, a greedy financier, Appanna (Ravindra Vijay), is introduced. Ramakrishna (Manoj Chandra) works under him, an easygoing man who loves Savitri (Monika T), a rich girl from the same village. However, a couple of events occur – one of them turns Ramakrishna’s life upside down. What is the other event? What exactly happened in the village? That’s what the story gradually reveals on the big screen.
Plus Points:
The surprise package here is the fine performances from newcomers Manoj Chandra and Usha Bonela, who play Ramakrishna and Aadhi Lakshmi, respectively. Both perform with ease, as if they’re no strangers to the camera. Their dialogue delivery and expressions feel natural and grounded, making their characters feel real.
The most crucial character in the film is Appanna, played by Ravindra Vijay. After a long time, he gets a strong, impactful role and doesn’t miss a beat. He excels every time he appears on screen. Even though his character is mostly absent in the second half, his influence continues in some form and keeps the story moving forward.
Other actors such as Benarji, Prem Sagar, and Praveena Paruchuri herself are given meaningful scenes that contribute to the narrative.
Minus Points:
The entire film is built around one central idea: “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are,” a quote by Anaïs Nin. It’s a great quote, and the story certainly has the potential to explore this idea deeply. Unfortunately, the execution stumbles, and the message doesn’t come through as powerfully as intended.
The first half, which leans into comedy, works reasonably well. But when a major turning point occurs, the tone doesn’t shift with it. Trying to maintain the same light tone even after serious developments undermines the film’s emotional impact, and that’s exactly what happens in Kothapallilo Okappudu.
The lead character eventually voices the seriousness and meaning behind the central quote, but by then, the viewer’s emotional connection has already faded. Some scenes are totally unnecessary to the plot.
The heroine, Savitri, played by Monika T, has very little to contribute to the film, and several of her scenes feel pointless. The inclusion of a recording dance sequence, though reflective of real practices in the region, feels unnatural when performed by the heroine. Expecting her to rehearse and sing for it feels awkward and out of place.
Technical Aspects:
Director Praveena Paruchuri gives it an honest try, but she could have made the film much more effective by conveying the core theme with more clarity and the right emotions at the right time. Had the second half been shaped more thoughtfully, the film might have succeeded more.
Mani Sharma contributes little as the composer of the songs, and Varun Unni’s background score is passable. Petros Antoniadis’s cinematography is decent; he presents the village and its atmosphere naturally and convincingly. Kiran R’s editing needed to be sharper for a more gripping narrative. The production values are okay.
Verdict:
On the whole, Kothapallilo Okappudu is a rural drama that entertains in parts. Ravindra Vijay and Manoj Chandra’s performances are noteworthy, but the film falls short due to its unclear messaging, weak execution in the second half, unnecessary scenes, and underdeveloped characters. If you’re still interested in watching it, make sure to keep your expectations in check.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team