Hitudu Telugu Movie Review and Rating

Summary

Jagapathi Babu, known for his versatile roles, stars in the emotional drama "Hitudu," which hit the screens on December 11, 2015. Directed by Viplav, the film explores themes of education and resilience. Despite strong performances, particularly by Babu and Meera Nandan, the film struggles with pacing and narrative clarity. Read on for a detailed review of this unique cinematic experience.

Storyline

The narrative unfolds in the village of Paderu, where Sitaram (Jagapathi Babu), a reformed Naxalite, dedicates his life to promoting education. He establishes a school in Paderu and takes a keen interest in Abhilasha (Meera Nandan), a bright and cheerful student. Recognizing her potential, Sitaram becomes her mentor. However, Abhilasha faces significant challenges, prompting Sitaram to send her to another village to continue her education. The rest of the story revolves around how Sitaram supports Abhilasha in overcoming these obstacles to achieve her academic goals.

Positive Aspects

Performances

• Jagapathi Babu: Delivers a compelling performance, showcasing a range of emotions through his character's three distinct phases. His portrayal is both powerful and nuanced.
• Meera Nandan: Fits her role perfectly, delivering a convincing performance as a village girl with big dreams.
• Supporting Cast: Benerjee stands out in his role as a Naxalite, adding depth to the storyline.

Direction and Dialogues

• Viplav: The young director effectively communicates his vision through impactful dialogues that emphasize human values.
• Dialogues: The film features several meaningful and thought-provoking lines that resonate with the audience.

Negative Aspects

Lack of Commercial Elements

• Commercial Appeal: The film lacks the necessary commercial elements that typically attract a broader audience.
• Subplots: Numerous subplots create confusion and detract from the main narrative.
• Pacing: The story progresses slowly, becoming predictable after the first ten minutes.
• Runtime: The film's length is excessive, with songs interrupting the flow and making it feel dragged out.

Technical Aspects

• Music: While Koti's background score enhances the emotional scenes, the songs fail to leave an impression.
• Cinematography: Bharani's depiction of Vizag is visually appealing, adding a layer of authenticity to the setting.
• Editing: The editing is subpar, contributing to the film's prolonged and dragging feel. Several scenes could have been trimmed to improve pacing.

Verdict

"Hitudu" offers strong performances and an intriguing storyline, enriched by meaningful dialogues. However, its slow pace and lack of commercial appeal may not resonate with the general audience. Those who appreciate realistic, art-house cinema with a deliberate narrative style might find it worth watching. For others, it may be a pass.

Interesting Stats

• Jagapathi Babu's Versatility: Jagapathi Babu has appeared in over 120 films, showcasing his versatility across various genres (source).
• Education in Rural India: According to a 2020 report by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only 16% of children in rural India attend private schools, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the one depicted in "Hitudu" (source).

Conclusion

Overall, "Hitudu" is a film that stands out for its performances and thematic depth but falls short in execution and commercial viability. It is a commendable effort that may appeal to a niche audience interested in realistic and emotionally driven narratives.

For more insights into Telugu cinema, check out The Hindu's Entertainment Section and Times of India's Tollywood News.