Ghaati Movie Review: Anushka’s comeback is marred by underwritten roles and uninspired narration.

Krish, known for crafting stories steeped in history and cultural depth, attempts to do the same with Ghaati, a film that sets out to explore resistance, resilience, and rebellion through an unusual cultural backdrop. Featuring Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu, the film aims to present a powerful transformation arc for its lead character, Sheela. But despite the potential, Ghaati falters in execution and ends up a forgettable revenge drama.

The premise is compelling on paper. Sheela’s peaceful life is disrupted by external forces, forcing her into a fight to protect her people. The opening hour holds some promise, largely due to the novelty of its setting. The Ghaati region, rarely explored in Telugu cinema, adds a sense of freshness. However, the narrative fails to make the most of it. Instead of building around Sheela, the focus often shifts to Desi Raju, played by Vikram Prabhu, who ends up with disproportionate screen time.

Vikram plays his role with sincerity, but his unfamiliarity with the Telugu audience makes it harder to establish an emotional connection. Meanwhile, Anushka expected to carry the film is underutilized. Her character lacks urgency, and the writing doesn’t give her the emotional arc needed to anchor the story. By the interval, the film feels adrift, with little emotional weight or momentum.

The second half, expected to showcase Sheela’s transformation, slips into formula. What could have been a gripping journey turns into a routine revenge saga. The confrontations are predictable, the tension lacks edge, and the central antagonist (played by Chaitanya Rao) feels completely miscast. His portrayal is one-dimensional, and the character never evolves into a real threat. The climax, meant to be empowering, ends up flat and uninspired.

Performance-wise, the disappointment stems from weak writing rather than lack of effort. Anushka does her best with what she’s given, but the script offers her no memorable moments or impactful lines. Vikram Prabhu, while competent, feels misplaced as the narrative never clearly defines whose story it really is. The supporting cast is reduced to caricatures, and their roles add little to the central conflict.

On the technical front, Ghaati also underwhelms. Sagar Nagavelli’s music often works against the tone—especially the background score, which is distractingly loud. The songs feel tacked on, offering neither emotional depth nor aesthetic appeal. Cinematography misses the chance to highlight the raw beauty of the setting, and the editing fails to maintain a consistent rhythm, making the film feel longer than it is.