Following the success of Balagam, several films have explored Telangana’s rural backdrop. Baapu, starring Brahmaji, Amani and Sudhakar Reddy, follows a similar path but leans into dark comedy instead of emotional drama. In Telangana, the term “Baapu” is often used to refer to one’s father or an elderly figure, which sets the tone for this film’s theme.
Story
Set in a Telangana village, the film revolves around Mallanna (Brahmaji), a debt-ridden cotton farmer struggling to support his father Rajayya (Sudhakar Reddy), wife Saroja (Amani), daughter (Dhanya Balakrishna), and son (Mani Aegurla). Hoping to clear his debts, Mallanna plans to sell his cotton, but his son’s mistake ruins the entire crop in the rain. Desperate, he contemplates suicide, believing his family would receive Rs 5 lakh in government compensation. However, his wife opposes this idea, suggesting an alternative—killing the elderly father instead.
Meanwhile, Chanti (Racha Ravi) discovers a gold idol but mysteriously loses it. What happens when Rajayya learns about his family’s deadly plan? Where did the gold idol go? The answers unfold in Baapu.
Analysis
While Balagam was an emotional drama rooted in Telangana’s culture, Baapu attempts a different approach by mixing dark comedy with a social issue. The film highlights the struggles of farmers but lacks the emotional depth needed to leave a lasting impact.
The premise has potential, especially when the family debates killing their father before the interval, which builds curiosity for the second half. However, the screenplay loses grip on the narrative post-interval. The climax feels rushed, and the humor in the latter half works only in parts. Compared to Balagam, Baapu falls short in execution and emotional engagement.
The film’s biggest strength is its realistic portrayal of rural life, as it was shot in an actual village. However, weak storytelling and limited production values hinder its impact. Director Dayakar Reddy, in his debut, shows promise but needs stronger writing and execution to fully bring his ideas to life.
Performances
Brahmaji delivers a stellar performance, proving once again why he is a versatile actor. His portrayal of Mallanna is both natural and engaging, making this one of his most memorable roles in recent times.
Sudhakar Reddy plays his part well, offering a few laughs, but his character lacks the emotional weight needed to connect deeply with the audience. Amani delivers another strong performance, while Dhanya Balakrishna does her job well despite her role being underwhelming. Young actor Mani Aegurla stands out with an impressive act. Avasarala, Racha Ravi and others provide solid support. RR Dhruvan’s music is a highlight, with a few good songs that complement the film’s setting.
Verdict
Baapu has an interesting concept and strong performances, especially from Brahmaji. However, the film struggles with emotional depth, inconsistent narration, and rushed storytelling. While the dark comedy works in places, it lacks the grip needed to make a lasting impact. This one may find appreciation in parts but is unlikely to achieve commercial success.
Cast: Brahmaji, Amani, Balagam Sudhakar Reddy, Dhanya Balakrishna, Avasarala, Racha Ravi, Mani Aegurla, and others
Music: RR Dhruvan
Cinematographer: Vasu Pendem
Producers: Raju, Ch Bhanuprasad Reddy
Writer & Director: Dayakar Reddy
Rating: 2.5/5
