35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Review: Nivetha Thomas's stellar performance makes all the difference

3/5

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story

The film is set in the small town of Tirupathi. Saraswati(Nivetha Thomas) and Prasad(Vishwadev Rachakonda) are a lower-middle-class Brahmin couple who live with their sons, Arun and Varun. The elder one, Arun is weak in Math and gets zero marks in all the tests. Things change when a wicked school teacher Chanakya(Priyadarshi) enters the scenes and gets Arun demoted to his younger brother's class. This change breaks Saraswati as a mother. The school management gives Arun one last chance to pass the Math exam and if failed, they will kick him out of the school. The rest of the story is about how Saraswati, who is also a tenth fail helps her son get over his fears and pass the exam is the crux of the film.

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story Review

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story is presented by Rana Daggubati. After watching a special show, he loved the family drama and decided to back it and also promote it aggressively. Well, does 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story live up to all the hype, the answer is a yes and a no. While the emotions and performances take center stage, the narrative is slow and predictable for the most part.

Credit should go to Nanda Kishore for setting up a simple film with a very interesting backdrop. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story showcases the story of all those kids who are weak in studies and need a little push from their parents. The best part of the story is that director Nanda Kishore gives the female lead, Nivetha Thomas a struggle within herself to prove a point. So, when her son is pushed into chaos, she has to fight her inner demons and come out victorious.

All this is showcased in the second half. But to enjoy this, one has to sit through the slow first half. Things move on only in the second half and the entire first hour showcases the lives of various characters, and how Arun struggles in school. There are a few moments related to the school comedy which is quite good. Also, how Nivetha Thomas holds your attention with your performance is the best part.

But how things change how organically the kid changes and how the character of Saraswati uplifts her son despite the lack of her husband's support is the best part of the film. At the same time, one also gets a feeling that the inner struggles of Saraswati and how she overcomes them should have been showcased in a more detailed manner.

The proceedings in the second half are more about the son than the mother. But the conversations between the lead pair, how they lead a simple and happy life is showcased so well. The production design, minute details of the Brahmin family, and how they think about small issues in life are etched out beautifully by the director.

Coming to the performances, Nivetha Thomas once again delivers a stellar performance. She, as a typical housewife, is put through a massive test to prove herself and help her son give an award-winning performance. It is only because of Nivetha Thomas that things look so endearing in the film. Be it her talk, walk, or the way she expresses through her eyes, Nivetha is just too good.

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Vihswadev Rachakonda, who plays the husband is also superb. His look, dialogue modulation, and chemistry with Nivetha are just amazing. The Child actor who played the role of Arun is amazing and showcases beautiful emotions. Priyadarshi Pulikonda is a treat to watch on screen. He plays a school teacher with negative shades but does not go overboard even in one scene. All his scenes with the school kids evoke decent laughs. Bhagyaraj is seen as the school principal and he is okay.

Senior actress, Gautami plays a mentor and does well. But her role should have been developed even more. Vivek Sagara has composed the music and his songs and BGM uplift the proceedings. The camerawork, production design, and dialogue are superb. The conversation between the husband and wife is showcased in a very impressive manner.

A lot of detailing has gone when it comes to locations, costumes, and sets. All this was showcased so well and became a character in the film. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story is a very endearing film that showcases the beautiful emotions of a lower-middle-class family. While moments of strong emotions keep you engrossed in the narrative, the slow pace also makes you a bit uncomfortable.

35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Verdict

On the whole, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story is a feel-good family drama that has strong emotions and an amazing performance by Nivetha Thomas. The only issue is the pacing and if you are okay with this aspect, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Story ends up as an endearing watch this weekend.

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