Anaganaga Oka Raju, starring Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary, hits theatres as a Sankranti release. Directed by Maari (known for Maari), the film features Rao Ramesh in a key role. Set against a rural backdrop, the movie promises a mix of fun, laughter, and emotion. Let’s see how it fares amidst the festival competition.

Plot Summary

Raju (Naveen Polishetty) is the grandson of Goparaju, the zamindar of Gouravapuram. His grandfather’s generosity leaves the family with no wealth. However, Raju dreams of living a lavish life, imagining how luxurious his world would have been if his grandfather’s fortune still existed. To fulfill his desire for comfort and luxury, he decides to marry into a rich family.

He meets Charulatha (Meenakshi Chaudhary), the only daughter of the wealthy Bhupathi Raju (Rao Ramesh) from Pedapalem. Raju launches “Operation Charulatha” with his friends, cleverly impressing both Charulatha and her father. Just as he feels he has achieved his dream life, a shocking truth comes to light — one that pushes him toward politics. What is that truth, and how does Raju’s life change after that? The rest of the story unfolds with this twist.

Analysis

There are two ways to narrate a familiar story — either by presenting it from a new angle or by making it more entertaining. Anaganaga Oka Raju belongs to the latter category. Director Maari has woven this tale around village life, rural politics, and human nature, keeping it engaging throughout.

The story revolves around a self-centered youth who dreams of a carefree, luxurious life. The director successfully uses this character to deliver steady entertainment. The “Operation Charulatha” episode in the first half and the political satire through social media in the second half provide plenty of laughs.

While the storyline itself isn’t new and the plot is mostly predictable, the fast-paced screenplay and witty dialogues keep the audience hooked. The film moves briskly without a single dull moment, ensuring constant engagement. Fun dialogues, vibrant songs, and a touch of emotion toward the end make the audience feel the movie ended too soon. Naveen Polishetty drives the film as a true one-man army.

Performances

Naveen Polishetty shines with his impeccable comic timing and energy. His performance elevates the otherwise simple story. Meenakshi Chaudhary looks stunning and adds glamour to the proceedings. Rao Ramesh plays his part with his usual charm and precision. The supporting cast, including Goparaju Ramana and Chammak Chandra, contribute well to the comedy and rural setup.

Technical Aspects

Director Maari deserves credit for maintaining a fast pace from start to finish without losing grip on the comedy. The screenplay feels tight and lively throughout.

Cinematographer Yuvaraj captures the village setting beautifully with rich, colorful visuals. Mickey J Meyer’s music and background score bring vibrancy and festive energy to the film. Editor Kalyan Shankar’s crisp editing ensures no scene feels dragged.

Dialogues are the film’s biggest strength — clever and naturally humorous lines like “White House still white gaane unda?”, “A girl with an Aadhaar card… another with a Green Card”, and “Goa without foreigners is like kova without milk” evoke hearty laughs.

Final Verdict

Sankranti is known for celebration, colors, and joy — and Anaganaga Oka Raju captures all that festive spirit perfectly. The film offers a fun-filled ride with humor, emotions, and a simple message — true happiness lies in sacrifice, not selfishness. A lively, family-friendly entertainer that’s perfect to enjoy this festive season with your loved ones.