RTI Movie Review: An In-Depth Look at the Telugu Film on ETV Win
The mini-cinema “RTI,” which stands for Right to Information, was released on ETV Win with a runtime of just 1 hour and 22 minutes. The film attempts to shed light on the importance of the Right to Information, but according to this review, it largely falls short, leaving a feeling of “scrap and outdated” content.
The Core Storyline of RTI
The basic plot of “RTI” begins with the suicide of Maya, a 10th-grade student. Doubting the circumstances, her parents approach the court, requesting a re-autopsy. The narrative then unfolds to uncover what truly happened and the underlying reasons behind Maya’s suicide. However, the reviewer notes that the premise of “winning a court case for justice” feels like a storyline seen in countless other films, lacking any real freshness.
Initial Impressions and Critiques on Narration
The movie’s strongest point, as highlighted by the reviewer, is a single scene featuring Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Rajendra Prasad in a courtroom. This scene effectively explains the importance of RTI to the public using an example of a ₹2 difference. Beyond this, the film’s attempt to discuss how private schools exert their influence is delivered with an “outdated presentation” and “silly narration.” The conclusion, advising parents to spend time with their children and understand their needs, is deemed “irrelevant” to the film’s core message. The reviewer also mentions the apparent trend of sequels, noting a tease for “RTI 2,” and expresses a general disinterest in the movie, stating it lacked novelty and failed to be engaging, even as a routine watch.
Technical and Logical Flaws
The film is riddled with technical and logical inconsistencies. The dubbing for Shashank’s character occasionally sounds like someone else, and the absence of sound effects for slap scenes is noticeably clear. Emotions throughout the film are described as “completely forced.” The logical gaps are significant: parents are present in court precisely when their case is being argued, the owner is conveniently present when Shashank’s character advises trusting Siddhu and selling brains, and a server is hacked to change results. Furthermore, a reason for a school’s declining reputation, kept hidden for two years, is suddenly revealed in front of everyone at a press meet, alongside allegations of the principal’s son being a drug addict and blaming the school. The entire process, despite the RTI bringing the case to light, culminates in an “irrelevant conclusion.”
Lack of Courtroom Drama and Pacing Issues
Despite the premise, the movie offers very little in terms of courtroom drama. The actual court scenes are estimated to last less than 15 minutes of the total runtime. A significant portion of the film’s duration is spent on “motivations,” with parents repeatedly pleading for justice, and scenes dedicated to showing locations like “this is the room, that’s the photo, she hanged herself here.” The reviewer also points out that the initial setup almost immediately gives away how events might have unfolded.
Performance and Character Utilization
The talents of Rajendra Prasad and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar are described as “not utilized properly.” Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s character is portrayed as handicapped without any clear explanation, leading the reviewer to speculate it might be addressed in a potential “Part 2.” Ravi Shankar’s character, appearing only in the last half hour, also makes little impact. The film’s conclusion, suggesting that “no criminals are worse than parents,” is considered “irrelevant.” Some scenes were shot lengthily, and others appeared to be placeholders simply to move the plot forward.
Production Values and Routine Approach
“RTI” suffers from “low production values” and a “routine approach.” The plot follows a common trope: a problem arises, and a sincere lawyer attempts to solve it, accompanied by “serial-like background music.”
Is RTI a Family Watch?
While there is no “visually adult content” in the movie, the reviewer warns that some terms used mid-film to assign blame might be “troubling” for a family audience.
Final Verdict and Rating
The reviewer suggests that the film might appeal to those “who never watch thrillers” or “mainly those who watch serials.” However, for the reviewer personally, “RTI” is considered an “outdated film.” The final rating given is 2 out of 5.
