Repati Velugu (Pottammuri Velicham) Movie Review: A Slow-Paced Take on Marital Rape and Domestic Violence
“Repati Velugu,” originally released in Malayalam in 2017 as “Pottammuri Velicham” with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes, was a Kerala State Award winner. It has now been dubbed into Telugu and released on ETV Win. While the film aimed to deliver a significant message, the viewing experience, according to critics, left much to be desired due to its pacing and narrative style.
The Premise: A New Bride’s Bitter Journey
The basic storyline opens with a newly married couple making their way to their home situated on a mountain hill. The house itself appears fragile, as if a strong gust of wind could bring it down. The core of the story revolves around the bitter experiences faced by the new bride in a setting marked by poverty.
Pacing and Narrative: An Ultra-Lag Experience
The film has been criticized for its extremely slow pacing. Reviewers felt that the entire 1 hour and 36 minutes could have easily been condensed into a 30 to 40-minute short film. Minor actions like walking, returning, and running were reportedly stretched out significantly, leading to “ultra lag movements.” The narration was so drawn out that viewers questioned “what is the story?” even an hour into the film. Even small details were shown for hours, contributing to a sense of being intentionally dragged. The climax felt conveniently placed, and the ending left viewers confused, questioning its direction.
Message and Themes: Marital Rape vs. Domestic Violence
The movie culminates with a message regarding marital rape. However, while marital rape is the stated message, the film reportedly highlighted domestic violence and portrayed the husband as a psycho more prominently, with this aspect dominating the narrative. This focus shifted the primary message that the film seemingly intended to convey.
Performances and Locations: Glimmers of Positivity
Despite the narrative shortcomings, certain elements received praise. The character of the homemaker, in particular, offered a connecting performance, along with the performances of other cast members. The movie also featured good locations, which were noted as a positive aspect.
Who is This Movie For?
“Repati Velugu” might resonate with women who have experienced the struggles of an unwanted marriage. However, for others, it comes across as a slow film accompanied by music reminiscent of a television serial. While it can generally be watched with family, there are two or three instances that might cause some discomfort. Ultimately, it is suggested that this movie is suitable for a very limited section of the audience.
Final Verdict and Rating
The overall consensus is that the film’s message would have been far more impactful as a short film. It is evident that the movie was intentionally drawn out, making it a very slow watch. Given the experience, a rating of 2.25 out of 5 was provided.
