Anaganaga Oka Raju Movie Review: What Works and What Doesn’t
The Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary-starrer Anaganaga Oka Raju hit theatres on Wednesday, coinciding with the Sankranthi celebrations. Directed by Maari, the Telugu film also features Rao Ramesh, Tarak Ponnappa, Goparaju Ramana, Chammak Chandra, Ananth Babu, Madhusudhan Rao, Mahesh Achanta, Bhadram, Kadambari Kiran Kumar, Bheemala Revanth, and Pavan Sai Subhash in supporting roles. With J. Yuvraj’s cinematography and Mickey J. Meyer’s music, the film generated a decent buzz through its trailers and promos.
So, does it live up to the audience expectations? Here’s what critics and viewers have to say:
What Works
Naveen Polishetty’s One-Man Show:
Almost everyone agrees that Naveen Polishetty steals the show, dominating the screen from start to finish. His comic timing, expressive body language, and engaging dialogue delivery keep the audience hooked, especially during the first half.
Comedy and Entertainment:
The first half, focused on a love story, is packed with laughter and pure, organic comedy, making it a hilarious ride.
Some fun blocks and witty one-liners land perfectly, ensuring that viewers stay entertained without dull moments.
Reviewers like Jagadeesh Chowdary and PaniPuri highlight it as a clean, family-friendly entertainer, perfect for Sankranthi.
Festive Appeal:
The film works well as a Sankranthi entertainer, offering feel-good emotions, light-hearted treatment, and relatable characters.
Meenakshi Chaudhary delivers a commendable performance, though the film primarily revolves around Naveen’s screen presence.
What Could Be Better
Predictable Storyline:
Critics note that the plot is simple and ordinary, with a somewhat predictable second half.
The film transitions from a love story in the first half to an election campaign in the second half, which slows down the pace.
Some comedy sequences in the latter half feel redundant or dragged, though the climax is handled decently.
Music and Songs:
While Mickey J. Meyer’s score complements the film, some reviewers feel the album could have been stronger for a festive entertainer.
A cameo appearance by Saanve Meghana in the song “Andhra to Telangana” adds a lively touch.
Audience and Critic Ratings
Jagadeesh Chowdary: Praises Naveen’s one-man show and calls the film a pure Sankranthi entertainer.
Movies and Stocks: Highlights nonstop energy and effective comedic timing throughout the film.
MSK: Rates it 3/5, noting nonstop comedy but a predictable ending.
Christopher Kanagaraj: Feels the film has heavy drag in the second half, calling it below average despite Naveen’s performance.
Venky Reviews: Calls it a simple timepass entertainer, with a strong first half and a slightly dragged second half.
INNOCENT EVIL: Rates it 3.5/5, appreciating the second half’s improvement toward the climax.
Overall Verdict:
Anaganaga Oka Raju is a simple, feel-good festival entertainer with honest emotions, strong lead performance, and engaging first half. The second half slows down a bit, but the heart of the film stays intact. It’s a clean, family-friendly watch, especially for Sankranthi audiences.
Rating: ☆3/5
