Rating: 3/5
Premier Snapshot
Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, Ghaati arrives as a gritty Telugu action crime drama with Anushka Shetty leading the charge. Backed by First Frame Entertainments and presented by UV Creations, the film also features Vikram Prabhu, Chaitanya Rao Madadi, and Jagapathi Babu. With Anushka’s comeback and Krish’s trademark storytelling, the film has become one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Plot in a nutshell
Set in the Eastern Ghats, the story revolves around the life of ghaatis (porters) who transport Sheelavathi (a drug) across the hills. The trade happens along the Andhra–Odisha border, where the porters must cross over to get higher value for the product. Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and Desi (Venkat Prabhu), one of the ghaatis, decide to go against the local cartel for their own reasons. What happens when the cartel finds out about them, and how things unfold, forms the rest of the story.
Performances to Remember
The heart of the film is Anushka Shetty. Her return to the big screen after a long gap is a treat in itself, and she delivers with full force. Whether it’s tender emotions, playful charm, or explosive rage, she carries the film on her shoulders and reminds us why she’s a superstar. Vikram Prabhu does justice to his role, though the character doesn’t give him much new ground to explore.
Chaitanya Rao, on the other hand, continues to impress and prove his growing talent, adding freshness to the film. Jagapathi Babu brings intensity with his commanding dialogue delivery, while John Vijay stands out as a cunning police officer. Supporting names like VTV Ganesh and Ravindra Vijay also shine in their parts, ensuring the ensemble cast feels well-rounded.
Moments to Watch For
The clashes between the ghaatis and the police provide some of the most gripping moments, keeping the tension alive. But it is Anushka’s fiery rage in the second half that steals the spotlight, with her solo fight sequences turning into true whistle-worthy scenes.
The latter half of the film remains largely engaging, carried almost entirely by Anushka’s commanding screen presence. Her performance and intensity hold the narrative together, making those portions the real highlights to watch out for.
Where It Fails
The film sets up the idea that ghaatis are strong, whether men or women, so naturally one expects that spirit to come alive in action. But in the first half, Anushka’s character is shown a bit too vulnerable, which feels inconsistent with that setup. The pre-interval and interval episodes also do not create the expected impact as they lack both logic and the punch needed to elevate the flow.
Songs, though visually capturing the work of the ghaatis, end up distracting from the core narrative in the first half. And while the concept itself is fresh, revolving around porters and the cartel, the way it is narrated makes several moments feel predictable instead of surprising.
Verdict & Re-watch Value
Ghaati benefits from its unique backdrop and Anushka Shetty’s commanding comeback, with the second half delivering engaging, whistle-worthy moments. However, the film struggles with a sluggish first half, distracting songs, and predictable narration that limit its overall impact. It remains a watchable action drama largely elevated by Anushka’s performance, carrying a decent re-watch value for her fans.
