Anushka Shetty‘s latest release Ghaati is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, and while viewers have widely appreciated the actress’s intensity and screen presence, the film itself has failed to impress most audiences. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, this action drama set against the backdrop of ganja cultivation on the Andhra-Odisha border promised much but delivered only Anushka’s stellar performance as its saving grace.
Table of Contents
Ghaati: Quick Overview
| Film Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Krish Jagarlamudi |
| Lead Actress | Anushka Shetty as Sheelavati |
| Supporting Cast | Vikram Prabhu, Jisshu Sengupta, Larissa Bonesi |
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama |
| OTT Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Theatrical Release | September 2024 |
| Language | Telugu |
| Setting | Andhra-Odisha border (Koraput region) |
| IMDB Rating | 4.4/10 |
The story follows Ghaatis Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu) who break away from ganja kingpin Kaastala Naidu to start their own business, only to face devastating consequences when Naidu ruins their lives.
What Works: Anushka’s Commanding Presence
Anushka Shetty is the backbone of Ghaati and delivers a powerhouse performance as Sheelavati, with her intensity in emotional and action-driven scenes adding immense weight to the narrative. Her transformation from a victim to the “Queen of the Valley” showcases the range that made her a pan-Indian star through films like Baahubali.
Physical Transformation: Anushka’s commitment to the role is evident in her action sequences, where she performs with conviction and raw energy that recalls her best work.
Emotional Depth: Despite the film’s weak writing, she manages to convey Sheelavati’s pain, rage, and determination through nuanced expressions that transcend the script’s limitations.
Screen Dominance: Every frame featuring Anushka crackles with intensity, proving once again why she remains one of South Indian cinema’s most bankable female stars.
Where It Fails: Writing and Execution Issues
The film suffers from weak writing and dull execution, with several characters that could have been better developed. Despite generating expectations before its theatrical release, Ghaati’s narrative fails to capitalize on its promising premise.
Pacing Problems: The revenge drama works only in parts, with inconsistent momentum that fails to maintain audience engagement throughout the runtime.
Underdeveloped Characters: Supporting characters like Jisshu Sengupta’s business tycoon Mr. Mandhani and Larissa Bonesi’s elite lobbyist Nirali Roy remain one-dimensional, existing merely to move the plot forward.
Predictable Plot: The revenge narrative follows familiar beats without offering fresh perspectives or surprising twists that could elevate the material.
The Andhra-Odisha Border Setting
Shot extensively in Koraput, Odisha, the film showcases the region’s picturesque landscapes, which have since become a tourist attraction. The authentic locations add production value and gritty realism to the ganja cultivation backdrop.
This regional specificity provides Ghaati with distinctive visual identity, differentiating it from generic action dramas. The cinematography captures both the beauty and harsh realities of the border communities involved in the illegal trade.
Supporting Cast Performance
Vikram Prabhu provides solid support in his role as Desi Raju, bringing sincerity and depth to a character that serves as Sheelavati’s moral anchor before tragedy strikes. His Telugu debut shows promise despite the material’s limitations.
The ensemble cast, including VTV Ganesh as M.P. Bojjayya, adds flavor to the narrative, though their characters lack the development needed to make lasting impressions beyond their functional roles.
Director Krish Jagarlamudi’s Vision
Known for historical dramas like Gautamiputra Satakarni and Kanche, director Krish attempts to blend commercial entertainment with social commentary about cannabis cultivation’s societal impact. However, the execution doesn’t match the ambition.
The director’s trademark attention to regional authenticity is evident in location choices and cultural details, but these strengths can’t compensate for fundamental storytelling weaknesses that plague the narrative.
OTT Reception vs. Theatrical Performance
The response has been lukewarm so far, with only Anushka’s stellar acting being talked about positively. This disconnect between star performance and overall film quality highlights a recurring challenge in star-driven Indian cinema.
The streaming platform release on Amazon Prime Video gives Ghaati a second chance with audiences who might have skipped its theatrical run. However, early OTT reviews suggest similar reactions—appreciation for Anushka, disappointment with the film.
Social Message Gets Lost
The film brings awareness about how cannabis is grown and the societal and moral complexities surrounding it. This noble intention of highlighting exploitation of border communities gets buried under conventional revenge drama tropes.
The climax attempts to convey that justice lies not just in revenge, but in breaking the cycle of exploitation entirely, with Sheelavathi taking a final stand to stop the ganja business and lead the Ghaatis towards an honest and dignified life. This meaningful message deserved better storytelling to make genuine impact.
Technical Aspects and Production Quality
The action choreography showcases Anushka in physically demanding sequences that required significant preparation. The fight sequences, while competently executed, lack the innovation or style that could distinguish them from standard action fare.
The musical score and background music support the narrative without being memorable. Cinematography captures the rustic beauty of the Koraput region effectively, though editing could have been tighter to improve pacing.
Audience Verdict: A Mixed Bag
Fans who love Anushka Shetty will find value in watching her commanding performance, which alone justifies a viewing for her devoted following. However, those seeking a cohesive, engaging action drama will likely feel disappointed by the film’s structural weaknesses.
The technology-driven entertainment landscape allows such films to find niche audiences who value star performances over overall execution, which may help Ghaati maintain some OTT viewership despite critical reception.
Final Thoughts
Ghaati represents a missed opportunity—a compelling premise, authentic setting, and powerhouse lead performance undermined by weak writing and inconsistent execution. Anushka Shetty deserved a better script to showcase her undeniable screen presence and acting prowess.
For Anushka fans, it’s a must-watch to witness another intense performance from the Baahubali star. For general audiences, temper expectations and appreciate the performance rather than expecting a satisfying cinematic experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ghaati worth watching on Amazon Prime Video despite mixed reviews?
A: If you’re an Anushka Shetty fan, absolutely yes—her powerhouse performance as Sheelavati is worth the watch alone. However, if you’re looking for a well-crafted action drama with tight writing, you might be disappointed. The film works in parts but suffers from weak writing and dull execution despite its promising premise about ganja cultivation on the Andhra-Odisha border. Viewers widely appreciated Anushka’s intensity and screen presence, while the film itself failed to leave a lasting impact. Watch it for Anushka’s performance and the authentic Koraput, Odisha locations, but don’t expect a cohesive revenge thriller.
Q: What is the story of Ghaati and why did it receive lukewarm response?
A: Ghaati follows Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) and Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), who break away from ganja kingpin Kaastala Naidu to start their own business. When Naidu destroys their lives, causing Sheelavathi deep personal loss, she embarks on a revenge mission. The film received lukewarm response because despite Anushka’s stellar performance and authentic border region setting, it suffers from predictable plotting, underdeveloped supporting characters, and inconsistent pacing. Director Krish Jagarlamudi’s social message about breaking exploitation cycles gets buried under conventional revenge drama tropes, making only Anushka’s acting the talking point rather than the film itself.
