Anaganaga Oka Raju Movie Review:
By Muralikrishna/ Senior Film Critic
Rating: 3/5
With a reputation for choosing unconventional scripts and delivering sharp, self-aware performances, Naveen Polishetty has carved a niche for himself in contemporary Telugu cinema. His latest outing, Anaganaga Oka Raju, which he also co-wrote, is positioned as a festive family entertainer. Directed by Maari and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the Sithara Entertainments banner, the film stars Meenakshi Chaudhary as the female lead and released during the Sankranti season.
Story:
Raju (Naveen Polishetty) is the grandson of a once-wealthy zamindar who squandered away the family fortune on frivolous pursuits. Left with no inheritance, Raju survives on appearances borrowing money to perform acts of charity and projecting an illusion of aristocracy. When a close friend instantly becomes rich by marrying into wealth, Raju too aspires for a similar shortcut to prosperity. His pursuit leads him to Charulatha (Meenakshi Chaudhary), the daughter of a billionaire, whom he successfully woos and marries.
However, on the very first night of their marriage, Raju’s dreams come crashing down. What exactly goes wrong? Why does a man desperate to become rich end up contesting elections for a president’s post? These questions form the crux of Anaganaga Oka Raju.
Performances:
Naveen Polishetty is both the film’s biggest strength and, to a minor extent, its limitation. He shoulders the narrative almost entirely, delivering impeccable timing and energy. While one-man shows work well in mass entertainers, comedy films demand strong support characters to amplify the humor. Here, Naveen dominates most scenes, leaving limited space for others to contribute meaningfully. Still, even when certain punchlines fail to land, his screen presence keeps the film engaging. His involvement as a writer is evident throughout.
Meenakshi Chaudhary delivers one of her more balanced performances, moving beyond mere glamour. She handles both comedy and emotion with ease, making her character more than just a decorative presence.
Rao Ramesh, despite limited screen time, leaves a solid impact. Tarak Ponnappa looks convincing but his role lacks depth. Comedians like Chammak Chandra and Rangasthalam Mahesh manage to generate decent laughs.
Technical Aspects:
Mickey J Meyer’s music is a disappointment. The soundtrack lacks the energy expected from a fun-filled family entertainer. Yuvaraj’s cinematography and the production design, however, stand out, lending the film a visually rich yet organic feel.
Director Maari’s work doesn’t leave a strong impression. The film suffers from uneven scene composition and narrative flow, though it would be unfair to attribute all shortcomings solely to him. Writer and creative director Chinmayi could have paid more attention to the first half, where many jokes fail to click. The emotional second half and the closing sequences help redeem the film to an extent.
Analysis:
Village settings, marriage-driven plots, and election backdrops are familiar territory in Telugu cinema, explored earlier by actors like Vinod Kumar and Allari Naresh. Naveen Polishetty follows the same template but misses the organic, situational comedy that defined his earlier successes. The heavy reliance on single-line punch dialogues often backfires.
Despite its flaws, Anaganaga Oka Raju remains a watchable festive release, especially for families looking for light-hearted entertainment during the holiday season.
