OTT Review:
Release Date: December 28, 2025
Streaming Platform: ETV Win
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Cast: Rajeev Kanakala, Swaroop Sanjay, Sugi Vijay, Radhya
Director: Sai Kiran Sunkoju
Production: RR Talkies
Music: Shashank Bhaskaruni
Cinematography: P. Kalyan Kumar
Editing: Srikanth Patnaik
ETV Win continues its Katha Sudha anthology with Asmi, a compact yet ambitious Telugu short film that attempts to explore the conflict between artistic integrity and commercial survival. Anchored by a seasoned performance from Rajeev Kanakala and a confident turn by Swaroop Sanjay, Asmi dares to conclude with an unconventional and unsettling climax.
Story:
Vikram (Swaroop Sanjay) is a young aspiring filmmaker who dreams of making it big by adapting himself to changing cinematic trends. Sharing his living space is an elderly, once-passionate but now failed filmmaker (Rajeev Kanakala), a man who believes cinema must remain loyal to its soul, regardless of market demands.
While Vikram chases opportunities, one crucial chance slips through his fingers. At this turning point, the role played by Rajeev Kanakala becomes pivotal. Why do Vikram and a child living with them treat the senior filmmaker with disrespect? What is the hidden bond between these characters? And what is the shocking truth revealed in the final moments?
The answers unfold in a climax designed to disturb, surprise, and provoke reflection.
What Works
The film’s biggest strength lies in its daring climax. Much like C/o Kancharapalem, Asmi risks alienation by opting for an unexpected ending but the gamble largely pays off. The final revelation reframes the entire narrative and leaves the viewer contemplative.
Rajeev Kanakala delivers a controlled yet emotionally loaded performance, while Swaroop Sanjay matches him scene for scene. Their extended dialogue sequences—often delivered in single takes—demonstrate strong command over performance and timing. The emotional exchanges between them form the film’s dramatic backbone.
The climactic twist, though understated, provides a quiet shock that lingers after the credits roll.
What Doesn’t Work;
Despite its intriguing premise, Asmi may not appeal equally to all viewers. Certain scenes especially those depicting the younger characters speaking rudely to Rajeev’s character can feel uncomfortable and excessive. While these moments are justified thematically in the climax, the execution might test audience patience.
The female lead’s track feels underdeveloped and misplaced. Her soft-voiced dubbing and narrative arc fail to integrate organically into the core theme, occasionally disrupting the film’s emotional rhythm.
Some sequences could have benefited from subtler writing particularly the choice of aggressive dialogue where restraint may have enhanced realism.
Technical Merits:
From a technical standpoint, Asmi is solid. The cinematography complements the film’s emotional tone, and the background score subtly elevates key moments without overwhelming the narrative. Editing remains crisp, ensuring the short runtime works in the film’s favor.
Director Sai Kiran Sunkoju deserves credit for attempting a concept-driven narrative rather than opting for safe storytelling. While the intent is commendable, finer detailing especially in character interactions could have elevated the impact further.
Verdict:
Asmi is a bold and sincere short film that surprises more than it satisfies conventionally. Its strength lies in its thought-provoking climax and committed performances, even though minor narrative flaws hold it back from being truly exceptional.
Despite its imperfections, Asmi is worth a watch for viewers who appreciate experimental storytelling and layered narratives. Available on ETV Win, this short film deserves a try especially for its final act.
Final Word: Watch it for the performances and the unexpected ending.
