This Sankranthi season, Anaganaga Okka Raju arrives with a promise of light-hearted fun and festive warmth. Starring Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the film blends breezy rural comedy with family-friendly humour, delivering a dose of entertainment that’s accessible to audiences of all ages. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does keep smiles intact from start to finish.
Story
Raju (Naveen Polishetty) is the heir to a once-prosperous Zamindar family, now left with little more than a prestigious name. His ancestors donated most of their wealth to the village, leaving him struggling to maintain the family’s stature. Determined to restore his fortunes, Raju devises “Operation Charulatha” — a plan to win the heart of Charulatha (Meenakshi Chaudhary), the spirited daughter of wealthy businessman Bhupthiraju (Rao Ramesh).
With a group of loyal friends and a devoted servant by his side, Raju sets out to impress Charu. But his journey is peppered with hilarious misadventures, unexpected emotional turns, and subtle social commentary. The story sticks to a familiar rural drama template but thrives on situational comedy and lively character interactions.a
Performances
Naveen Polishetty owns the role of Raju, playing to his strengths with impeccable comic timing and a natural ease on screen. Even when the plot ventures into predictable territory, his charisma keeps things engaging. Meenakshi Chaudhary complements him well, shining in both humour-laced scenes and energetic dance sequences.
Rao Ramesh, Tarak Ponnappa, Goparaju Ramana, and Chammak Chandra add their own flavour to the narrative, ensuring the supporting cast remains impactful. The chemistry among the ensemble elevates the film’s entertainment quotient.
Behind the Scenes
The screenplay, co-written by Chinmay and Naveen Polishetty, is tailored for clean, situational humour — steering clear of crass jokes or double meanings. This makes Anaganaga Okka Raju an easy watch for families. However, the editing leaves room for improvement, with abrupt scene transitions that occasionally disrupt the flow.
Mickey J Meyer’s music injects energy into the narrative, though the songs don’t linger long after the credits roll. Cinematography and production design are functional, with Raju’s colourful costumes standing out as a visual highlight.
Final Verdict
Anaganaga Okka Raju works best as a cheerful, festive entertainer. It may lean heavily on its comedy and avoid deep narrative complexity, but its wholesome humour and warm performances make it a pleasant watch — particularly with family during Sankranthi. Logic takes a back seat here, but the laughs are firmly in the driver’s seat.
Also Read:
Naveen Polishetty’s “Anaganaga Oka Raju” to Release on Sankranti: A Festive Comedy Treat
