Versatile actor Sumanth has returned with a new film titled Anaganaga, an emotional drama in which he portrays a class teacher named Vyas. Directed by Sunny Sanjay, the film is currently available for streaming on ETV Win. Kajal Choudhary features as the female lead, accompanied by Srinivas Avasarala, Viharsh Yadavalli, and others in key roles.
The movie is produced by Gaddam Rakesh under the Krishi Entertainments banner, with music provided by Chandra Sekar and Ravi Cherukuri. For those unfamiliar, Anaganaga is an official adaptation of the Marathi film Eka Kaay Zala.
Story
In the film, Vyas (played by Sumanth) is a teacher at a corporate school where his wife, Bhagyalakshmi (Kajal Chaudhary), serves as principal. Their son, Ram (Master Viharsh), struggles academically and ranks last in his class. Vyas employs a storytelling approach to teaching, believing it makes lessons more accessible for students. However, the school administration disapproves. Faced with pressure from Bhagyalakshmi regarding Ram’s performance, Vyas decides to challenge the system by founding a school for average students, determined to showcase the effectiveness of his teaching style. The remainder of Anaganaga unfolds through a series of incidents that shape the narrative.
Performances
Sumanth’s performance in Anaganaga feels fitting and authentic, especially given his past roles in Dhanush’s Sir and Golconda High School. He delivers a restrained yet heartfelt portrayal that elevates the story. While the film largely centers on him, the engaging performances from supporting characters enhance its overall charm. Kajal Chaudhary makes a respectable impression in her somewhat limited role, and young actor Viharsh Yadavalli stands out. Rakesh Rachakonda convincingly embodies his character, while Anu Haasan shines in a brief but memorable cameo. Conversely, Srinivas Avasarala seems underused, and BVS Ravi and Shiva Kandukuri lack sufficient screen time to make a lasting impact.
Behind the scenes
Chandu Ravi’s music, featuring an appealing score and catchy songs, effectively supports the film’s themes and helps forge an emotional connection with the audience. Despite some constraints imposed by locations and settings, Pavan Kumar Pappula’s cinematography remains visually captivating, further enhanced by stylish costumes and impressive production design. While the film’s pacing falters in the second half, the editing is crisp, preserving the overall energy and spirit of the narrative.
Final Analysis
The film begins at a slow pace with a familiar formula. Most viewers have a good understanding of corporate schools, making the initial segments predictable. The director takes time to develop Vyas’s character for the audience.
The climax is emotionally resonant. The contrasting viewpoints of Ram and Vyas are presented in a balanced manner during this pivotal moment. The father-son journey and Vyas’s efforts to guide his son are effectively narrated.
Overall, Anaganaga is a social drama that critically evaluates the current education system. Although the storyline may feel somewhat stale, the emotional performances, the focus on father-son relationships, the strong message, and the well-executed backdrop make it a worthwhile viewing experience, particularly for families with school going children.
