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Ghaati movie review: A raw revenge saga elevated by Anushka Shetty’s commanding screen presence

Ghaati starring Anushka Shetty keeps viewers engaged in the lead actress' metamorphosis by fusing well-known revenge-drama rhythms with mythic undertones, smuggling rackets, and tribal culture.

September 05, 2025 / 12:59 IST
Anushka Shettty in Ghaati

Anushka Shettty in Ghaati


The much-awaited Ghaati movie was released on September 5 in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi after several delays.

The film, which was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and produced by First Frame Entertainments with UV Creations presenting, depicts a brutal and complex revenge tale that is enmeshed in the legend and threat of the notorious Ghaati tribe.

The Plot

Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty), a woman deceived by her closest tribesmen, is at the centre of the story. Deprived of identity and safety, she turns her suffering into strength and sets out on a quest for retribution. The main plot point of the story is Sheelavathi's transformation from being a victim to a feared criminal and, ultimately, a legendary figure.

The movie keeps viewers engaged in her metamorphosis by fusing well-known revenge-drama rhythms with mythic undertones, smuggling rackets, and tribal culture.

Also Read: Ghaati twitter review: Film gets mixed reviews, but Anushka Shetty wins hearts: Fans call her "queen in action"

Analysis:

Grit is preferred over gloss by Krish Jagarlamudi. Ghaati has a lived-in feel because of its rough landscapes, unpolished textures, and unprocessed images. However, the pacing is erratic; the first act drags before the second half picks up speed. Without overpowering the realism, Krish's deft use of mythological symbolism—comparing Sheelavathi's ascent to Maa Sita destroying Ravana's Lanka—adds depth.

Performances

Without a doubt, Anushka Shetty is the heart of the movie. Her portrayal of Sheelavathi is striking, tough, and emotionally intense. It puts her in a mass avatar that hasn't been seen before, which is a welcome change from her previous roles.

Desi Raju, played by Vikram Prabhu, makes a self-assured Telugu debut and gives the part emotional weight. In his fleeting appearance, Jagapathi Babu exudes authority, and Chaitanya Rao Madadi makes an impression as Kundhul Naidu.

Devika Priyadarshini, Ravindra Vijay, and Jisshu Sengupta are examples of supporting names that blend in nicely with the tribal environment. Larissa Bonesi deserves special recognition for her remarkable appearance.

Verdict:

There are some issues with Ghaati, such as erratic pacing and underdeveloped subplots. However, Anushka Shetty's outstanding performance and Krish's captivating direction help it overcome its flaws. The result is a rough, unapologetic portrayal of a woman who accepts her scars and uses them as a tool for strength.

Director: Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Rajeev Reddy
cast: Anushka Shetty, Vikram PrabhuRating: 3.5/5

Bhawana Tanmayi is a Hyderabad-based freelance entertainment journalist. Views expressed are personal.
first published: Sep 5, 2025 12:55 pm

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