TFN reviews Thammudu, produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations. Find out its key highlights and more!
Story:
Jay (Nithiin) is a professional archer who wants to reconnect with his beloved sister Kiranmayi Jhansi (Laya as a government officer) more than a decade after she got estranged from their family. When Jay and his childhood friend Chitra (Varsha Bollamma) set out to meet Jhansi, they discover that she is facing a threat from Agarwal (Saurabh Sachdeva), a cruel business tycoon who has to extricate himself out of a bomb blast case involving scores of deaths.
Analysis:
While almost all of Nithiin’s recent movies (with the exception of Rang De) had action blocks, fight sequences are integral to Thammudu. Since this is a survival drama, the nature of the fights is rightly episodic. By casting the actor as someone who is a pro at archery, director Venu Sriram sets up the male lead with conviction. Many of his moves during life-and-death situations seem believable because of this characterization.
The action directors (Vikram Mor, Real Satish, Ravi Verma, Ram Krishan) have to navigate VFX and multiple characters to make the fights seem engaging. B Ajaneesh Loknath’s songs (Jai Bhagalaamukhii, Bhuu Antuu Bhuutham) are effective. The cinematography (primarily by KV Guhan and also by Sameer Reddy, Setu) is good. Prawin Pudi has edited the movie. GM Sekhar’s art direction is decent.
The story takes place in a lawless village bordering AP and Chattisgarh. Sapthami Gowda plays the role of the village’s tourist-friendly executive. She develops a platonic relationship with the hero. Swasika plays Gutthi, a chauffeur whose character is not predictable. Deetya Sriram plays the hero’s niece. Srikanth Iyyengar plays the villain’s sidekick. Temper Vamsi has a negative role, while Hari Teja plays the relative of a bomb blast victim.
Laya and Varsha Bollamma get nearly equal screen space. They both support Nithiin’s performance in the course of the film. Saurabh Sachdeva is not a typical antagonist; he seethes with rage and is running out of time. As a fire accident victim who has a partial hearing disability, he shows his sadistic streak as well.
For both Nithiin and Venu Sriram, Thammudu is new territory. The film’s initial scenes set up the conflict. The hero’s reconnect with his sister comes with subtle sentimentality. The second half is more intense compared with the first hour.
This is a survival drama as well as an action thriller. That way, there was little scope for a full-fledged romantic track. The second half comes with some time-tested elements like a devotional scene. A pregnant woman’s agony is another element that the film explores for emotionalism.
Verdict:
Thammudu blends action and survival drama. The film benefits from believable characterization, well-executed action sequences, and strong supporting performances. While the romantic element is minimal, the film maintains intensity throughout, offering a compelling narration.
