Ashlesha Thakur, renowned for her role as a child artist in the acclaimed web series The Family Man, is set to make her Tollywood debut as the female lead in Shantala. Directed by Peddireddy Seshu Babu, the film is scheduled for release on December 15, 2023. The anticipation surrounding the movie has heightened, especially with former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu commending the film and even recommending it for an award. The growing expectations reflect the buzz and excitement surrounding Ashlesha Thakur's debut in Telugu cinema.

Story:

In the turbulent narrative of Shantala, the orphaned protagonist, Shantala ( Ashlesha Thakur), is incensed by the tyrannical actions of the all-powerful Zamindar (Vinod Kumar). The oppressive reign of the Zamindar, who preys on young girls, fuels Shantala's determination. In an unexpected turn of events, the Zamindar becomes captivated by Shantala's beauty and endeavors to possess her at any cost. However, to her dismay, Shantala mysteriously disappears, setting in motion a series of intriguing events.

The unfolding story introduces Rajasekhar (Nihal Kodhaty) and the enigmatic dance teacher (Manju Bharghavi), adding layers of complexity and curiosity to the narrative. Unraveling the mysteries, the film delves into Shantala's connection to the illustrious queen, Shantala Devi (Veena Nair), posing captivating questions that propel the storyline forward.

Analysis:

Ashlesha Thakur delivered an impressive debut performance, showcasing her versatility by expressing a range of emotions—love, fear, anger, outrage, and bravery—with commendable skill. Notably, her adept dancing in classical form added an extra layer to her talent, captivating audiences with her on-screen presence.

Nihal Kodhaty portrayed the role of an innocent lover with fitting authenticity, conveying the purity of love through his expressive eyes. Vinod Kumar, in the menacing role of the Zamindar, commanded the screen with a powerful body language that heightened the impact of his character. Manju Bharghavi's portrayal as a dancer was well-executed, and supporting cast members such as Veena Nayar, Rekha Nirosha, Anand Chakrapani, and Siva Parvathi performed aptly in their respective roles.

Director Peddireddy Seshu Babu introduced an intriguing storyline that highlights the strength of women. While the period connection adds an element of interest, the pacing of the film is uneven, with a slow buildup that may test viewers' patience. The real essence of the story unfolds towards the end of the first half, setting the stage for a more engaging second half.

The latter part of the film gains momentum, delving into the core issues with a slightly faster pace. However, the narrative encounters some predictability and a touch of routine flavor, impacting the overall experience. The film concludes somewhat abruptly, with Shantala fulfilling her mission, leaving audiences with a feeling of haste.

The dialogues are realistic and effectively convey the essence of the scenes. Vishal Chandrasekhar's musical compositions, both songs and background score, contribute beautifully to the film's atmosphere, complementing the storyline. Ramesh's cinematography authentically captures the village setting, providing a natural and realistic backdrop. On the other hand, Sasank Vupputuri's editing could have been more assertive, ensuring a smoother flow in certain sequences.

Overall, the film boasts decent production values and successfully brings attention to women's empowerment, supported by strong performances and well-crafted musical elements.

Verdict:

Ashlesha Thakur, making her debut as Shantala, delivered a spirited and commendable performance. Her excellence in dance added a layer of authenticity to her portrayal, and she did justice to her role with conviction. However, director Peddireddy Seshu Babu's storyline, while showcasing AshleshaThakur's talent, suffered from predictability, diminishing the overall intensity of the narrative.

Though the director touched upon crucial women's issues and sought to highlight their empowerment, the exploration of these themes fell short of reaching its full potential. A more in-depth exploration of these aspects could have elevated "Shantala" to make a more profound and impactful statement. Despite its shortcomings, AshleshaThakur's spirited performance remains a standout element in the film.