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35 Movie Review
35, directed by Nanda Kishore Emani and presented by Rana Daggubati’s Suresh Productions, is a heart-touching family drama that delicately explores the struggles of children and the imperfections in the education system. Released on September 6, this film marks a smooth transition from actor to producer for Vishwadev Rachakonda, who co-produces 35 alongside Siddharth Rallapalli and Srujan Yarabolu. It offers a wholesome family experience that focuses on relatable issues, particularly the challenges faced by children in school.
35 Movie Review
35 Movie Review
Plot Overview
The film centers around Prasad (Vishwadev) and Saraswathi (Nivetha Thomas), parents to two young boys, Arun and Varun, who belong to a middle-class Brahmin family in Tirupati. Prasad, a bus conductor and sole breadwinner, shoulders the family’s financial burdens, while Saraswathi, who only completed her education up to the tenth grade, manages the home. Their eldest son, Arun, struggles with math—a subject he can’t seem to grasp, despite his genuine curiosity and love for numbers. After years of being promoted through primary school despite failing, he’s held back in the sixth grade. To make matters worse, his math teacher, Chanakya (Priyadarshi), ridicules him, further alienating Arun from his classmates and friends.
35 Movie Review
The film’s central conflict revolves around Arun’s attempts to overcome his academic struggles, gain his peers’ respect, and understand the world of numbers better. 35 weaves together these emotional challenges, drawing viewers into the family’s journey with authenticity and heart.
Performances
Nivetha Thomas shines as the emotional anchor of the film, portraying Saraswathi with a quiet strength that grounds the narrative. Her performance is both relatable and deeply moving, representing the hopes and struggles of countless mothers. Vishwadev’s portrayal of Prasad is equally nuanced, reminding us of our fathers and the sacrifices they make for their families.
35 Movie Review
Priyadarshi, as the strict math teacher, delivers a strong performance, blending humor and seriousness in his depiction of a character we can all relate to from our school days. The child actors, including Master Arun and Master Abhay, impress with their natural performances, striking the right emotional chords without ever overacting.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Niketh Bommi elevates 35 to a visual delight, bringing Tirupati’s beauty to life on the big screen. Every frame is carefully crafted to enhance the film’s emotional depth. The lighting choices are subtle yet effective, giving the film a warm, inviting look.
35 Movie Review
One notable technical choice is the film’s use of sync sound, adding to its realism. However, this technique sometimes causes dialogues to get lost amid background noise and music, creating a slight disconnect in a few key scenes. Despite this, the soundtrack by Vivek Sagar is simple, soulful, and complements the narrative beautifully.
The decision to shoot in authentic locations around Tirupati further grounds the story, making the family’s life feel even more relatable and genuine. Their house and surroundings reflect the simple yet complex dynamics of a middle-class household.
35 Movie Review
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Nivetha Thomas’s performance: She breathes life into the role of a caring mother, making her the heart of the movie.
- Emotional depth: The film taps into universal themes of family, education, and the struggles of childhood, resonating with audiences of all ages.
- Cinematography: The visuals add a rich texture to the film, bringing Tirupati’s local flavor to the forefront.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing: The film slows down at parts, which may affect the engagement levels of some viewers.
- Integration of the central issue: While 35 addresses important problems within the education system, the representation of Arun’s math struggles sometimes feels like an adult’s interpretation of a child’s problem, rather than a truly authentic portrayal.
Analysis
At its core, 35 is a film with heart and soul. It takes a close look at the so-called “small” problems in life, such as a child’s struggle with math, and reminds us that even the smallest hurdles can feel monumental when you’re young. The film’s catchphrase, “chinna katha kaadhu,” highlights this very idea—that no problem is too small if it impacts your life in a big way.
For viewers, especially parents and children, the film will evoke memories of their own experiences with school and family. The writing is sharp enough to leave a lasting impact, with even the minor characters contributing significantly to the narrative.
Final Thoughts
35 is a film that deserves to be celebrated for its honest portrayal of middle-class life and the challenges children face within an unimaginative education system. The performances, particularly from Nivetha Thomas and Vishwadev, elevate the film, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking an emotional, heartwarming cinematic experience. While it may not be a mass entertainer, 35 has enough charm to leave a lasting impression.
35 Movie Review
Rating: 3/5
In conclusion, 35 is a clean, well-crafted family drama that is worth your time for its emotional storytelling, strong performances, and relatable themes. It’s a reminder that every problem, no matter how small, carries weight in our lives.
35 Movie Review
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