Ghaati Telugu Movie Review 2025: Anushka Shetty’s Gritty Comeback in a Tale of Betrayal and Power

Ghaati: A Bold and Gritty Crime Drama

Ghaati is a Telugu-language action crime drama that also released in Tamil Hindi Kannada and Malayalam ensuring a wide reach across India. Produced by Yeduguru Rajeev Reddy and Saibabu Jagarlamudi under First Frame Entertainments and presented by UV Creations the film features Anushka Shetty in a never-before-seen avatar. Known for her versatile roles in films like Baahubali and Bhaagamathie Anushka takes on the challenging role of Sheelavathi a woman who transforms from a victim to a formidable criminal legend. With a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minute Ghaati promises a rollercoaster of emotions action and drama.

The film’s backdrop is the notorious Ghaati tribe infamous for its cannabis cultivation and smuggling. This rustic setting, combined with a revenge-driven narrative makes Ghaati a unique addition to the Telugu cinema landscape in 2025.

A Tale of Betrayal, Survival and Vengeance

Ghaati revolves around Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty) a woman who faces betrayal from her business partners within her tribe. Stripped of her security and identity Sheelavathi’s life takes a devastating turn. However instead of succumbing to despair she channels her pain into a relentless pursuit of vengeance and power. The story traces her transformation from a victim to a dreaded criminal ultimately becoming a legend in the Ghaati tribe’s underworld.

The screenplay crafted by Krish Jagarlamudi Chintakindi Srinivas Rao and Sai Madhav Burra weaves a narrative that blends raw tribal culture with smuggling intrigue. While the revenge drama trope is familiar Ghaati stands out by embedding mythological undertones subtly likening Sheelavathi’s journey to a modern-day epic. The plot is engaging with the second half gaining momentum through intense action sequences and emotional highs. However the first act feels slightly stretched taking time to establish the gritty world of the Ghaati tribe.

The film’s pacing picks up post-interval with Sheelavathi’s rage and transformation taking centre stage. The climax is particularly satisfying delivering a “full meals” experience as one viewer aptly described on social media. Despite some lagging scenes and a slightly flat backstory the narrative keeps you hooked making Ghaati a compelling watch for fans of action-packed crime dramas.

Anushka Shetty Steals the Show

Anushka Shetty is the heart and soul of Ghaati. Her portrayal of Sheelavathi is both rugged and emotionally charged showcasing her versatility as an actor. From her intense gaze to her commanding screen presence Anushka carries the film on her shoulders. Her transformation from a betrayed woman to a powerful criminal is believable and gripping making her character arc the highlight of the movie. Fans have lauded her fierce avatar with one social media user noting “Just AnushkaShetty screen presence is enough”

Vikram Prabhu making his Telugu debut as Desi Raju delivers a solid performance. While his role is secondary he adds emotional depth and supports Anushka’s character effectively. Jagapathi Babu in a limited yet impactful role brings gravitas to the narrative. Other supporting actors including Ramya Krishnan Jisshu Sengupta and Ravindra Vijay contribute to the film’s ensemble but don’t overshadow Anushka’s towering presence. The casting is well-balanced with each actor fitting seamlessly into the rustic world of Ghaati.

Krish Jagarlamudi’s Gritty Vision

Krish Jagarlamudi known for films like Vedam and Gautamiputra Satakarni brings his signature style to Ghaati. His decision to embrace a raw unpolished aesthetic suits the film’s earthy setting. The Ghaati terrain with its rugged landscapes adds authenticity to the narrative. Krish subtly weaves mythological symbolism into Sheelavathi’s journey drawing parallels to epic tales without overpowering the realism. For instance the film hints at a Sita-like figure burning her own “Lanka” to reclaim her power adding depth to the story.

However the direction has its flaws. The first half feels sluggish at times with pacing issues that might test the audience’s patience. The payoff in the second half particularly the pre-climax and climax redeems these shortcomings. Krish’s ability to balance action drama and emotion makes Ghaati a visually and narratively engaging experience though tighter editing could have elevated it further.

Cinematography and Visuals: Capturing the Raw Essence of Ghaati

Manojh Reddy Katasani’s cinematography is a standout feature of Ghaati. The rugged landscapes of the Ghaati tribe are captured with an unfiltered lens immersing viewers in the harsh realities of the protagonist’s world. The use of muted colour palettes and natural lighting enhances the film’s gritty tone. Action sequences are well-choreographed with the camera work amplifying the intensity of Sheelavathi’s transformation.

Thota Tharani’s art direction deserves mention for creating an authentic tribal setting. From the rustic villages to the smuggling dens every frame feels lived-in and real. However some viewers have pointed out that the visuals while striking occasionally feel repetitive especially in the slower first half.

Music and Background Score: A Mixed Bag

Nagavelli Vidya Sagar’s music is a double-edged sword in Ghaati. The songs such as Sailore and Sirimara Sirimara are catchy and blend well with the film’s rustic vibe. Sung by artists like Lipsika Bhashyam and Anurag Kulkarni these tracks add energy to key moments. However the background score has received mixed feedback. While it complements the action sequences some viewers found it overly loud and distracting detracting from the emotional weight of certain scenes.

The music could have been better integrated to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth. Despite this the lyrical quality of the songs penned by Krish Jagarlamudi and Es Murthy resonates with the film’s themes of survival and vengeance.

Technical Aspects: Editing and Sound Design

Chanakya Reddy Toorupu’s editing is competent but not flawless. The film’s runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes feels slightly bloated particularly in the first half. Trimming certain scenes could have made the narrative crisper. The sound design while effective in action sequences occasionally overpowers the dialogue as noted by some viewers.

The production quality backed by UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments is top-notch ensuring a visually polished experience. The film’s multi-lingual release also reflects its ambition to reach a pan-Indian audience with dubbed versions maintaining the essence of the original Telugu dialogue.

Why Ghaati Stands Out in Telugu Cinema 2025

Ghaati is a bold addition to Telugu cinema in 2025 primarily due to Anushka Shetty’s stellar performance and Krish Jagarlamudi’s gritty direction. The film’s exploration of a woman’s transformation from victim to legend is empowering and resonates with modern audiences. Its raw depiction of tribal culture and smuggling adds a fresh layer to the familiar revenge drama genre.

Compared to other Telugu films of 2025 Ghaati stands out for its female-led narrative and unapologetic portrayal of a woman’s rage. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre it delivers a compelling story that keeps you invested. For fans of Anushka Shetty and action-packed crime dramas Ghaati is a must-watch.

Is Ghaati Worth Watching?

Ghaati is a gripping Telugu action crime drama that showcases Anushka Shetty at her finest. While it has its flaws such as pacing issues and an inconsistent background score the film’s strengths Anushka’s performance Krish’s direction and stunning visuals make it a worthwhile watch. It’s a powerful tale of betrayal survival and vengeance that resonates with fans of intense character-driven stories.