'Pitta Kathalu' movie review: A decent anthology

The anthology features four short films that explore the dark side of relationships

Directors: Tharun Bhascker, Nandhini Reddy, Nag Ashwin, and Sankalp Reddy

Cast: Lakshmi Manchu, Jagapathi Babu, Amala Paul, Shruti Haasan, Eesha Rebba, Satyadev

Rating: 3/5

Platform: Netflix

The Telugu anthology Pitta Kathalu is a brave and sincere attempt at storytelling that makes a decent impact. The film/series, which brings together some of the most popular names from Tollywood, features four distinct stories that explore the dark side of relationships. Here is a closer look at the segments of Pitta Kathalu.

Ramula (2/5)

The film starts off on a disappointing note as the opening segment Ramula is not as good as expected. It revolves around the lives of two women from completely different backgrounds and highlights what happens when their paths cross following a series of twisted events. The storyline has potential and may appeal to those who are fond of 'desi' romantic dramas. Its impact is, however, diluted by the average writing. The short film initially moves at its own pace, making it hard for fans to connect with the reel action.

There is a twist in the tale but it does not work as it is as predictable as anything can be. It may, however, click with a section of the audience.

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Saanve Megghana adds life to Ramula with her effective performance, thus making the segment watchable. She transitions between feisty and vulnerable with ease. Lakshmi Manchu is sincere. The supporting cast too is decent.

The technical aspects are up to the mark.

Meera (3.5/5)

Meera is the best segment in Pitta Kathalu and bears testimony to Nandini Reddy's abilities as a storyteller. The short revolves around the journey of a young writer while highlighting her troubled relationship with her possessive husband. The screenplay strikes a chord as it relies on showing' as opposed to 'telling'. The viewer tends to feel for the characters as they have been fleshed out well and have depth.

Jagapathi Babu is fabulous and proves to be the scene-stealer of Meera. He manages to bring out the vulnerabilities of his character, proving his mettle as a performer. His intensity is a highlight of the film. Amala Paul does justice to the role of a suffering wife, letting her expressions/silences do the talking.

The climax too is not along expected lines, a sign of good storytelling. The rest of the cast serves its purpose.

xLife (2.5/5)

xLife is the most ambitious segment in Pitta Kathalu and has a distinct Black Mirror feel to it. It deals with a world where virtual reality has replaced 'real feeling' and touches upon the dangers of technology without being preachy. While the storyline's fabulous, the execution is not all that good. The characters lack depth, coming across as caricatures. The climax is as predictable as anything can be mainly because of the lame twist.

Shruti Haasan makes a decent impact, especially in the closing moments. Her chemistry with co-star Sanjith Hegde, however, lacks the 'it factor'. The other aspects are passable.

Pinky (3/5)

The Sankalp Reddy-directed segment is likely to appeal to those who are fond of bold stories that focus on physical intimacy. It highlights the journey of a writer as he tries to strike a balance between his professional struggles and his complicated personal life.

Pinky takes a while to get going but ultimately hits the right notes due to the complex dynamics at play. The climax in particular is effective.

There are a couple of lovemaking scenes, which up the boldness quotient of Pinky. They have been shot aesthetically and add depth to the narrative. Eesha Rebba is pretty good and has a bright future. Her physical intensity is a highlight of the short. She does justice to the emotional scenes as well.

Satyadev too is top-notch and complements Eesha quite well.

The supporting cast is strictly okay.