Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam review: An offbeat movie about the travails of a neglected tribal village

Allari Naresh has come up with yet another sensible story. His latest, Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam, is about a neglected tribal village. Here’s our review:

Sripada Srinivas (Allari Naresh), a Telugu teacher posted on election duty in the interior forest area of Maredumilli, gets the shocker of his life on learning that the villagers hate the government and are in no mood to vote.

Thanks to the hatred, Srinivas and his team face bitter experiences and even the wrath of the residents at one stage.

The reason for their hatred is that no politician or government official cared to provide them with basic amenities such as a hospital or a road, despite repeated pleas.

On realising this, a patient and perseverant Srinivas try and succeed in convincing the villagers to trust the government officials and ensures 100 percent voting.

However, he keeps wondering what the Maredumilli villagers will gain by exercising their franchise.

Soon, unexpected events take place creating serious troubles for the Maredumilli villagers and Srinivas. Whether the lives of Maredumilli people change for better or worse is to be watched on the screen.

Cinematic liberty dilutes a genuine story

Director AR Mohan’s intention to highlight the political and administrative apathy towards the people is appreciable. He chose an Agency area to narrate it.

But, instead of narrating the plot realistically, he took cinematic liberty.

While this might make the movie appealing to a larger section of the audience, the intensity of the idea and genuineness of concern gets diluted.

The way a Collector (Sampath) responds to a heavy demand of a village appears unrealistic. Nevertheless, director Mohan needs praise for selecting a thought-provoking story.

Senior writer Abburi Ravi penned the dialogues in Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam.

As the movie touches upon the present political system, people’s issues, politicians/bureaucrats’ irresponsibility, and other relevant topics, there are several impressive dialogues.

Allari Naresh leads this thought-provoking drama

Allari Naresh, who is still known for his comic roles, is making all efforts to change his image.

Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam is another attempt at his makeover strategy. He did a commendable job as a Telugu teacher who succeeds in educating the innocent tribals – who are far away from the mainstream – and brings in development to the neglected tribal village.

Female lead Anandhi appears as tribal woman Lakshmi. She is not just the love interest of the protagonist but leads the tribals.

Young actor Sritej impressively portrays a rugged tribal youth.

Sampath Raj gets a good role as Collector. Vennela Kishore, Raghubabu, and Praveen appear in supporting roles and do their bit.

Our most honest story, driven by a need for the hour. To the people, for the people, by the people. Today #ItluMaredumilliPrajaneekam is yours. pic.twitter.com/1KxrLzYYGy

— Allari Naresh (@allarinaresh) November 24, 2022

Good support from the technical crew

Most of the movie is set in the forest backdrop. Art director Brahma Kadali did a notable job creating the tribal village environment.

Cinematographer Raam Reddy ensured reality and shot well.

Music by Sricharan Pakala is adequate.

Final take

Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam is an offbeat movie depicting the travails of a subaltern and neglected tribal village. This well-intentioned movie is a must-watch.