Rating: 3.75/5.0
Banner: Sunshine cinemas
Presented by: K.Durga Devi
Cast: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Kalyani, Raghu Babu, Giri Babu, Chalapathi rao and others
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry
Story: ‘Thammudu’ satyam
Dialogues: Khadir babu
Art: Babji
Editing: Gowtham raju
Cinematography: Hari Anumolu
Music: Koti
Screenplay-Producer-Director: Kranti Madhav
CBFC Rating: ‘U’
Release Date: 27-07-2012

Story: Narayana Rao(Dr.Rajendra Prasad) is a school teacher by profession and he goes to America to live with his son’s family. The memories of his village drag him again to his native place. He recollects all the sweet memories of his village while traveling from the airport in a car to his place along with cab driver (Raghu babu). What he finds in his village and what he does after that form the remaining part.

Performances: Rajendra Prasad excelled in the role of school master. He is absolutely at home when performing many crucial scenes. Kalyani is good in the role of his wife. The supporting cast Raghu babu, Giribabu, Chalapathi Rao, Siva Parvathi looked apt for their roles. The remaining cast have done decent job. The Cinematography is good. The art work and editing are okay. The Story is simple. The screenplay is good. The direction is pretty good.

Analysis: Rajendra Prasad is too good in the role of Narayana Rao master. It’s cake walk for a matured and experienced actor like him. He is fabulous and evoked right emotions when ever needed. Kalyani is good in the role and she has done her bit well. Her scenes are limited to the first half only. There are few senior actors who fitted to the roles well.
All the characters in the village are very well etched and remind us of old movies of Vamsi in the 80’s, like the postmaster, Village President and his family, Muslim tailor etc;

Music by Koti is good and in sync with the film. The background score elevates the scenes. Lyrics by Sitarama Sastry are good. Hari Anumolu is back with his beautiful Sunrise and Sunset Shots in the Godavari and reminds us of old flicks. Dialogues are very good and are asset to the film. Even though they are preachy at times, they evoked good emotions too. Some scenes may appear cooked up and artificial but the message conveyed in them is good and the director concentrated more on such content.

The first half is very good and the second half is bit slow in pace and the climax ends up on a good tone. The gathering of all the old students reminds us of Tamil film “Pallikoodam”. This movie is like a fresh breeze which has simple story which discusses three generations and the problems we face and the knowledge to be shared with this younger generation. The producer/Director should be commended who came up with such a film which makes us think of our basics. This brave attempt should be commended.

Onamalu might not be a hilarious entertainer or perfect formula Mass Masala movie with commercial ingredients but definitely engages us and make us travel to our roots. Mass /Romantic love story Movie lovers who expect typical commercial potboilers can keep away. This film is not for you. The movie is soothing and slow and makes us travel into our memories.

Plus: Rajendra Prasad, Story, Screenplay, Dialogues
Minus: Slow Pace, not for all sections

Review By Vinay