“Laggam” – A film like a mother’s love.
“Laggam” Movie Review & Rating
“Laggam” – A film like a mother’s love.
Arranging a wedding involves numerous struggles, thoughts, and decisions amidst confusion. Behind every tear, there’s a reason and a story. This laggam (an important wedding ritual) is a father’s responsibility and a daughter’s love laggam. This film “Laggam” leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience, a film that remains unforgettable and eternal. It is 100% a testament to the director’s skill, filled with many family emotions. It portrays the relationship between an aunt and her niece and the bond between brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The film emphasizes that traditions and trends are different, and it reminds us that a wedding is not just an event but a festival.
Set in the Telangana region, the story revolves around Sadanandam (played by Rajendra Prasad) and his daughter Manasa (Pragya Nagra). Sadanandam comes to the city to meet his sister Suguna’s (Rohini) son (Sai Ronak), hoping to arrange a marriage between his daughter and a software engineer after being impressed by his prospective son-in-law’s luxurious lifestyle. After discussions with his sister, they fix the laggam.
From here, the film showcases the rich traditions, customs, and rituals that surround the wedding. The big question is whether the wedding will happen or not. The movie discusses what needs to be done by both families to arrange a marriage. The film brings to light many aspects of tradition without missing a beat, with strong dialogues, entertaining background score, and humorous scenes surrounding the laggam. The director brings together all the characters, like family members attending a wedding. The audience feels involved, as though they are part of the wedding.
The first half focuses on character establishment and tradition, while the second half takes an emotional turn. The twists and emotional scenes in the second half captivate the audience. The laggam becomes a symbol of many events and intrigues, and every scene is built strongly around it. Writer-director Ramesh Cheppala has woven delicate matters such as the struggles of living far from family, software lifestyle, and a father-daughter relationship into the story. His writing and direction stand out, especially in the final act, which has several twists that keep the audience hooked until the climax.
The film’s climax revolves around the appagintalu (the emotional part of a Telugu wedding where the bride leaves her home), presented beautifully in a song that deeply moves the audience. By the end of the film, every viewer is likely to walk out with a heavy heart and tearful eyes.
As for performances, Sai Ronak perfectly balances his role as both a man from a rural Telangana background and a software engineer. Pragya Nagra, as the village girl Manasa, also delivers an impressive performance. Rajendra Prasad, in his full-length role as a Telangana father, shines alongside Rohini, both of whom are the soul of the movie.
The cinematography by Balareddy (of “Baby” fame) and the background score by Mani Sharma are major strengths of the film. Mani Sharma’s signature background music elevates every emotional scene. Charan Arjun’s songs also complement the film well. Other actors have done justice to their roles.
After a long time, watching such a good family entertainer in theaters feels refreshing. Comedy, drama, and strong emotional scenes keep the audience engaged. The director has skillfully connected the current affairs surrounding the laggam with the story without making it boring. For those who love family entertainment, Laggam is a full meal and a must-watch film for the entire family.
Plus points:
1. Story and dialogues
2. Direction
3. Cinematography
4. Performances by Rohini and Rajendra Prasad
5. Background score
Minus points:
1. Telangana dialect may seem inconsistent at times.
Box Office Rating: 3.5/5
