I am very pleased to see a movie like Grahanam being made, and that too in Telugu. Makes me proud that my native language is Telugu too! And in my 15 years of watching Telugu movies, I must have meant that only couple of times. Telugu Industry churns out movies like a popcorn machine, yet 99% of the movies are alike.
What makes this movie so special? 1) Its not a LOVE story! I think that should be enough reason to watch the movie :) Seriously. No songs, no fights, no hero rescuing heroine from 50 armed goons stuff. This is an art movie in Telugu. I'm not kidding. If you have seen movies like Show or Aithe, then you know what I'm talking about. The main actor from Show, Surya is also one of the main characters in Grahanam.
2) The entire movie is set in black and white. Why?! But it does affect you. Makes you feel a certain eeriness about the movie. I think for a story like this, the b/w did suit the movie. Hats off to the director.
3) The story is very sensitive topic (social taboo) about relationships. It is taken from a novel I believe. But one needs guts to portray such a sensitive topic in such a careful and precise way. Hats off again.
4) Acting was pretty high compared to current standards. But somehow I feel this movie deserves even better acting. I cant point out who should be replaced. Everyone did their part well.
Overall, this movie is not for the average Joe who likes to see conventional family movies Telugu Industry makes. I've warned you. Watch it and appreciate it. Definitely Not for kids!
