Ghaati Movie Review: Anushka Shetty’s Fierce Comeback Falls Short of Expectations

Vishal waghela
Sep 5
3 min read

After two years away from the silver screen, Anushka Shetty is back with Ghaati (released September 5, 2025), teaming up once again with acclaimed director Krish Jagarlamudi. Known for their earlier hits Vedam and Vaanam, expectations were sky-high. This time, they dive into the gritty world of marijuana smuggling in the Eastern Ghats. But does the film live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Storyline: Revenge in the Eastern Ghats

At the heart of Ghaati is Sheelavathi (Anushka Shetty), an ordinary woman whose life takes a dark turn when drug mafias clash with tribal communities trying to escape the ganja trade. Tragedy forces her into a world of crime and vengeance, where she transforms from victim to feared outlaw.

Vikram Prabhu makes his Telugu debut as her husband, Desi Raju.
Jagapathi Babu plays a menacing cop.
Chaitanya Rao Madadi adds fire as rival Kundhul Naidu.

The setting—Andhra-Odisha’s rugged forests—adds raw authenticity, but the narrative itself feels stretched and predictable in parts.

Performances: Anushka Steals the Show

Anushka Shetty is the soul of Ghaati. Her fierce screen presence, emotional depth, and risky stunts remind fans of her Arundhati days. For many, this is her most powerful role in years.
Vikram Prabhu impresses in his debut, bringing vulnerability and strength to his character.
Jagapathi Babu looks intimidating but gets limited scope.

This is very much a “Lady Superstar” showcase, and Anushka doesn’t disappoint.

Direction & Technical Aspects

Director Krish Jagarlamudi clearly wanted to create another rustic, massy revenge saga on the lines of Pushpa and Dasara. While the visuals are stunning and the action is raw, the film falters due to:

A slow first half with dragged-out scenes.
Predictable screenplay that weakens emotional impact.
Over-the-top background score by Sagar Nagavelli—loud for some, thrilling for others.

Cinematography beautifully captures the Eastern Ghats, while the fight sequences, especially Anushka’s, are choreographed with punch.

Audience & Critics’ Response

The film has split opinions:

✅ Positives

Anushka’s fierce performance
Stunning action & rugged visuals
Whistle-worthy second half moments

❌ Negatives

Weak storytelling
Choppy editing
Violence over substance
Overambitious subplots without depth

Some fans are calling it a “career-best Anushka,” while others dismiss it as a “poor man’s Dasara.”

Box Office Performance

Despite the hype, Ghaati stumbled at the box office:

Day 1 Collection: ~₹0.06 crore worldwide
Release Scale: 1,700 screens (India + overseas)
Occupancy: 35-38% (below expectations)
Budget: ₹45 crore (may struggle to recover)

Competition from Sivakarthikeyan’s Madharaasi only made things tougher.

Final Verdict

Ghaati is a mixed bag—visually striking and powered by Anushka’s fiery performance, but let down by weak writing and uneven pacing.

🎬 Watch it if: You’re an Anushka Shetty fan or love raw revenge sagas.🚫 Skip it if: You’re looking for layered storytelling and freshness.

AltBollywood Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5) A brave comeback for Anushka, but the film itself doesn’t hit as hard as it should.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

1. Is Ghaati worth watching in theatres? Yes, if you’re an Anushka fan who enjoys raw action and revenge dramas. For casual viewers, the weak story may feel underwhelming.

2. How is Anushka Shetty’s performance in Ghaati? Powerful and career-defining—she carries the film on her shoulders, especially in the intense second half.

3. Is Ghaati similar to Pushpa or Dasara? Yes, it follows a similar rustic revenge-thriller template but doesn’t reach their level of storytelling impact.

4. What is the box office collection of Ghaati so far? Early reports suggest underwhelming openings with ~₹0.06 crore on Day 1, which is low for a big release.

5. Who plays the villain in Ghaati? Jagapathi Babu as a cop and Chaitanya Rao Madadi as Kundhul Naidu serve as primary antagonists.