“Baapu” Movie Review: A Bold Premise Undone by Sentimentality

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama
Director: Daya
Cast: Brahmaji, Aamani, Dhanya Balakrishna, Sudhakar Reddy, Mani Aegurla
Language: Telugu
Runtime: Approx. 2 hrs

🎬 Overview: A Sinister Premise That Falters Midway

“Baapu,” directed by Daya, is a Telugu-language dark comedy that dares to walk the thin line between humor and horror — but only for a while. With a plot rooted in the desperate decisions of a financially crippled farming family, the film presents a provocative moral dilemma before softening its blow with misplaced sentimentality.

Set in rural Telangana, Baapu follows Mallanna (Brahmaji), a debt-ridden farmer who discovers that his only escape from poverty might lie in the death of himself or his aging father — in order to claim an insurance payout. The story is ripe with potential for sharp satire, yet ultimately it pulls back, offering emotional melodrama where grim satire could have thrived.

💡 A Promising Start: Humor Laced with Despair

The film opens strong, crafting scenes that blend absurdity with a haunting undercurrent of tragedy. The tone is reminiscent of classic dark comedies — think Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro with a rural Telangana twist. The humor lands, not because it’s loud or exaggerated, but because it feels disturbingly real.

Here, the film balances irony and empathy with grace. Audiences are both amused and disturbed by the ethical minefield the characters traverse. But just as Baapu begins to dig deep into this discomfort, it backs off, opting instead for safe, emotionally overwrought sequences.

🎭 Performances: Sudhakar Reddy Shines, Brahmaji Grounds

Sudhakar Reddy stands out in a role eerily similar to his acclaimed performance in Balagam. As the aging father at the center of this moral storm, he brings a mix of wit, vulnerability, and cynicism — but the script doesn’t push him far enough. What could have been a chilling portrayal of familial betrayal is instead diluted by sentimentality.

Brahmaji’s portrayal of Mallanna is grounded and affecting. His command over body language speaks volumes, especially when his dialect slips. Aamani also gives a respectable performance as his wife, though her arc remains underexplored.

🎥 Technical Craft: Strong Visuals, Uneven Music

Cinematographer Vasu Pandem captures the rustic charm and harsh realities of village life with elegance. His visuals echo the simplicity and texture of his earlier work in Pareshan, lending authenticity to the story.

On the other hand, RR Dhruvan’s music becomes a tonal distraction. While certain scenes beg for irony, the soundtrack often leans into melodrama, undercutting the darker beats of the narrative.

🧠 Themes & Symbolism: Brilliance in Pockets

One of the film’s cleverest metaphors is tied to the grandfather’s frequent trips to relieve himself — a surprisingly potent symbol of life’s transience and randomness. In one standout moment, the film suggests that luck, like bodily functions, arrives unannounced — and leaves just as quickly. Moments like these hint at the philosophical depth Baapu could have reached, had it not softened its narrative with emotional padding.

❌ What Went Wrong: A Reluctance to Go Dark

The real tragedy of Baapu is not its story, but its fear of embracing it fully. Daya builds a world begging for ruthlessness and satirical sharpness, only to retreat into sentimentality in the second half. What could have been a powerful commentary on rural despair and moral decay ends up playing it safe.

✅ Verdict: Watch for the Setup, Stay for the Performances

Baapu is worth a watch for its intriguing premise, its early moments of black humor, and Sudhakar Reddy’s compelling performance. However, if you’re expecting a fearless dark comedy that pushes its characters to their ethical limits, you might be left wanting more.