Palasa 1978 (2020) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 3 Apr 2026
Palasa 1978 (2020) Review
Directed by Karuna Kumar, Palasa 1978 (2020) is a Telugu action, crime, drama film starring Rakshith Atluri, Nakshatra, Laxman Meesala. Mohan Rao and his elder brother face Pedda Shavukar and Chinna Shavukar, a political battle where low caste fights the high caste power. Our Rating: 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 6 Mar 2020. Runtime: 2h 24m.
Palasa 1978(2020)
Telugu · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 24m · 6 Mar 2020
Music: Raghu Kunche
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
📖 Story
Set in the 1970s in the town of Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, the film explores caste discrimination, social injustice, and the struggles of the marginalized communities. It follows the life of Mohan Rao, a young man who confronts the harsh realities of caste-based oppression while trying to uplift his community.
Rakshith Atluri: Powerful and convincing portrayal of a man fighting social evils.
Nakshatra: Natural and impactful performance as the female lead.
Laxman Meesala: Strong supporting role with notable screen presence.
Karuna Kumar: Effective in a supporting role adding emotional depth.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Realistic depiction of caste discrimination
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Authentic period setting and atmosphere
- ✓Powerful social message
- ✓Engaging screenplay and dialogues
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Some scenes felt overly intense or graphic
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to serious theme
🎬 Direction & Writing
Karuna Kumar delivers a bold and uncompromising directorial debut, effectively blending social commentary with gripping storytelling. The writing is sharp and rooted in realism, making the narrative impactful.
- - Cinematography capturing rustic 1970s ambiance
- - Music by Raghu Kunche complementing the mood
- - Editing maintaining narrative flow
- - Production design authentic to the era
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Palasa 1978 for its raw and realistic portrayal of caste-based discrimination and social issues. The performances, especially by Rakshith Atluri, were highlighted as a major strength. The film's direction and writing received acclaim for their boldness and authenticity. However, some noted the film's intense and graphic scenes might not appeal to all audiences.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Palasa 1978 release in theatres?▾
Palasa 1978 released on 6 March 2020 (2020).
Is Palasa 1978 a hit or flop?▾
Palasa 1978 is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Palasa 1978 online? OTT release date?▾
Palasa 1978 OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Palasa 1978?▾
Palasa 1978 directed by Karuna Kumar.
Who are the main cast members of Palasa 1978?▾
Palasa 1978 stars Rakshith Atluri, Nakshatra, Laxman Meesala.
What is the Tollybo rating for Palasa 1978?▾
Tollybo rates Palasa 1978 2.75/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Palasa 1978?▾
Music for Palasa 1978 composed by Raghu Kunche.
What is the genre and runtime of Palasa 1978?▾
Palasa 1978 — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 144 minutes, Language: Telugu.