Last updated: 21 Jul 2026


Telugu · N/A
2h 11m · 1 May 2026
Music: Balaji Sriram | DOP: Darshan Kirlosh | Writer: Sasi
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
Vanda Devullu centers on a high-stakes, realistic conflict within an underprivileged neighborhood. The narrative follows a collection of regular, everyday people struggling against systemic socio-economic hardships, administrative corruption, and local oppressive forces. When a series of personal crises push them to their absolute limits, an individual rises to unify the community, igniting a gritty collective battle for structural justice, dignity, and survival.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sasi, Vanda Devullu is a raw, content-driven social drama that relies heavily on emotional realism and subaltern themes. The first half meticulously builds its environment, setting up deep-rooted conflicts, character motivations, and introducing the extreme challenges faced by the neighborhood. Sasi succeeds in creating deep empathy for his characters early on, building a solid emotional base that peaks with an incredibly impactful and gritty pre-intermission sequence.
However, the film struggles with structural consistency during the second half. The screenplay hits a noticeable roadblock as the narration adopts a highly sluggish and leisurely pace. Several dramatic sequences feel excessively long, and a few subplots are over-extended, making the pacing a bit difficult to sit through. Despite these narrative issues, the emotional core remains solid as the director brings the overarching plot threads together toward a heavy, realistic climax.
Balaji Sriram's background score serves as a strong technical spine, amplifying the tragic and intense sequences with minimalist yet poignant instrumentation. Darshan Kirlosh's cinematography utilizes natural lighting and gritty framing to capture the authentic vibe of the neighborhood, though the film's overall impact would have been significantly greater had the editor chopped away the dragged portions post-intermission.
Vijay Antony: Delivers a remarkably grounded and highly understated performance, shifting effortlessly away from usual heroic tropes to suit the raw, intense requirement of the character.
Swasika: Presents an exceptional, emotionally charged performance that stands out in the drama, anchoring heavy scenes with mature expressions.
Lijomol Jose: Brilliant and thoroughly convincing, bringing genuine depth and natural, realistic vulnerability to her character.
Ajay Dhisan: Gives a commendable account of himself, holding his own among an experienced cast with confident screen presence.
Kavya Anil: Performs her assigned role neatly with realistic behavioral traits and natural expressions.
Karunas: Provides reliable support to the narrative, blending subtle dramatic traits smoothly into his character arc.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Director Sasi continues his pattern of telling empathetic, socially conscious human stories. His writing shines bright when detailing neighborhood struggles and character pain, but his second-half layout is hindered by a slow narrative velocity and heavy emotional indulgence that limits the film's wider entertainment value.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 2.25 / 5 |
Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | Strong appreciation for the raw performances of Lijomol Jose, Swasika, and Vijay Antony along with the honest first half. |
| Neutral | Balanced responses towards the heavy, tear-jerking emotional tone and social messages. |
| Negative | Criticism specifically pointed at the sluggish pacing, prolonged second half, and overly depressing tone. |
Critics classified Vanda Devullu as a sincere and hard-hitting social drama that works to a reasonable extent. Reviewers universally praised the top-notch performances and deep emotional core of the first half, while expressing reservations regarding the slow, melodramatic nature of the second half.
Final Box-Office Result
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) released on 1 May 2026 (2026).
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) OTT release date not announced yet.
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) directed by Sasi. Produced by Vijay Antony, Fathima Vijay Antony.
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) stars Swasika, Vijay Antony, Lijomol Jose, Ajay Dhisan, Kavya Anil.
Tollybo rates Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) 2.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) composed by Balaji Sriram.
Vanda Devullu (Nooru Sami) — Genre: N/A, Runtime: 131 minutes, Language: Telugu.