‘Ghantasala The Great’ Movie Review
Movie: Ghantasala -The Great
Release Date: January 2, 2026
CBFC Rating: U
Run-time: 2h 42m
Banner: Anyukth Ram Pictures
Cast: Krishna Chaitanya, Mrudula Iyengar, Suman,Sai Kiran, Atul Banmoria, Subbaraya Sharma, JK.Bharavi, Gundu Sudarshan, P.Anant Babu
Cinematography: V.Venu Muralidhar
Editing: Shyam Kumar
Music: Vasu Rao Saluri
Producer:C.H. Phani
Director: CH.Rama Rao
Ghantasala The Great is a biopic film that delves into the life of legendary singer and music director Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, who brought global recognition to Telugu film music. Directed by C.H. Rama Rao and produced by Smt. C.H. Phani under Anyukth Ram Pictures, the film stars Krishna Chaitanya as Ghantasala.
Plot
The film tells the story of Ghantasala’s life, from his childhood struggles to his rise to fame as a singer. It portrays his hardships, his passion for music, and his relationships with notable figures like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Potti Sriramulu. The film poignantly depicts events such as his participation in the Quit India movement, his acquaintance with Potti Sriramulu, the loss of his voice in his final moments, and his death without fulfilling his last wish.
Performances
Krishna Chaitanya delivers a brilliant performance as Ghantasala, capturing his emotions and expressions perfectly. His portrayal of Ghantasala’s youth and later years is commendable, and he does complete justice to the role. Mridula Iyengar shines as Ghantasala’s wife, Parvathamma, bringing depth and nuance to the character. Suman brings dignity to the role of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, and the child actor Atulith is impressive as young Ghantasala. The supporting cast, including Subbaraya Sharma, J.K. Bharavi, and Sai Kiran, perform within the scope of their respective roles.
Highlights
Brilliant performances
Timeless music
Emotions
Drawbacks
Slow narrative
Documentary treatment
Analysis
The film is a tribute to Ghantasala’s legacy, with a focus on his struggles and emotional journey. The first half explores his hardships, while the second half showcases his glory and relationships. The climax is heart-wrenching, and the music is a highlight of the film. However, the narrative is slow-paced, and the documentary-style treatment may not appeal to all viewers. The film’s strength lies in its performances, music, and the way it brings Ghantasala’s story to life.
The technical crew, led by director C.H. Rama Rao, does a commendable job in bringing Ghantasala’s story to life. The music, featuring original songs sung by Ghantasala himself, is a highlight of the film. The cinematography evokes the atmosphere of the time, and Vasu Rao Saluri’s background score adds value to the narration.
Rating: 2.75/5
Bottom-line: A Heartwarming Ode To Legendary Singer Ghantasala
