‘Muthayya’ movie review: This charming Telugu film about long-cherished dreams pays homage to cinema

Sudhakar Reddy in a scene from ‘Muthayya’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Watching director Bhaskhar Maurya’s Telugu film Muthayya, now streaming on ETV Win, feels like shedding the trappings of urban life and settling into an unhurried rural setting, surrounded by affable characters. The story centres on a 70-year-old man from a village in Telangana, who dreams of becoming a film actor and seeing himself on the big screen — just once in his lifetime. Age may not be on his side, but his zest for life remains undiminished.

Humour weaves gently through the narrative. In an early scene, two men climb a water tank to unveil a banner. Someone remarks, in the Telangana dialect, “Yem peekindu?” (What did he achieve?). We soon find out. At the heart of the story is Muthayya (played by Sudhakar Reddy of Balagamfame), who owns a modest plot of land that overlooks open fields and distant hills. Each evening, he retreats to his simple dwelling on the land, sharing a drink or two with his much younger friend Malli (Arun Kumar), who runs a cycle repair shop in the village.

Birds chirp, Karthik Rodriguez’s earthy score plays gently in the background, and cinematographer Divakar Mani captures the beauty of the hamlet without embellishment. The narrative gently unveils the ordinariness of Muthayya’s daily life — his strained relationship with a son burdened by financial pressures, a kind-hearted daughter-in-law, and a cheerful grandson.

At an age when most villagers are content to lead quiet lives, Muthayya is stirred by his long-held dream of becoming an actor. Posters of film stars surround his mirror, and he often reminisces about his failed attempts in Madras.

One memorable scene features Muthayya lamenting the state of modern cinema, yet insisting on watching new films to stay up to date with contemporary acting styles. It is these smaller, reflective moments — more than grand narrative arcs — that make Muthayya linger in the mind.

The film intermittently touches on Malli’s love story, village drama troupes, and the younger generation dabbling in short films and Instagram reels. Director Bhaskhar Maurya allows the story to breathe, taking its time with unhurried pacing that may test the impatient viewer, especially in the first half. But it is this very rhythm that lets the characters settle into your heart.

As the plot gently gathers momentum, with life presenting Muthayya a final chance at fulfilling his dream, the film becomes a battle between aspiration and resignation. The silver-haired, paunchy Muthayya might just remain a local stage star, especially when faced with opportunists and financial constraints. Yet you cannot help but root for him.

Much of the film’s soul lies in its performances. Sudhakar Reddy and Arun Kumar, supported by a well-cast ensemble (many of whom hail from the region), anchor the story with authenticity. Their unassuming presence blends seamlessly into the rural fabric the film aims to depict.

The final sequence pays heartfelt homage to the communal joy of cinema, unfolding in a way both unexpected and deeply rewarding.

At just under two hours, Muthayya is a tender, unhurried tale that reminds us there is a rich, grounded world beyond the spectacle of mainstream Telugu cinema.