Pilla Zamindar

Ashok G.'s 2011 Telugu film is about a young man, grandson of a wealthy zamindar, spoiled by money. Before dying, his grandfather attaches a condition to his will: to inherit, he must complete a degree as an ordinary student. The film turns that setup into a campus comedy. The character conceals his identity, moves into a plain dormitory room and has to do things he has never done. Most of the humour comes from that mismatch. Nani was only recently established as an actor at the time, and his relaxed playing here contributed to the film's commercial success. In the second half the narrative moves into an emotional register and the relationship between grandfather and grandson comes forward. The shift is expected but not badly handled. Who it's for: those who like light Telugu comedies and campus films. Who it's not for: viewers wanting an unpredictable story; the film reveals its structure in the first ten minutes and proceeds predictably from there.