Geethanjali Malli Vachindi (2024): A Rehashed Horror Comedy Fails to Impress
“Geethanjali Malli Vachindi,” the 2024 sequel to the 2014 hit “Geethanjali,” attempts to blend horror and comedy once more but unfortunately falls short on both counts. Directed by Shiva Thurlapati, the film tries to revive the charm of its predecessor but ends up relying on a predictable and uninspired plot.
Plot Overview
Anjali returns as the vengeful spirit Geethanjali, this time haunting a grand palace and targeting a struggling director, played by Srinivasa Reddy, who is desperate to revive his fading career. The film follows his efforts to uncover the secrets of the haunted palace while dealing with the ghostly antics of Geethanjali.
Strengths
- Nostalgic Appeal: For fans of the original “Geethanjali,” the return of Anjali as the titular ghost offers a sense of nostalgia. Her presence is one of the few highlights in an otherwise lackluster sequel.
- Ensemble Cast: The film features an ensemble cast including Sunil and Srinivasa Reddy, whose performances add a few moments of genuine humor and engagement.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: The narrative is disappointingly predictable. There are no surprising twists or innovative elements to keep the audience engaged. The storyline unfolds in a linear, uninspired manner, making it easy to foresee the developments.
- Underutilized Talent: Despite having a talented cast, the film fails to make full use of their abilities. The characters are one-dimensional, leaving the actors with little to work with. Anjali, Sunil, and Srinivasa Reddy deserve better scripts that can showcase their full range of talents.
- Weak Horror Elements: The horror aspects of the film are poorly executed. The special effects are subpar, and the jump scares lack originality and impact. The suspense, meant to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, falls flat due to the predictable and formulaic approach.
- Forced Humor: The comedy in “Geethanjali Malli Vachindi” feels forced and relies too heavily on slapstick gags. The humor doesn’t blend seamlessly with the horror elements, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
- Lack of Originality: The film struggles with a lack of originality, drawing comparisons to other similar horror comedies like the 2018 film “Raa Raa.” This lack of creativity diminishes its appeal and makes it feel like a rehash of better-executed movies.
Overall Impression
“Geethanjali Malli Vachindi” had the potential to be a fun and entertaining sequel, but it fails to capture the magic of the original. The film’s predictable plot, underutilized cast, weak horror elements, and forced humor make it a disappointing follow-up. It might still appeal to die-hard fans of the original, but for most viewers, it’s a forgettable experience.
Verdict: Skip it
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Unless you’re particularly nostalgic about the original “Geethanjali” or have a high tolerance for formulaic horror-comedies, “Geethanjali Malli Vachindi” is likely to disappoint.