ETV Win’s latest release, “Lekkala Master,” from the weekly series Katha Sudha, aimed to deliver a nostalgic and heartfelt narrative. Unfortunately, despite a promising premise, the episode fails to meet expectations. It centers on Sahasra Deverakonda (Sumashree Madhira), a mathematics professor living abroad, who returns to her childhood school as a chief guest. Her visit evokes memories of her struggles with mathematics and her impactful teacher, Mallikarjuna Prasad (Srinivas Avasarala). The story highlights how this teacher believed in her even when she doubted herself, shaping her journey. Some classroom scenes regarding the value of education are presented adequately, and certain family-oriented moments resonate with traditional viewers.
Young actress Sahasra Sri gives a heartfelt performance, effectively portraying her character with emotional nuance. Srinivas Avasarala also fits well into the role of the teacher, adding depth to his dialogue and interactions with the student. The episode features an impressive vintage backdrop and set design, enhancing its visual appeal. However, the main flaw of “Lekkala Master” is its slow pacing. At 40 minutes, the episode feels overly prolonged, with many scenes dragging instead of captivating the audience. Logical inconsistencies further undermine the plot. For instance, it is hard to believe that a veteran teacher would be unaware of his students’ academic performance. Additionally, Avasarala’s abrupt emotional shift feels forced and unnatural, leaving the audience distanced from the drama.
On the technical side, the production values are commendable, with vintage details, art design, and cinematography enhancing the episode. The music is also decent. Yet, these strengths do not fully make up for the lackluster writing and poor execution. In summary, while “Lekkala Master” has a significant theme, it falters due to weak narration and sluggish storytelling. Although Srinivas Avasarala and child actress Sahasra Sri shine, the episode ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. With tighter writing and improved execution, it could have been more impactful. As it is, it’s a moderate watch if approached with low expectations.
