| File:35 - Chinna Katha Kaadu.jpg
| |
| Directed by | Nanda Kishore Emani |
|---|---|
| Written by | Template:Plain list |
| Produced by | Template:Plain list |
| Starring | Template:Plainlist |
| Cinematography | Niketh Bommi |
| Edited by | T. C. Prasanna |
| Music by | Vivek Sagar
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu
|
35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Template:Translation) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film co-written and directed by Nanda Kishore Emani in his directorial debut.[1] The film features Nivetha Thomas, Arundev Pothula, Vishwadev Rachakonda and Priyadarshi Pulikonda in lead roles.[2] The film was released on 6 September 2024 to positive reviews from critics.[3]
Vivek Sagar composed the music, T. C. Prasanna is the editor and Niketh Bommi handled the cinematography. It was featured at the 55th International Film Festival of India in the Indian Panorama section.[4][5] Nivetha Thomas won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.[6]
Plot
The story is set in a traditional Telugu Brahmin household in Tirupati, centered around Saraswati, a devoted homemaker; her husband Prasad, who works as a bus conductor with the TTD; and their two children, Arun and Varun. Together, they lead a simple yet beautiful middle-class life.
Arun, the elder of the sons, is curious by nature. He likes to ask questions and learn the why of everything. His only question nobody seems to know the answer to: how can zero, a number with no value, increase the value of another number when placed to its right? Despite Arun struggling with maths in school, getting zeros on exams, he gets promoted till the 6th grade. This worries Prasad.
At the same time, a new maths teacher named Chanakya Varma joins Arun and Varun's school. He is arrogant and strict, but appears to care for the futures of his students. Arun, who continuously pesters and challengers Chanakya with his questions, irritates the teacher. He tries disciplining him, which in turn makes Arun rebellious.
Chanakya suggests that Prasad and the principal Buchi Reddy demote Arun to the 5th grade (Varun's grade) in order to get him to work on his maths foundation. Prasad agrees, but this enrages Saraswati. Over a course of events, Arun is publicly challenged to score 35 marks (the passing grade) in the 5th grade annual exam. The rest of the story is about how the seemingly valueless zero ignites events that test the family's resilience and unity, and stirs up rifts and friendships in his class. It's not a small story (Chinna Katha Kadhu), as Arun's father often says.
Cast
Production
The film was produced by Srujan Yarabolu and Siddharth Rallapally under the banners of Suresh Productions, S Originals, and Waltair Productions.[7][8] The film's budget was under Template:INR.[9] The film's story is set in Tirupati.[10] The cast, including Nivetha Thomas, underwent training from the dialect coach and co-writer of the film Prashanth Vignesh, in the local Telugu dialect, covering phonetics and lexical aspects, as well as its distinct Tamil influences.[11] Nivetha underwent physical transformation, gaining weight, to portray the character Saraswati in the film.[12][13]
The title of the film was unveiled on 25 June 2024.[14][15] The cinematography was by Niketh Bommi, while the editing was handled by T. C. Prasanna.[16] The film received a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.[17]
Music
The background score and soundtrack were composed by Vivek Sagar.[18]Template:Infobox album
Release
The film was initially scheduled to release on 15 August 2024,[19] but was released on 6 September 2024, with limited paid premieres on 5 September 2024.[20][21] Post-theatrical digital streaming rights were acquired by Aha and announced the premiere date to be 27 September 2024,[22] but was later released on 2 October 2024.[23][24] Television satellite rights were acquired by Zee Telugu,Template:Citation needed and was premiered on 22 December 2024, coinciding with National Mathematics Day.[25] It was premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India in November 2024.[26]
The Tamil version titled 35 Chinna Vishayam Illa was released on 25 December 2024.
Reception
Aditya Devulapally of The New Indian Express gave a rating of 4 out of 5 and, cited the film as a "heartfelt love letter to childhood curiosity" with extended praise to the direction, screenplay and the music.[27] Eenadu gave a positive review with particular praise to screenplay, dialogues, Nanda Kishore Emani's work and the performances of the lead cast.[28] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu called it "an uplifting tale of triumph" while praising performance of Nivetha Thomas and the child actors.[29] Jalapathy Gudelli of Telugucinema.com particularly praised the performance of Nivetha Thomas, Vivek Sagar's music and Nanda Kishore Emani's screenplay, and storytelling.[30]
Sruthi Kuruganti of Telangana Today stated in her review that, "The charm of 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu lies in its simplicity and humanism. The subtle interplay between mathematics and human relationships creates a layered story that celebrates the beauty of questioning and learning, both inside and outside the classroom".[31] Calling Nivetha Thomas's performance as "stellar", Avad Mohammad of OTTPlay praised the dialogues and background score. He further stated, "A lot of detailing has gone when it comes to locations, costumes, and sets. All this was showcased so well and became a character in the film".[32]
Accolades
| AwardTemplate:Efn | Date of ceremonyTemplate:Efn | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | 21 February 2026 | Best Film – Telugu | Srujan Yarabolu and Siddharth Rallapalli | Template:Nom | [33][6] |
| Best Director – Telugu | Nanda Kishore Emani | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Actress – Telugu | Nivetha Thomas | Template:Won | |||
| International Film Festival of India | 28 November 2024 | Best Debut Film of a Director | Nanda Kishore Emani | Template:Nom | [26] |
| South Indian International Movie Awards | 5 September 2025 | Best Actress – Telugu | Nivetha Thomas | Template:Nom | [34][35] |
| Best Debut Director – Telugu | Nanda Kishore Emani | Template:Won | |||
| Telangana Gaddar Film Awards | 14 June 2025 | Best Leading Actress | Nivetha Thomas | Template:Won | [36] |
Notes
References
- ↑ Rana Daggubati Presents Movie Titled 35; Unveils Poster, Title. Times Now(25 June 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ Priyadarshi: The role I played in 35 is a tribute to my math teacher. Cinema Express(8 September 2024).
- ↑ 35 trailer: A realistic tale with characters straight out of a classic Telugu novel. Cinema Express(2 September 2024). Retrieved 5 September 2024.
- ↑ Kalki 2898 AD, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu in IFFI race, Prakash, B. V. S.. www.deccanchronicle.com(20 November 2024).
- ↑ Press Release:Press Information Bureau.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Full List of Winners of The 70th Filmfare Awards South With Kerala Tourism (Telugu). Filmfare(22 February 2026). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ↑ Rana Daggubati to present Telugu film '35', starring Gauthami, Nivetha Thomas and Priyadarshi. The Hindu(25 June 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas discusses about the unique appeal of '35-Not a Short Story'. The Hans India.
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas' 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu locks a new release date, deets inside. www.ottplay.com(25 August 2024).
- ↑ Nanda Kishore Emani: '35 - Chinna katha kaadu' is a story of relationships, mathematics is just the backdrop. The Hindu(30 August 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas: It would have been an injustice had I turned down '35'. The Hindu(31 August 2024).
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas looks unrecognisable as she undergoes massive physical transformation - The Economic Times. The Economic Times(1 September 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ Actress Nivetha Thomas' Transformation Pics For 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu Viral. News18(2 September 2024).
- ↑ Priyadarshi's next with Suresh Productions titled 35 - Chinna Katha Kaadu. Cinema Express(12 June 2024).
- ↑ Rana Daggubati to present Telugu film '35', says it will touch everyone's hearts. dtnext(25 June 2024).
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas' next titled "35-Chinna Katha Kaadu". NTV ENGLISH(25 June 2024).
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas starrer 35 completes censorship formalities. Cinema Express(3 September 2024).
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn. JioSaavn(4 August 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ Heartwarming Teaser Of 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Launched. Times Now(2024-07-04). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas Interview on 35 Chianna Katha Kaadu: The script and emotions blew my mind. www.ottplay.com(3 September 2024). Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ↑ OTT Family Drama Movie: ఓటీటీలో స్ట్రీమింగ్కు వచ్చేసిన ఫీల్ గుడ్ ఫ్యామిలీ మూవీ.. మిస్ అవొద్దు!. Retrieved 5 October 2024.Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu new OTT release date out: When and how to watch Nivetha Thomas's family drama online. The Economic Times(2024-09-29). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu new OTT release date out: When and how to watch Nivetha Thomas's family drama online. The Economic Times(2024-09-29). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ↑ Nivetha Thomas starrer 35 to have its OTT premiere on this date, Features, C. E.. Cinema Express(2024-09-27). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ↑ Zee Telugu to celebrate National Mathematics Day with '35 Chinna Katha Kaadu' on December 22, Today, Telangana. Telangana Today(2024-12-19). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Five International and Two Indian Debut Directors to Compete for Silver Peacock at IFFI 2024. Press Information Bureau(15 November 2024). Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ↑ '35' movie review: A heartfelt love letter to childhood curiosity, Devulapally, Aditya. The New Indian Express(2024-09-07). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kadu Review: రివ్యూ: 35 చిన్న కథ కాదు.. నివేదాథామస్ నటించిన మూవీ ఎలా ఉందంటే..?. Eenadu. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
- ↑ '35: Chinna Katha Kaadu' movie review: Nivetha Thomas and a bunch of children in an uplifting tale of triumph. The Hindu(2024-09-06). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu review: An endearing film!. Telugu Cinema(2024-09-06). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ↑ "35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu" Movie Review: Definitely not a small story, Today, Telangana. Telangana Today(2024-09-06). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ↑ 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Review: It is a Nivetha Thomas show all the way. OTTPlay. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
- ↑ Nominations for The 70th Filmfare Awards South With Kerala Tourism (Telugu) | Filmfare.com. www.filmfare.com. Retrieved 2026-02-23.
- ↑ siima awards 2025: సైమా అవార్డ్స్ 2025.. అత్యధికంగా 11 నామినేషన్లతో 'పుష్ప2'. EENADU. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
- ↑ SIIMA 2025 Winners (Telugu): Allu Arjun, Rashmika Are Best Actors; Kalki 2898 AD Bags Best Film. News18. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
- ↑ First Gaddar film awards ceremony in city today, India, The Hans. www.thehansindia.com(2025-06-14). Retrieved 2025-10-17.