Jithender Reddy shows the unseen side Naxalism

Jitender begins to realize that the Naxalites, who claimed to be fighting for land rights and the welfare of the downtrodden, have deviated from their original cause. This realization sets the stage for his rebellion against them which forms the core of the story.In the past, there have been many movies in Telugu cinema depicting Naxalites as heroes, often rooted in left-wing and liberal ideologies.It is rare to see such stories being portrayed on the big screen. Until now, Telugu cinema mostly portrayed Naxalites in a positive light. However, Jitender Reddy takes a bold step in unveiling the dark realities of Naxalism. The film sheds light on how these once-idealistic leaders, who claimed to stand for the oppressed have actually hampered their progress and become obstacles to the development of society.Jitender Reddy is deeply committed to serving society from a young age. The film highlights the fierce college politics of the 1980s, particularly the rise of student organizations like PDSU. The film also portrays how ABVP stood strong in the face of challenges.As seen in the film, Jitender is inspired by his mentor Goppana (Subbaraju), who puts aside his personal life when it comes to working for the betterment of the society.The second half of the movie shows how Jitender rises as a political leader as well as his last days.The movie captures how he rebels against the Naxalite threat and also challenges the narrative of glorification of Naxalism. The narrative also highlights the contrast between political leaders who exploit the downtrodden for votes and a true leader who fights for their well-being.The 1980s-era set design is done beautifully, capturing the essence of the time. The background score adds value to the narration.

Overall, as mentioned earlier, Jitender Reddy is a new perspective on oft explored theme. But the movie has its flaws and falters in the later part of its execution. A tight screenplay could have done the job better and elevated the movie to new heights. Nevertheless, Jithender Reddy is a bold attempt and appeals to youth.