In a world where Indian cinema often leans on big stars and bigger budgets, a small Telugu crime comedy called Chaurya Paatam has pulled off something extraordinary. Directed by first-timer Nikhil Gollamari, this little gem has clocked over 120 million streaming minutes on Amazon Prime Video since its OTT release on May 16, 2025. That’s no small feat; it proves that a good story can still steal the show.
The movie follows four would-be bank robbers who roll into Dhanapaali, a village known for being crime-free. As documentary filmmakers, they’re led by a young dreamer desperate to fund his big break. They think it’ll be an easy score, but the village has some dark secrets that turn their plan upside down. At 124 minutes, Chaurya Paatam mixes suspense, laughs, and a bit of satire into a story that keeps you guessing. It starts as a fun heist flick but soon dives into deeper themes of trust and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of a vividly real rural village. With versions in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, it’s no wonder the film’s found fans far beyond its Telugu roots.
The cast is a big part of why this works. Newcomer Indhra Ram, playing the ambitious Vedanth Ram, nails both the comedy and the heart of the story. Fans have been raving about his natural charm, calling him a breakout star. He’s backed by solid performances from Payal Radhakrishna, Rajeev Kanakala, Mast Ali, and Anji Valguman, with Supriya Aysola delivering a chilling turn as the villain. Together, they bring this quirky crew to life without leaning on any A-list names or flashy sets.
Nikhil Gollamari’s debut behind the camera feels like the work of a pro. He spins a tight, honest story with just the right dose of humor. The screenplay, written by Karthik Gattamneni (who also handles cinematography), is clever, though some say it loses a bit of steam in the second half. Still, the visuals pop, the soundtrack by Davzand hits all the right notes, and Uthura Parthasarathy’s editing keeps things snappy. Producer Trinadha Rao Nakkina, working under his Nakkina Narratives banner, deserves props for betting on fresh talent and prioritizing story over glitz. The film’s polished look on a modest budget shows how much love went into it.
After hitting theaters on April 18, 2025, Chaurya Paatam landed on Amazon Prime just 20 days later and quickly climbed the charts. By June 21, it had racked up those 120 million streaming minutes—a huge win for a film without big stars or heavy marketing. It’s also streaming on Lionsgate Play as of June 6, and its mix of relatable characters and wild twists has kept viewers hooked. Some critics have pointed out flaws, like a slightly uneven second half or a Tamil-dubbed version that doesn’t quite gel, but fans don’t seem to mind. With a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb, people love its wit and heart.
The film’s got folks talking about more than just the plot—it’s touching on themes like crime, community, and trust in a way that feels fresh. That 120-million-minute mark isn’t just a number; it shows how regional films can shine in the streaming age. It’s also a reminder of how platforms like Prime and Lionsgate Play are giving unique stories a chance to stand out.
Chaurya Paatam is still riding high, and there’s already buzz about a possible sequel or more projects from Nakkina Narratives. For Indhra Ram and Nikhil Gollamari, this is just the start, and fans are already excited for what’s next. In a sea of predictable blockbusters, this film is a breath of fresh air—fun, heartfelt, and totally original. Its 120 million streaming minutes are a badge of honor for a team that dared to tell a great story. If you’re into heist comedies, crime dramas, or just something new, Chaurya Paatam is absolutely worth your time.
Source: NTV Telugu