Mail (2021) is a Telugu-language coming-of-age drama directed by Uday Gurrala. It is the first installment of the “Kambalapally Kathalu” series and stars Priyadarshi, Harshith Malgireddy, and Gouri Priya Reddy. Set in the early 2000s in a rural village called Kambalapally, the film explores the impact of technology on a small community through a simple yet heartwarming story.
The plot revolves around Ravi (Harshith Malgireddy), a naive and enthusiastic young man who is fascinated by computers. Coming from a village where technology is still a novelty, Ravi dreams of learning about computers and the internet. His curiosity leads him to Hybath (Priyadarshi), a local photographer who opens an internet center in the village. Ravi, thrilled by this new world, creates his first email ID with Hybath’s help. However, his excitement soon turns into a nightmare when he receives a fraudulent email claiming that he has won a lottery but needs to pay money to claim his prize.
The movie beautifully captures the innocence and gullibility of rural India at a time when the internet was still new. Through Ravi’s journey, the film highlights the contrast between the rapid advancement of technology and the slow adaptation of people in remote areas. The narrative is lighthearted yet poignant, with humorous moments that depict the simplicity of village life.
Priyadarshi delivers a natural performance as Hybath, adding humor and wisdom to the story, while Harshith Malgireddy’s portrayal of Ravi is both charming and relatable. The film’s cinematography and music enhance the nostalgic feel, making it an engaging watch.
Overall, Mail is a delightful and nostalgic film that blends humor, drama, and emotion, offering a glimpse into the early days of the digital era in rural India.