Title: “Bhagavanth Kesari: An Action-Packed Emotional Ride”
Release Date: October 19, 2023
Piktalk.com Rating: 3/5
Starring: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal, P. Ravi Shankar, R. Sarathkumar, Raghu Babu
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Producers: Harish Peddi, Sahu Garapati
Music Director: S Thaman
Cinematographers: C. Ramprasad
Editor: Tammiraju
Natasimha Nandamuri Balakrishna joins forces with acclaimed director Anil Ravipudi in “Bhagavanth Kesari,” a much-anticipated mass entertainer. The film is packed with high expectations and is now in theaters. Let’s dive into our review to discover how it fares.
Story:
Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari (Balakrishna) holds a fervent desire for his daughter, Vijaya Lakshmi, or Viji (Sreeleela), to become strong and courageous, with aspirations of her joining the Indian Army. However, Viji has no inclination for such a career. Enter Rahul Sanghvi (Arjun Rampal), who has compelling reasons to pursue Viji. What motivates Rahul’s pursuit, and what connections lie between Bhagavanth Kesari, Viji, and Rahul Sanghvi? The film weaves an intriguing narrative around these questions.
Plus Points:
Balakrishna, fresh from his successes in “Akhanda” and “Veera Simha Reddy,” delivers an engaging performance that perfectly suits his age. His strong screen presence and impeccable dialogue delivery in Telangana dialect contribute to the film’s entertainment.
Sreeleela impresses in her role as Viji, displaying commendable acting skills, especially in emotional sequences. Her presence in action scenes alongside Balakrishna adds a compelling element to the film.
Anil Ravipudi skillfully balances mass elements with emotional drama centered around a fatherly figure and a young lady, showcasing a departure from his usual reliance on comedy, considering Balakrishna’s star power.
Thaman’s background score excels in enhancing the emotional and action sequences, adding depth to the film’s narrative.
Minus Points:
The story is somewhat predictable and lacks depth, with much of the plot revealed in the first half. This leaves little room for surprises in the second half, which relies on flashback segments that don’t robustly support the narrative.
The second half could have benefited from a more engaging and well-structured screenplay. Some scenes may feel tedious to the audience.
Balakrishna’s look, featured in promotional content, suits him well, but another undisclosed avatar might seem odd. Anil Ravipudi could have presented this alternate look more effectively.
Kajal Aggarwal’s role adds little value to the movie, and her scenes with Balakrishna lack impact. Anil Ravipudi’s trademark comedy scenes are scarce in this film.
Arjun Rampal’s Tollywood debut is passable but not exceptional. His character could have been portrayed with more villainous flair.
Although the action sequences are watchable, they could have been more convincing, particularly in the climax. VFX quality falls short, demanding more attention.
Technical Aspects:
Anil Ravipudi makes a commendable effort to present Balakrishna in a role that aligns with his age, but a stronger focus on the second half’s story and screenplay would have benefited the film significantly.
Thaman’s score shines in elevating emotional and action sequences. Editing and cinematography are well-executed, maintaining high production values.
Verdict:
“Bhagavanth Kesari” offers an enjoyable blend of action and emotional drama, anchored by superb performances from Balakrishna and Sreeleela. Their on-screen chemistry shines in emotional sequences, though a slightly sluggish second half and a few extraneous scenes may affect the film’s overall pace. Balakrishna’s commanding presence and impactful dialogue delivery provide a treat for fans. For an entertaining cinematic experience, consider watching this film during the weekend.
Piktalk.com Rating: 3/5