Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review

 

Title: Bhagavanth Kesari

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Review: A Middling Action Family Drama

Rating: 3.25/5

Directed by: Anil Ravipudi

Starring: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal

Music by: S Thaman

Cinematography by: Bhuvan Gowda

Edited by: Ujwal Kulkarni

Overview:

Anil Ravipudi's "Bhagavanth Kesari" starring Nandamuri Balakrishna presents a blend of hypermasculine action and emotional drama, echoing the theme of women empowerment. Balakrishna's portrayal as the adavi bidda (son of the forest) with a touch of the Telangana Telugu dialect adds a fresh angle to his character. The film revolves around Bhagavanth Kesari's unfinished business with an old foe and his responsibility of nurturing a young girl to join the Indian Army.

Positive Aspects:

Prabhas' Dynamic Performance: Balakrishna's portrayal of Bhagavanth Kesari is a refreshing departure from his recent roles, showcasing his versatility in the adavi bidda avatar. The film provides him with ample punchlines and moments to shine.

Empowering Women: Sreeleela's character, portrayed by the talented Sreeleela, takes center stage, delivering a message of women empowerment. The emphasis on her journey to join the Indian Army adds depth to the narrative.

Balanced Screenplay: Anil Ravipudi spends considerable time establishing the world of Bhagavanth Kesari, ensuring a well-paced narrative that engages the audience. The film's trajectory, though predictable, is supported by Balakrishna's impactful presence.

Areas for Improvement:

Predictable Storyline: The film follows a predictable trajectory, with elements like Bhagavanth Kesari's past and an old foe establishing a familiar premise. The plot's predictability may affect the overall freshness of the narrative.

Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: Certain supporting characters, including Kajal Aggarwal's psychologist character, lack depth in their development. The film could have benefitted from a more nuanced portrayal of these roles.

Inconsistent Tone: While the film attempts to convey a message of women empowerment, certain segments featuring inane jokes and stereotypical humor may undermine the intended theme. Maintaining a consistent tone throughout could enhance the impact.

Technical Brilliance:

Directorial Expertise: Anil Ravipudi demonstrates his directorial prowess in presenting a less noisy setting for Balakrishna, allowing exploration of emotional bonds. The film strikes a balance between action and drama.

Cinematography and Music: Bhuvan Gowda's cinematography captures the essence of the narrative, and S Thaman's music adds depth to crucial scenes. The technical aspects contribute to the overall visual appeal.

Final Verdict:

"Bhagavanth Kesari" emerges as a middling action family drama, leveraging Balakrishna's dynamic performance and the empowering message centered around Sreeleela's character. While the film succeeds in providing a fresh angle to Balakrishna's roles, it grapples with predictability and underdeveloped supporting characters. The film's attempt to balance hypermasculine action with emotional drama makes it a decent watch for Balakrishna's fans and those appreciating the theme of women empowerment. However, for viewers seeking more nuanced storytelling, there are alternative choices available.