Latest Cinema Reviews

MAD Square Review: A Fun-Filled Comedy with Laughs

MAD Square, the sequel to the 2023 hit MAD, has finally hit the big screens. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, this coming-of-age comedy-drama brings back the humor and energy that made its predecessor a success. Starring Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Sobhan, Ram Nithin, and Priyanka Jawalkar, the film offers an entertaining ride, though with a few hiccups.

Story Overview:

The movie follows the story of Laddu (Vishnu Oi), who ends up in Tihar Central Jail. When fellow prisoners ask him how he landed there, Laddu narrates his hilarious and chaotic tale. His three best friends, Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Sobhan), accidentally turn his wedding into a disaster. The consequences of their antics lead to a series of comedic twists and turns.

Plus Points:

  • Laugh-Out-Loud Moments: The film has plenty of comedy scenes that will leave the audience in splits, especially in the first half.

  • Engaging Performances: Vishnu Oi steals the show with his impeccable comic timing, while Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Sobhan, and Ram Nithin add to the fun with their lively presence.

  • Supporting Cast: Muralidhar Goud stands out with his hilarious portrayal of Laddu’s father. His scenes add emotional weight along with humor.

  • Light-Hearted Entertainment: MAD Square doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free movie experience.

Minus Points:

  • Weak Second Half: The latter part of the film loses its momentum with a few dull moments and repetitive jokes.

  • Underutilized Characters: Talented actors like Sunil, Antony, and Satyam Rajesh are given limited screen time, which is a missed opportunity for more comedy.

  • Lack of Strong Plot: While the humor carries the film, a stronger storyline would have made the movie more engaging.

  • Forgettable Music: Except for the Swathi Reddy song, the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression.

Technical Aspects:

Director Kalyan Shankar delivers a light-hearted entertainer, excelling in comedic writing. Bheems Ceciroleo’s background score complements the fun vibe, while Shamdat’s cinematography captures the visuals effectively. However, a tighter screenplay and better editing could have enhanced the overall impact.

Verdict:

On the whole, MAD Square is a decent comedy with entertaining performances and humorous moments. While it may lack a gripping narrative and consistent comedy in the second half, the chemistry among the lead cast and a few laugh-out-loud scenes make it a one-time watch. If you’re in the mood for a carefree and fun film, MAD Square won’t disappoint.

Robinhood Review: A Lively Heist Comedy with Laughs and Twists

Venky Kudumula’s Robinhood arrives with high expectations, offering a mix of comedy, action, and emotions. Starring Nithiin and Sreeleela, the film follows Ram (Nithiin), an orphan-turned-smart thief who steals from the rich to help the needy. His path crosses with a dangerous villain involved in an illegal drug trade, leading to unexpected twists.

Nithiin delivers an effortless performance, balancing humor and action with ease. Sreeleela adds charm, while Devadatta Nage plays a menacing antagonist. Cricket star David Warner’s cameo brings an interesting surprise. The first half is packed with witty moments, but the second half slows down slightly. Some characters fade in crucial moments, and a few unnecessary songs disrupt the pacing.

Technically, the film maintains good production values, with impressive music by GV Prakash and engaging cinematography. However, minor flaws in VFX and editing could have been refined.

Robinhood is an entertaining heist comedy with fun moments and emotional depth. Though the screenplay could have been sharper, the humor and performances make it an enjoyable watch, especially for fans of lighthearted entertainers.

Devara in Japan: Jr NTR’s Electrifying Experience with Fans

Man of Masses Jr NTR is currently in Japan, promoting his much-anticipated film, Devara: Part 1, which is all set for a grand release on March 28, 2025. His visit has been nothing short of spectacular, as Japanese fans welcomed him with immense enthusiasm, reaffirming his growing global fanbase.

The actor has been actively sharing moments from his Japan tour, and today, he delighted fans with a special video capturing the thrilling atmosphere at a packed screening event. The clip features the audience erupting with cheers and applause, celebrating Jr NTR’s dynamic on-screen presence. The video quickly went viral, spreading waves of excitement across social media platforms.

Expressing his heartfelt appreciation, Jr NTR captioned the video, “Overwhelmed, Japan! Can’t wait for the Japanese audience to experience #Devara in cinemas from March 28th.” His words resonated deeply with fans, further building anticipation for the film’s international release.

With the massive hype surrounding Devara: Part 1, expectations are sky-high for its performance at the Japanese box office. The action-packed saga, featuring Jr NTR in a powerful avatar, has already generated significant buzz globally.

After wrapping up his promotional activities in Japan, Jr NTR is set to return to India to commence shooting for his next major project, NTR 31, directed by the acclaimed Prashanth Neel. Fans are eagerly awaiting further updates on both films.

Stay tuned for more exclusive news on Devara in Japan and the latest on Jr NTR’s cinematic journey!

Pelli Kaani Prasad Movie Review: A Comedy That Falls Short of Expectations

Pelli Kaani Prasad Movie Review

Comedian Sapthagiri’s latest film, Pelli Kaani Prasad, hit theaters on March 21, 2025. Directed by Abhilash Reddy Gopidi, this comedy-drama attempts to deliver laughter but falls short in many areas.

Story Overview

Prasad (Sapthagiri), a 38-year-old man working in Malaysia, remains unmarried because his father (Murali Goud) demands a hefty dowry of Rs. 2 crore. On the other side, Priya (Priyanka Sharma) and her family dream of settling in the US. Priya tricks Prasad into marrying her without paying dowry, infuriating his father. But soon, an unexpected twist changes everything.

Will Priya achieve her American dream? How will Prasad navigate these challenges? The answers unfold through a series of dramatic and comedic events.

What Works

  • Sapthagiri delivers a controlled performance, steering away from his usual energetic style. His comedic timing adds occasional charm.
  • Priyanka Sharma portrays her character well, showcasing the aspirations of someone chasing a better life.
  • The supporting cast, including Annapurna and Muralidhar Goud, offer some light-hearted moments.

What Doesn’t Work

  • Forced Comedy: The humor often feels exaggerated, lacking the natural charm needed for a good comedy.
  • Weak Climax: The rushed storytelling and overacting dilute the emotional impact.
  • Predictable Plot: Many scenes feel like a rehash of popular comedy sequences from other movies.

Technical Aspects

  • Direction: Abhilash Reddy Gopidi misses the mark in delivering a consistent comic narrative.
  • Music: Sekhar Chandra’s tunes are average and fail to leave a lasting impact.
  • Cinematography: The visuals by Sujatha Siddharth are adequate, but nothing exceptional.

Final Verdict

Pelli Kaani Prasad is a comedy that struggles to entertain. While Sapthagiri tries his best, the lack of originality and weak execution make this a forgettable watch. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the actor, it’s better to skip this one for the weekend.

Nani’s Court Movie Review: A Gripping Courtroom Drama with Powerful Performances

Court Movie Review

“Court: State Vs. A Nobody” is the latest Telugu courtroom drama starring Priyadarshi in a pivotal role. Directed by Ram Jagadeesh, the movie sparked curiosity with its intriguing trailer. Now that it has hit the big screen, let’s dive into the review and see if it lives up to expectations.

Storyline:

Set in 2013 in Visakhapatnam, the film revolves around Mettu Chandrashekar (Harsh Roshan), a hardworking young man from a modest background. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from a well-off family. However, her uncle Mangapathi (Shivaji), a man obsessed with caste pride, falsely implicates Chandu under the POCSO Act.

With his future at stake, lawyer Surya Teja (Priyadarshi) steps in to defend Chandu. Will he prove Chandu’s innocence? Why is Mangapathi so ruthless? How will the courtroom battle unfold? The answers lie in the film’s gripping legal proceedings.

What Works Well:

✅ Engaging Courtroom Drama – Director Ram Jagadeesh crafts a solid legal thriller with impactful court scenes.
✅ Standout Performances – Shivaji’s portrayal of Mangapathi is intense and believable. Priyadarshi shines as a determined lawyer, making the courtroom sequences even more gripping. Harsh Roshan and Sridevi Apalla add emotional depth to the story.
✅ Well-Written Climax – The film’s conclusion highlights the importance of legal awareness in society, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking message.
✅ Strong Background Score – Vijay Bulganin’s music enhances the emotional moments, making them more effective.

What Could Have Been Better:

❌ Slow First Half – The movie takes time to pick up, with a teenage love story that feels stretched.
❌ Missed Potential – While the cast delivers strong performances, actors like Sai Kumar and Surabhi Prabhavati could have been given more depth in their roles.
❌ Minor Inconsistencies – A few factual errors, like the presence of Ola bikes in a 2013 setting, slightly affect the film’s authenticity.

Final Verdict:

“Court: State Vs. A Nobody” is a compelling courtroom drama with stellar performances, especially from Priyadarshi and Shivaji. Despite a slow start, the second half, packed with intense legal arguments, makes it a worthy watch. If you enjoy courtroom dramas, this film is definitely worth your time!

Kiran Abbavaram Dilruba Movie Review: A Disappointing Love Story

Dilruba, starring Kiran Abbavaram and Rukshar Dhillon, is a romantic action drama directed by Vishwa Karan. Despite high expectations, the film struggles to deliver an engaging experience. Let’s take a closer look.

Story:

Siddharth Reddy, aka Siddhu (Kiran Abbavaram), strongly dislikes using words like “sorry” and “thank you.” His relationship with Meghana (Kathy Davison) falls apart because of this, and he moves to Mangalore for his studies. Meanwhile, Meghana gets married and moves to the USA.

In Mangalore, Siddhu meets Anjali (Rukshar Dhillon), a lively and mischievous student. They grow close, but an unexpected event drives them apart. Meghana, now back in India, tries to reunite them. Will she succeed? What caused Siddhu’s breakups? The film unravels these answers.

Positives:

✅ Kiran Abbavaram brings his signature energy, making some scenes watchable.
✅ His chemistry with Rukshar Dhillon is decent, and her playful performance adds fun moments.
✅ The action sequences are well-choreographed and provide some entertainment.
✅ Aadukalam Naren shines in a limited role with an impressive performance.

Negatives:

❌ The film lacks a strong story, making it feel directionless and predictable.
❌ Kiran Abbavaram’s character feels repetitive, offering nothing fresh.
❌ Kathy Davison’s performance is weak, with poor expressions and lip-sync issues.
❌ John Vijay’s villainous role falls flat, coming off as unintentionally comedic.
❌ The screenplay is sluggish, and the second half becomes dull and uninspiring.
❌ Music by Sam CS fails to elevate the film’s emotions.

Technical Aspects:

Director Vishwa Karan fails to present a fresh take on a familiar storyline.
Cinematography by Viswas Daniel is decent, but the editing could have been tighter.
CGI effects feel subpar, making some scenes look unrealistic.

Verdict:

Overall, Dilruba is a mediocre romantic action drama that lacks a gripping storyline. While Kiran Abbavaram and Rukshar Dhillon put in decent efforts, the weak screenplay and predictable narration weigh the film down. Fans of the genre might find a few enjoyable moments, but for most viewers, Dilruba is forgettable.

Chhaava Telugu Review: A Grand Historical Drama with Intense Performances

Chhaava brings the incredible story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life, showcasing his bravery and struggles against the mighty Mughal empire. With Vicky Kaushal in the lead, the film arrived with great expectations. Does it deliver? Let’s find out in this Chhaava Telugu review.

Story:

The movie begins with the passing of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, leaving the Maratha Empire in turmoil. His son, Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal), takes charge, launching a bold attack on Burhanpur, a stronghold of the Mughals. This enrages Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna), who vows to destroy the Marathas. Despite Sambhaji’s strategic brilliance, betrayal from within leads to his capture. What follows is an emotional tale of resistance, sacrifice, and honor.

Plus Points:

✅ Vicky Kaushal’s outstanding performance as Sambhaji Maharaj steals the show, especially in the gripping climax.
✅ The film effectively captures the essence of Maratha valor and history.
✅ Supporting actors like Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty deliver solid performances.
✅ The climax is intense and emotionally powerful, leaving a lasting impact.

Minus Points:

❌ The first half feels slow, with some scenes dragging the pace.
❌ War sequences in the second half could have been more engaging.
❌ Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb needed a stronger presence to enhance the conflict.
❌ Some characters lack depth, which reduces the emotional impact.

Technical Aspects:

Direction: Laxman Utekar presents the story well but could have made the screenplay sharper.
Music: AR Rahman’s soundtrack is decent, but it lacks memorable tracks.
️ Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami’s visuals are functional but could have been more dynamic.
✂️ Editing: The first half could have been trimmed to maintain better pacing.

Verdict:

Overall, Chhaava is a decent historical drama powered by Vicky Kaushal’s brilliant performance and an impactful climax. However, its slow narration and lengthy runtime may not appeal to everyone. If you admire Maratha history, this film is worth a watch. For general audiences, it’s a one-time watch.

Nithiin Robinhood Review: A Promising Comeback for the Star?

It has been a while since Nithiin delivered a blockbuster, and now all eyes are on Robinhood, directed by Venky Kudumula. The duo previously worked together on Bheeshma, a box office hit, and fans are eager to see if their magic will repeat.

Music for Robinhood is composed by GV Prakash, adding to the film’s excitement. At a recent event, producer Ravi Shankar shared his thoughts on the movie, saying, “I just watched Robinhood, and I am confident it will be Nithiin Garu’s career-best film. It has come out exceptionally well.”

He also praised Nithiin’s stylish and energetic performance, comparing his chemistry with Sreeleela to the iconic Pokiri duo, Mahesh Babu and Ileana. His words have further raised expectations among fans.

Set for release on March 28, Robinhood will clash with Mad Square at the box office. With high expectations and strong competition, the team needs aggressive promotions to ensure success.

Sabdham Movie Review: Aadhi Pinisetty’s Horror Drama Delivers Emotions but Lacks Thrills

The much-awaited Sabdham movie starring Aadhi Pinisetty finally hit the big screens on February 28, 2025. This supernatural thriller, directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam, blends horror, suspense, and emotional drama. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the Sabdham movie review to find out.

Storyline:

Set in Holy Angel College, the movie revolves around a series of mysterious student deaths that spark ghostly rumors. To investigate, the management hires Vyoma Vaidyalangam (Aadhi Pinisetty), a paranormal expert. While uncovering the truth, Vyoma meets Avantika (Lakshmi Menon), a student who is researching ghost myths. However, something about her behavior raises suspicion.

As the story unfolds, another student, Deepika, dies under strange circumstances. Is the college really haunted? What secrets lie hidden in its past? How is Diana (Simran) connected to these tragic events, and what injustice was done to her? The answers unravel in a gripping but somewhat predictable narrative.

Strengths:

✅ Aadhi Pinisetty’s Powerful Performance:
Aadhi shines in his role as Vyoma, delivering an intense and convincing performance. He balances both horror and emotional scenes seamlessly.

✅ Engaging Emotional Depth:
Unlike many horror films, Sabdham weaves in strong emotional elements, making the audience connect with the characters.

✅ Solid Supporting Cast:
Simran, Lakshmi Menon, and Laila make their presence felt, adding layers to the story. Redin Kingsley and Rajeev Menon provide strong support, elevating key moments.

✅ Cinematography & Music:
Arun Bathmanaban’s cinematography captures the eerie atmosphere perfectly, while Thaman’s background score heightens the suspense, complementing the horror elements well.

✅ Unique Horror Effects:
Some sequences introduce fresh horror techniques, offering a few spine-chilling moments that Telugu audiences might find intriguing.

Weaknesses:

❌ Predictable Second Half:
The film follows a typical horror-revenge formula. While the first half builds suspense, the second half loses steam with a routine flashback and predictable screenplay.

❌ Missed Opportunities in Storytelling:
Despite an interesting premise, the film struggles to maintain engagement in crucial scenes. A lack of shocking twists makes the narrative feel less gripping than expected.

❌ Repetitive Horror Elements:
Some scenes feel repetitive, reducing the overall impact of the scares. Instead of sustaining suspense, the story becomes more about unraveling the past, which slows down the pace.

Technical Aspects:

Direction: Arivazhagan Venkatachalam delivers an emotionally engaging story, but the lack of gripping moments weakens the horror experience.
Music: Thaman’s background score enhances the eerie setting but doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
Editing: Sabu Joseph’s editing ensures smooth transitions, though the second half could have been tighter.
Production Values: The film is visually well-crafted, with commendable production quality from 7G Siva.

Verdict:

Sabdham is an emotional horror drama that works in parts but struggles to maintain excitement. Aadhi Pinisetty delivers a commendable performance, and the film offers a few spooky moments. However, the predictable storyline, slow pacing, and lack of gripping twists prevent it from being a standout horror thriller.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.75/5)
Who Should Watch? Horror lovers who enjoy supernatural dramas with emotional depth.
Who Can Skip? Viewers looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat thriller.

Baapu Review: A Rural Drama of Mixed Emotions

Baapu is set in a serene Telangana village and weaves the tale of Chanti (Racha Ravi), a JCB operator with grand dreams sparked by a mysterious gold idol, and Mallayya (Brahmaji), a struggling cotton farmer burdened by debt. As fate intervenes when the idol is stolen, Mallayya’s family concocts a drastic plan, setting the stage for a narrative that mixes thriller elements, heartfelt drama, and moments of levity. The film’s poetic ending, which reminds us that “what doesn’t belong to us, and what we are not deserving of, won’t ever come to us,” resonates well, yet the storyline feels uneven.

On the plus side, standout performances by Brahmaji and Aamani, along with authentic rural cinematography by Vasu Pendem and a fitting musical score by RR Dhruvan, add flavor to the film. However, the slow pace in the first half, forced plot twists, and an unneeded romance track dilute the impact. In our Baapu Review, while the film offers rustic charm and sincere moments, it ultimately falls short of being a truly engaging rural drama.