Mayasabha OTT Review: A Bold Telugu Political Drama on Sony LIV

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Mayasabha OTT Review: A Bold Telugu Political Drama on Sony LIV

OTT Review: Mayasabha – A Gritty Political Drama with a Dose of Intrigue

Streaming on: Sony LIV | Language: Telugu | Genre: Political Thriller | Seasons: 1

Sony LIV continues to explore regional storytelling with the release of its latest Telugu original series, Mayasabha. Set in the murky world of politics, this gritty political thriller attempts to unravel the power struggles, hidden agendas, and backdoor deals that define governance in the modern era.

Plot Summary

Mayasabha dives deep into the corridors of political power, where loyalty is fleeting and ambition knows no bounds. The story follows a group of key political players navigating a dangerous game of manipulation, betrayal, and public perception. As secrets unfold and alliances shift, the series paints a dark and realistic picture of political life—one where ideology often takes a backseat to strategy.

Performances

The series boasts a solid cast of familiar Telugu faces who bring depth to their characters. The lead actor delivers a restrained yet compelling performance, effectively portraying the duality of a politician’s public image versus private persona. Supporting actors also shine, especially in confrontational scenes that are layered with subtext and tension.

Direction & Writing

The creators deserve credit for attempting a layered narrative that combines political commentary with personal drama. While the pacing dips in a few places—particularly in the middle episodes—the script mostly stays engaging with sharp dialogues and cliffhanger moments. The show doesn’t shy away from real-world parallels, making it all the more gripping.

Technical Aspects

Visually, Mayasabha maintains a muted, serious tone that suits its subject matter. The cinematography captures the gritty political backdrop effectively, and the background score adds intensity to several key sequences. The production values are solid, especially for a regional OTT series.

What Works:

 Strong performances
 Realistic portrayal of politics
 Intriguing subplots and character arcs
 Bold narrative choices

What Doesn’t:

 Slightly stretched runtime in some episodes
Predictable twists at times
 May not appeal to those seeking fast-paced drama

Verdict:

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Mayasabha is a commendable attempt at serious political storytelling in the Telugu OTT space. It may not be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of politically charged dramas with layered characters and thought-provoking themes, this series is worth your time.

Kannappa Movie Review (2025): Vishnu Manchu’s Bold Mythological Epic with Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal

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Kannappa Movie Review (2025): Vishnu Manchu’s Bold Mythological Epic with Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal

Kannappa (2025) Movie Review: Vishnu Manchu’s Grand Take on the Devotee of Lord Shiva

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Directed by: Mukesh Kumar Singh
Story & Screenplay: Vishnu Manchu
Production: AVA Entertainment, 24 Frames Factory
Music: Stephen Davies
Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Mohan Babu, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Preeti Mukundan, Kajal Aggarwal, and others.

 Cast and Characters:

  • Vishnu Manchu as Tinnadu / Kannappa

  • Avram Bhakta Manchu as Bala Tinnadu

  • Mohan Babu as Mahadeva Shastri

  • Prabhas as Rudra (Guest Appearance)

  • Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva

  • Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati Devi

  • Mohanlal as Kirata

  • Preeti Mukundan as Nemali (Princess of Pannaga Gudeni)

  • Supporting Cast: Brahmanandam, Sarathkumar, Mukesh Rushi, Brahmaji, Saptagiri, Surekha Vani, and more

 Plot Summary:

Tinnadu (Vishnu Manchu), born in the land of Gudeni, is raised by his father Nadanath (Sarathkumar) after losing his mother. Due to a brutal human sacrifice ritual that kills his friend, Tinnadu becomes a non-believer, rejecting the idea of God.

The land is divided among five Gudenis, often divided but occasionally united — as they are when a threat to the sacred Vayu Linga arises. Amidst internal turmoil and budding love with Princess Nemali (Preeti Mukundan), Tinnadu is exiled by his father for the greater good.

Though an atheist, his journey intertwines with divine events, especially during Mahashivratri, leading him to a confrontation of belief vs. disbelief. Along the way, Shiva (Akshay Kumar), Parvati (Kajal), and Rudra (Prabhas) play celestial roles that challenge and transform him.

How Tinnadu becomes the legendary Kannappa, a devotee of Lord Shiva, is told with grandeur, philosophical dialogues, and mythological references — including a nod to Kirataarjuniyam, with Mohanlal as Kirata testing Arjuna.

 Performances:

  • Vishnu Manchu delivers a strong performance, particularly praised for his costume design and emotional depth as Tinnadu.

  • Avram Bhakta Manchu (his son) shines as the young Kannappa.

  • Preeti Mukundan holds her own as Nemali, embodying devotion and conviction.

  • Prabhas‘ entry in the second half as Rudra is a crowd-pleaser; his presence lights up the screen for a full 25 minutes.

  • Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, as the divine couple Shiva-Parvati, are engaging.

  • Mohan Babu, as the devoted Mahadeva Shastri, brings seriousness and gravitas to the narrative.

  • Guest appearances from Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal elevate the scale of the film.

 Music & Visuals:

  • Music by Stephen Davies is passable, though the songs aren’t memorable.

  • VFX and background score lack polish in certain key moments.

  • Cinematography by Sheldon Chow captures grandeur but misses local Telugu soul — the forests, rivers, and landscapes don’t feel like Srikalahasti or Rayalaseema.

What Worked:

 Vishnu Manchu’s bold reinterpretation of Kannappa’s life
 Mythological and philosophical blend with action and drama
 Prabhas’ explosive cameo as Rudra
 Strong character arcs, especially for Mohan Babu and Preeti Mukundan

 What Didn’t:

 Missing the Rayalaseema flavor and accent
 Background music and VFX felt underwhelming at times
 Weak connection to local Telugu ethos
Songs lacked lasting impact

 Final Verdict:

“This is my Kannappa till now… from now on, it’s your Kannappa,” tweeted Vishnu Manchu during the release. And indeed, this version of Kannappa isn’t the one Telugu audiences grew up with. It’s an expanded, modernized take with added fables and flair.

Vishnu takes the core of Kannappa’s devotion and builds a new narrative around it — some parts land well, others fall short. But it’s a film that attempts something larger than life, and for that alone, it’s worth watching — especially in theatres.

 Rating: 3.5 / 5

Sir Madam Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi & Nithya Menen Shine in Uneven Family Drama

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Sir Madam Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi & Nithya Menen Shine in Uneven Family Drama

Sir Madam (Telugu) Review: Strong Performances, Weak Script

Release Date: August 1, 2025
Language: Telugu (Dubbed from Tamil Thalaivan Thalaivii)
Genre: Family Drama
Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen, Yogi Babu
Director: Pandiraj
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
OTT Status: Not yet streaming

Story Summary:

Agasaveeran (Vijay Sethupathi) runs a humble tiffin center and lives a content life with his wife Arasi (Nithya Menen). However, their seemingly perfect marriage begins to crumble over petty disagreements. The relationship takes a nosedive, leading to a separation and divorce proceedings. Just when it seems things can’t get worse, one incident changes the equation entirely. Can love survive daily chaos, or is separation inevitable?

What Works (Plus Points):

  • Vijay Sethupathi & Nithya Menen share excellent chemistry, capturing the emotional tug-of-war in married life.

  • A powerful pre-climax scene where Vijay delivers a deeply moving monologue about familial responsibilities.

  • Subtle, situational comedy that arises organically from character interactions.

  • Santhosh Narayanan’s score adds emotional gravity, especially during key transitions.

What Doesn’t Work (Minus Points):

  • The core conflict feels stretched, with repeated arguments making the screenplay feel stagnant.

  • The non-linear narrative comes off as confusing rather than refreshing.

  • Too many side characters clutter the screen without contributing meaningfully.

  • Yogi Babu is underutilized and mostly relegated to a background presence.

  • The second half drags, and the emotional outbursts begin to feel exaggerated and tiring.

Technical Aspects:

  • Direction: Pandiraj aims for slice-of-life realism but misses due to weak narrative cohesion.

  • Music: Santhosh Narayanan’s score uplifts the film emotionally; songs are serviceable.

  • Cinematography: M. Sukumar provides functional visuals without much flair.

  • Editing: Pradeep E. Raghav could’ve trimmed the runtime to help pacing, especially in Act 2.

  • Production Values: Decent, but nothing stands out.

Verdict:

Sir Madam is a flawed yet sincere attempt at portraying the complications of modern relationships. It benefits greatly from the lead pair’s natural performances, but struggles with repetitive conflicts, tonal loudness, and screenplay fatigue. It may appeal to fans of emotional family dramas, but casual viewers should temper expectations.

 Rating: 2.75/5

Kingdom Review: Vijay Deverakonda Shines in a Watchable Action Drama

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Kingdom Review: Vijay Deverakonda Shines in a Watchable Action Drama

Kingdom Movie Review: A Watchable Action Drama Led by Vijay Deverakonda

Movie Name: Kingdom
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Satya Dev, Bhagyashri Borse, Venkatesh, and others
Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri
Producers: Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan, Jomon T. John
Editing: Naveen Nooli

Overview

Kingdom, the latest Telugu-language action drama featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Satya Dev, arrives after nearly two years in the making. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film launched with moderate expectations and an intriguing premise centered around brotherhood, duty, and betrayal.

Plot Summary

Set in the early 1990s, Kingdom follows Soori (Vijay Deverakonda), a constable searching for his missing brother Shiva (Satya Dev). His investigation leads him to Sri Lanka, where Shiva is revealed to be a smuggler leading a cartel. Soori goes undercover to track him, gradually infiltrating the criminal network and drawing closer to his brother.

As Soori becomes part of the gang, the story hinges on whether Shiva recognizes his sibling and if the brothers will unite or clash amid rising tensions. The emotional stakes are set—but not always fully realized.

Performances

Vijay Deverakonda delivers a composed, restrained performance that fits the film’s tone. His portrayal of a conflicted brother torn between loyalty and law feels sincere, though subdued. His ability to express emotional turmoil without theatrics anchors the film effectively.

Satya Dev makes an impact but is let down by underwritten material. While the brotherly dynamic offers moments of promise, the emotional weight expected from their relationship remains mostly unexplored.

Venkatesh, in a supporting role as Murugan, brings gravitas, but his character lacks depth. Bhagyashri Borse appears in a de-glam role, but her character is barely sketched, hinting at a possibly expanded arc in a potential sequel.

Direction & Writing

Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for character-rich dramas, opts for a stylized tone here, which somewhat compromises the emotional resonance. The core story of estranged brothers holds potential, but the screenplay feels predictable and emotionally undercooked.

Scenes that should be impactful, such as key confrontations and emotional climaxes, often pass without leaving a strong impression. Much of the film feels like a familiar blend of spy tropes and gangster drama without fresh narrative turns.

Technical Aspects

Visually, Kingdom stands out. Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John deliver impressive cinematography, lending a rich texture to both action and landscape. The bridge fight and climactic sequences are notable for their visual flair.

Anirudh Ravichander’s background score supports the mood but doesn’t break new ground. The music serves its purpose, though it’s not particularly memorable. Naveen Nooli’s editing feels loose, especially in the second half, where pacing becomes an issue.

Production-wise, the film is well-mounted, with solid action choreography and strong visual design. The efforts to create a gritty, immersive world are evident, even if the storytelling doesn’t always rise to match.

Verdict

On the whole, Kingdom is a watchable action drama that rides on Vijay Deverakonda’s grounded performance and sleek visuals. While it falls short in emotional depth and originality, it remains engaging enough with modest expectations.

It may not redefine the genre, but it provides a passable theatrical experience, especially for fans of serious-toned action dramas.

Rating: 2.75/5

(A decent one-time watch with potential for a stronger sequel)

Thalaivan Thalaivii Review: Vijay Sethupathi & Nithya Menen Shine in Patchy Drama

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Thalaivan Thalaivii Review: Vijay Sethupathi & Nithya Menen Shine in Patchy Drama

Thalaivan Thalaivii – A Quirky Family Drama That Works in Bits

Movie Name: Thalaivan Thalaivii
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen, Yogi Babu
Director: Pandiraj
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematography: M. Sukumar
Editing: Pradeep E. Raghav
Producers: Sendhil & Arjun Thyagarajan

Story Overview:

Agasaveeran (Vijay Sethupathi), who runs a family-owned tiffin center, marries Arasi (Nithya Menen). Their relationship begins on a sweet note but quickly devolves into chaos over petty, bizarre disagreements. When a major incident intensifies their rift, the story transforms into a reflection on marital dysfunction and emotional burden. Do they find a way back to each other — or is separation inevitable?

Plus 

  • Lead Performances: Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen’s chemistry anchors the film. Their back-and-forth dynamic adds weight even when the writing falters.

  • Emotional Beats: A standout scene just before the climax showcases Vijay’s acting prowess, striking a balance between restraint and release.

  • Natural Humor: The subtle, situational comedy feels organic and occasionally provides much-needed relief.

  • Score: Santhosh Narayanan’s background music adds emotional grounding, particularly in dialogue-heavy sequences.

Minus 

  • Thin, Repetitive Plot: The central conflict lacks variety, and the non-linear timeline feels unnecessary.

  • Overstuffed with Characters: Many side roles exist without consequence. Yogi Babu, in particular, is criminally underused.

  • Grating Melodrama: The shouting matches become excessive, especially in the second half, making the narrative feel more tedious than real.

  • Pacing Issues: The film drags in key stretches, particularly post-interval, and could’ve used tighter editing.

Technical Aspects:

  • Direction: Pandiraj’s intent is clear, but his execution is uneven. The film needed a stronger emotional arc and less repetition.

  • Music: Santhosh Narayanan’s score does the heavy lifting emotionally. Songs, however, aren’t particularly memorable.

  • Cinematography: M. Sukumar’s visuals are serviceable but uninspired.

  • Editing: Pradeep E. Raghav could’ve trimmed the film’s second half to improve flow.

  • Production Values: Standard. No technical brilliance, but nothing distracting either.

Verdict:

Thalaivan Thalaivii has its heart in the right place, but falters due to a repetitive screenplay and excessive melodrama. The film is saved — at least in parts — by strong lead performances and subtle humor, but it doesn’t quite land as a compelling family drama.
Watch it only if you’re a fan of the lead pair or enjoy relationship-based domestic stories.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review: A Period Action Drama with Style, Grit, and Star Power

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Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review: A Period Action Drama with Style, Grit, and Star Power

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review: Pawan Kalyan Shines in a Visually Grand, Yet Uneven Period Drama

Starring: Pawan Kalyan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Bobby Deol, Nassar, Sunil, Dalip Tahil
Director: Krish Jagarlamudi & Jyothi Krishna
Music: MM Keeravaani
Release Date: July 24, 2025

The Wait Is Over

After years of anticipation and multiple delays, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit finally roars onto the big screen. A historical action spectacle headlined by Pawan Kalyan, the film blends patriotism, Dharma, and rebellion in a stylized 17th-century setting. But does it live up to the monumental build-up?

Plot Summary

Set in the 1650s, the story follows Veera Mallu (Pawan Kalyan), a rebellious hero who steals from the corrupt elite and gains the attention of powerful kings. After escaping with Panchami (Nidhhi Agerwal), he is recruited by Qutub Shah to retrieve the coveted Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughal Empire. However, this mission is only the surface. Veera’s motives run deeper, and his path eventually leads to a confrontation with Emperor Aurangzeb (Bobby Deol).

What Works

Pawan Kalyan’s commanding presence elevates the film. His composed performance, intense action sequences, and spiritually charged dialogues make a lasting impact.
Action choreography stands out, especially scenes at Machilipatnam port, Charminar, and a gritty village battle. These sequences bring scale and adrenaline to the screen.
MM Keeravaani’s background score is a major asset, enhancing tension, emotion, and spectacle throughout the film.
Nidhhi Agerwal delivers with poise, despite a limited role.
Supporting cast, including Sathyaraj, Sunil, and Dalip Tahil, play their parts convincingly.

What Falls Short

 The second half loses momentum, bogged down by filler scenes and an over-reliance on setting up Part 2.
Bobby Deol’s character is underutilized, with minimal interaction with Pawan Kalyan—an opportunity missed.
Subpar VFX work hurts critical moments, particularly the hilltop showdown, undermining the epic tone.
 Characters like Panchami and Sathyaraj’s role feel underdeveloped, and the emotional stakes don’t always land as intended.

Technical Aspects

  • Direction: Krish’s historical depth is visible, while Jyothi Krishna handles the latter half decently, setting the tone for the sequel.

  • Cinematography: Rich and period-authentic, especially in the first half.

  • Editing: Sharp in the beginning, could’ve been tighter later.

  • Production Design: Lavish sets and costumes bring the 1600s to life, though some CGI-heavy moments pull you out of the immersion.

Final Verdict

Hari Hara Veera Mallu delivers a mixed bag—it’s a visually striking, star-powered period drama that hits high notes in action and music but stumbles in pacing and character depth. Pawan Kalyan carries the film with conviction, and the cliffhanger ending sets up an even more intense sequel.

 Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5)
A watchable historical action drama with flashes of brilliance and the promise of a stronger follow-up.

Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama Review – A Lifeless Rom-Com Starring Suhas

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Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama Review – A Lifeless Rom-Com Starring Suhas

Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama Review: A Bland and Forgettable Rom-Com That Misses the Mark

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Starring Suhas and Maalavika Manoj, Ram Godhala’s romantic comedy fails to entertain, with weak storytelling and sluggish execution.

Overview

Movie Title: Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Cast: Suhas, Maalavika Manoj, Anita Hassanandani, Ravinder Vijay, Babloo Prithiveeraj, Prabhas Sreenu, and others
Director: Ram Godhala
Producer: Harish Nalla
Music: Radhan
Cinematography: Manikandan
Editor: Bhavin Shah

Story Summary

Ram (Suhas), a man who despises cinema, meets Satyabhama (Maalavika Manoj), a lively, wealthy, yet mischievous young woman. Her sudden entry turns his life upside down. Love blossoms, but things take a twist when she puts forth a bizarre condition that tests Ram’s patience and emotions. Who is Satyabhama? What’s her hidden agenda? The film unravels these questions in a painfully slow and predictable manner.

What Works

  • Maalavika Manoj’s debut shows some promise. She delivers an okay performance with graceful screen presence and natural expressions in key scenes.

  • A few comedy bits, especially involving Sathvik and the heroine, manage to evoke mild chuckles.

  • Production values are passable, with some decent visuals.

What Doesn’t

  • Weak Screenplay: Despite having a workable plot idea, the film is let down by uninspired writing and a lack of emotional depth.

  • Lack of Chemistry: Suhas and Maalavika share limited chemistry. Their romantic arc feels forced and underdeveloped.

  • Poor Pacing: The second half becomes an unbearable drag with repetitive scenes and no emotional payoff.

  • Predictable Plot: There’s no novelty in the story. It follows a done-to-death rom-com structure with no twists or surprises.

  • Underwhelming Music: Radhan’s soundtrack fails to elevate the film. Songs are forgettable and poorly placed.

  • Direction & Editing: Ram Godhala struggles to bring life to the narrative, and Bhavin Shah’s editing leaves the film feeling far too long.

Technical Review

  • Direction: Ram Godhala fails to capitalize on the film’s potential, delivering a tired narrative that lacks spark.

  • Music: Radhan’s compositions are passable at best, with none standing out.

  • Cinematography: Manikandan offers some okay visuals, but nothing memorable.

  • Editing: A tighter edit might have helped, but the film’s core problems lie in the screenplay itself.

Verdict

Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama is a disappointing romantic comedy that fails to deliver on all fronts. With a lifeless script, zero emotional connection, and uninspired direction, the film turns into a forgettable misfire. Suhas’s talent feels completely wasted, and the second half is a test of endurance. Except for Maalavika Manoj’s modest debut, there’s very little to appreciate here.

Skip this one without hesitation.

Thammudu Review: Nithiin’s Archer Drama Fails to Hit Bullseye

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Thammudu Review: Nithiin’s Archer Drama Fails to Hit Bullseye

Thammudu Review: Nithiin’s Archer Drama Falls Short of the Mark

Release Date: July 4, 2025
Director: Sriram Venu
Cast: Nithiin, Sapthami Gowda, Varsha Bollamma, Laya, Saurabh Sachdeva, Swasika

Overview

Producer Dil Raju returns after the flop of Game Changer and the hit Sankranthiki Vasthunnam with Thammudu. What promised to be an edge‑of‑the‑seat mythic action‑thriller instead delivers a formulaic tale that never quite takes flight.

Story & Structure

A catastrophic factory blast in Vizag sets up a David vs. Goliath scenario: ruthless owner Azarwal (Saurabh Sachdeva) versus upright officer Jhansi Kiranmayee (Laya). When Jhansi’s family comes under attack at the Pagadalamma Jathara, a mysterious archer named Jai (Nithiin) swoops in. But the screenplay’s predictable beats and thin twists fail to bring genuine suspense.

Performances

  • Varsha Bollamma breathes life into Chitra, balancing emotional depth with surprising action chops.

  • Laya is poised and sincere as the principled officer, but her role is underwritten.

  • Swasika (as Guthi) injects energy, making her the second standout after Varsha.

  • Nithiin struggles to imbue his archer persona with weight—his heroic backstory remains frustratingly unexplored.

Technical Highlights

  • Action: Well‑staged first‑half set pieces keep you engaged, but repetition dulls the impact later.

  • Cinematography (K.V. Guhan, Sameer Reddy, Setu): Serviceable visuals, though lacking memorable compositions.

  • Music (B. Ajaneesh Loknath): A functional background score that never soars.

  • Editing (Prawin Pudi): Pacing woes in the second half leave the narrative dragging.

Verdict

Thammudu aims for mythic gravitas but lands with a thud. Despite Varsha Bollamma’s earnest work, a lifeless script and slack execution leave little to recommend. This weekend, skip the half‑baked outing and seek sharper thrills elsewhere.

Kuberaa Movie Review: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Shine in Sekhar Kammula’s Gritty Thriller

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Kuberaa Movie Review: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Shine in Sekhar Kammula’s Gritty Thriller

Kuberaa Movie Review: Kammula’s Boldest Yet—Dhanush Stuns, Nagarjuna Surprises

Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sunaina, Sayaji Shinde, Harish Peradi, Bhagyaraj
Director: Sekhar Kammula
Writer: Chaitanya Pingali
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Niketh Bommi
Producers: Sunil Narang, Puskur Rammohan Rao
Release Date: June 20, 2025

Story:

Deva (Dhanush), a beggar on the streets of Tirupati, is unknowingly roped into a massive corporate scam orchestrated by ruthless billionaire Neeraj Chopra (Jim Sarbh). Tasked with executing the scheme is Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disgraced ex-CBI officer. But when Deva escapes, the balance shifts. What unfolds is a gripping, emotionally charged game of survival, morality, and power.

 Review Highlights:

 Sekhar Kammula Breaks the Mold
Stepping far from his usual comfort zone of feel-good romances, Sekhar Kammula crafts an emotionally tense socio-political thriller that is raw, grounded, and deeply human. Kuberaa takes a sharp look at the class divide without sounding preachy, thanks to sharp dialogues, symbolic storytelling, and a focused screenplay.

Dhanush at His Best
As Deva, Dhanush delivers a phenomenal performance. His portrayal is authentic and restrained, fully immersing himself in the character of a marginalized, voiceless man caught in the gears of power.

 Nagarjuna’s Comeback in Grey
Nagarjuna sheds his star image, embracing the morally complex role of Deepak. His internal conflict is played with nuance and sincerity.

 Supporting Brilliance
Jim Sarbh is intense and convincing, Rashmika lends charm and grounding, and every supporting character contributes meaningfully to the narrative.

 Technical Strength

  • Devi Sri Prasad’s score is minimal yet powerful, with “Naadi Naadi” and “Maadi Maadi” acting as thematic pillars.

  •  Niketh Bommi’s cinematography adds depth and tone to every frame.

  •  Chaitanya Pingali’s writing is sharp and purpose-driven.

  •  High production quality enhances realism.

What Could’ve Been Better:

  • The first act’s pacing drags slightly.

  • Some logical inconsistencies (like the villain’s obsession with tracking a beggar) require suspension of disbelief.

  • Rashmika’s role could’ve had more agency.

 Final Verdict:

Kuberaa is Sekhar Kammula’s most daring film to date, combining realism, symbolism, and emotional depth. With stellar performances, particularly by Dhanush and Nagarjuna, and a thought-provoking narrative, Kuberaa sets a new benchmark for mainstream Telugu cinema. It may not be perfect, but it is powerful, purposeful, and unforgettable.

8 Vasantalu Movie Review: Poetic Yet Slow Telugu Drama with Ananthika Sanilkumar

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8 Vasantalu Movie Review: Poetic Yet Slow Telugu Drama with Ananthika Sanilkumar

8 Vasantalu Telugu Movie Review: A Poetic Journey with Moments of Emotional Depth

Movie: 8 Vasantalu
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Cast: Ananthika Sanilkumar, Ravi Duggirala, Hanu Reddy, Kanna Pasunoori & Others
Director: Phanindra Narsetti
Producers: Naveen Yerneni & Y Ravi Shankar
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Cinematography: Vishwanath Reddy
Editor: Shashank Mali

Story Overview

8 Vasantalu revolves around Suddhi Ayodhya (Ananthika Sanilkumar), a spirited 17-year-old girl from Ooty who is a dojo champion and aspiring writer. The film follows her emotional and philosophical journey spanning eight years, charting themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, particularly after meeting Karthik (Hanu Reddy).

What Works

  • Ananthika Sanilkumar shines with a mature and emotionally layered performance, especially remarkable given her young age.

  • The chemistry between Ananthika and Hanu Reddy feels natural and heartfelt, particularly in key emotional sequences.

  • Visually, the film is a treat—capturing the serene landscapes of Ooty, the spiritual aura of Varanasi, and the picturesque beauty of Kashmir with finesse.

  • Hesham Abdul Wahab’s musical score and songs complement the film’s tone, enhancing the poetic rhythm and emotional impact.

Where It Falters

  • The film’s narration is slow and overly poetic, causing a dip in engagement especially in the second half, where the story becomes abstract and distant.

  • Suddhi’s character arc loses consistency after a pivotal heartbreak, with key decisions feeling unconvincing.

  • Supporting roles, including Ravi Duggirala, lack sufficient depth or integration into the main plot.

  • Some promising subplots, like Suddhi’s male friend’s storyline, end abruptly without resolution.

  • At times, the film feels preachy and indulgent, with heavy symbolism that may alienate viewers seeking a more straightforward narrative.

Technical Highlights

  • Phanindra Narsetti’s direction shows artistic vision but could benefit from tighter editing.

  • Vishwanath Reddy’s cinematography stands out as a major strength.

  • Shashank Mali’s editing feels sluggish in parts, especially in the latter half.

  • The production values remain solid, lending a polished look to the film.

Final Verdict

8 Vasantalu is a film with noble intentions and moments of emotional resonance, but it struggles with pacing and an abstract narrative style. Ananthika Sanilkumar’s performance is its highlight, yet the overall story lacks the grip needed to fully engage viewers. This movie suits those who appreciate poetic cinema and don’t mind a slow, contemplative experience. Approach with patience and moderate expectations.

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