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Movie Name : Bhoot Bangla

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.25/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, Mithila Palkar, Asrani Ji, Rajesh Sharma
Director : Priyadarshan
Producers : Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R. Kapoor
Music Director : Pritam
Cinematographer : Divakar Mani
Editor :  Aiyappan Nair M.S

Related Links : Trailer

The highly anticipated reunion of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan is finally here with Bhooth Bangla. Given their legendary track record, expectations were naturally high for this horror comedy. Let’s see if the film manages to live up to the hype.

Story:

The plot kicks off when Akshay Kumar’s character returns to India from London. His plan is simple: host his sister’s wedding at their grand ancestral bungalow. However, things quickly take a turn when he experiences a series of unexpected events on the property. He soon uncovers a shocking secret tied to the house. What exactly is hiding inside the bungalow? Will the wedding still happen there? The rest of the movie answers these questions.

Plus Points:

Akshay Kumar is easily the biggest strength of the film. His signature comic timing is still intact, and he manages to pull off some genuine laughs. Seeing Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal share the screen again brings back great memories from their classic hits, and their performances give the audience some much-needed relief. On the visual side, cinematographer Diwakar Mani does a fine job. The bungalow set design looks grand, and the camera work captures the scale nicely.

Minus Points:

The biggest problem with Bhoot Bangla is the core story. It feels like a recycled script from decades ago, offering absolutely nothing fresh in the screenplay. A good horror comedy needs to either scare you or make you laugh out loud, but the spooky scenes here fall completely flat.

Instead of feeling thrilling, they just drag on. The comedy in the second half feels forced and awkward. To make matters worse, the climax is incredibly predictable and ends on a dull note.

Technical Aspects:

Director Priyadarshan unfortunately fails to recreate the magic of his earlier blockbusters. Because the core story lacks depth, even his vast directing experience isn’t enough to save the film. Pritam’s music is okay, but the songs pop up at the wrong times and interrupt the flow of the narrative. The editing by Aiyappan Nair also needed tighter work, as trimming down the second half would have made a big difference.

Verdict:

On the whole, Bhooth Bangla is a horror comedy that fails to impress. Aside from Akshay Kumar’s comedy and very few fun moments, there isn’t much to keep you hooked. The outdated narrative and boring horror sequences heavily weigh the movie down significantly. Hence, it ends up as a disappointing watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Pallichattambi Review

Pallichattambi Review

Movie Name : Pallichattambi

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Tovino Thomas, Kayadu Lohar, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shatru, and others
Director : Dijo Jose Antony
Producer : Noufal & Brijeesh, CCC Brothers
Music Director : Jakes Bejoy
Cinematographer : Tijo Tomy
Editor :  Sreejith Sarang

Related Links : Trailer

Pallichattambi is the latest Malayalam film starring Tovino Thomas and Kayadu Lohar, featuring a notable cameo by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Released as a Vishu special in Kerala, the movie has now arrived in Telugu theaters today. Here is our detailed review to help you decide if it is worth your time.

Story:

Set in the 1950s village of Kaaniyar, as communism surges across Kerala, a powerful religious community brings in the dreaded “Church Rowdy” Pothan Christopher, also known as Krishna Pillai (Tovino Thomas), to crush the rising movement. A man bound by duty, his resolve begins to crack when he encounters Rebecca (Kayadu Lohar), a fierce communist whose conviction challenges everything he stands for. Meanwhile, the cunning and ruthless Nambiar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) exploits the unrest to grab control of the village lands, turning an ideological battle into a brutal struggle for power. What happens next is a story meant for the big screen.

Plus Points:

Tovino Thomas puts in a significant effort and delivers a passable performance, particularly shining during the film’s intense action sequences. Kayadu Lohar performs adequately despite her limited screen time, though her character unfortunately lacks a lasting emotional impact.

Shatru is a surprising highlight of the film, effectively portraying a sense of ruthlessness that keeps the audience engaged. Compared to the slow-paced first half, the second half offers much better content, execution, and character development.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s negative-shaded cameo is fine, though it feels like a setup for a potential sequel. Jakes Bejoy’s background score is the standout element, single-handedly elevating several mediocre scenes throughout the film. The action choreography also stands out as one of the few areas where the film truly lives up to its “mass” expectations.

Minus Points:

The story is rooted in real historical events from 1950s Kerala, which may resonate with local audiences but feels alien to others. When aiming for a pan-Indian reach, the director should have made the complex history much easier to understand for a general audience.

The narrative lacks clarity, making it difficult for viewers unfamiliar with the “Liberation Struggle” to connect with the stakes. This lack of context prevents the emotional moments from landing as intended.

Furthermore, the first half moves at a sluggish pace and lacks any major excitement to keep the viewer hooked. The poor quality of the Telugu dubbing further dilutes the intensity of the scenes, making the experience feel even more disjointed.

The lack of familiar faces and underdeveloped supporting characters adds little value to the overall production. Even the primary conflict feels stretched thin because the screenplay fails to build consistent tension.

Technical Aspects:

Director Dijo Jose Antony fails to meet expectations regarding the script and its final execution. While the film has high production values, it lacks the creative spark found in his previous works like Jana Gana Mana. Tijo Tomy’s cinematography is partially effective, but Sreejith Sarang’s editing is a major letdown. These technical inconsistencies result in a below-par viewing experience that feels far too long.

Verdict:

On the whole, Pallichattambi is a period action drama that suffers from poor execution and a pale screenplay. Despite Tovino Thomas’s physical commitment and a powerful background score, the movie fails to live up to its massive pre-release hype. The sluggish pacing and lackluster dubbing make it a mediocre experience at best. With several other options available this weekend, this film is easily forgettable.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Pochamma

Movie Name : Pochamma
Streaming Date : April 16, 2026
Streaming Platform : Aha
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Ramesh Indira, Arjun, Priya Shatamarshan, Snehal Kamat, Shruti Naidu & Others.
Director : Ramesh Indra
Producers : Shruti Naidu
Music Director : LV Muthu Ganesh
Cinematographer  : Shreesha kuduvalli
Editor : Rajendra Urs

Related Links : Trailer

Aha brings a brand new Telugu web series titled Pochamma. Headlined and directed by Ramesh Indira, with Achyuth Kumar, Arjun Ambati, and Snehal Kamat in key roles, the five episode series is now available for streaming. Check out how it fares.

Story:

In a remote village, Fredrick (Ramesh Indira) buys a lavish estate where a Pochamma idol stands rooted in the land’s past. Ignoring Raghupathi’s (Achyuth Kumar) chilling warnings, he removes it. That decision triggers a chain of eerie events. What begins as unease soon spirals into horror with the mysterious death of his young daughter Jessi (Snehal Kamat). Now, one question lingers is this the wrath of the goddess or a far more sinister truth hiding in plain sight.

Plus Points:

The biggest strength of the series is its pacing. Director Ramesh Indira keeps things tight and interesting right from the opening minute. There is no unnecessary buildup or dragged narration. Unlike many web series, it does not waste time setting things up slowly and then rushing towards the end. The narrative stays consistently engaging without noticeable lag.

The integration of the Pochamma goddess into the storyline works well. The way the events are woven around the belief system keeps the intrigue alive. This connection helps maintain curiosity and keeps the viewer invested.

Performances are decent. Snehal Kamat delivers a convincing act, while Arjun Ambati stands out in a negative role. Achyuth Kumar brings a calm and composed presence that adds weight to the narrative. The background score is a major highlight and elevates several moments effectively.

Minus Points:

Despite having just five episodes and a crisp runtime, the series ends up being only a decent watch because of its predictable storyline. The core plot feels familiar and resembles an Oscar winning film in its outline, even though it is not a direct copy. The devotional angle adds a local flavour, but the underlying twist is not very hard to guess.

Casting choices also affect the impact. Achyuth Kumar performs well, but his presence makes certain developments easier to predict. A fresher casting choice could have added more surprise.

Another drawback is the dominance of non Telugu actors in a Telugu series. While it may be a creative choice, stronger local casting could have improved authenticity. The dubbing, especially for Ramesh Indira, feels weak and does not match the intensity of his character.

The series also misses out on elevating key moments. Some high stakes scenes could have been designed better to enhance engagement. The climax, in particular, feels simple and lacks punch.

Technical Aspects:

Ramesh Indira handles the narrative efficiently and keeps it straightforward without unnecessary distractions. However, the predictability may reduce the impact for some viewers. The music by LV Muthu Ganesh is a strong asset and adds depth to the storytelling. Cinematography by Shreesha Kuduvalli is adequate, while editing keeps the flow smooth. Production values are decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Pochamma is a decent mystery series that manages to keep you invested with its fast pacing and effective background score. While the performances and technical aspects support the narrative, the predictable storyline and weak dubbing hold it back. If you are looking for a quick and interesting watch at home, this series is worth a try.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu Review

Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu Review

Movie Name : Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu
Streaming Date : April 15, 2026
Streaming Platform : Jio Hotstar
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5

Starring : Askar Ali, Vineeth Kumar, Sidharth Bharathan, Assim Jamal, Senthil Krishna, Fahad Sidheekh, Sreekanth, Kanakamma K and Suparna
Director : Jithu Satheesan Mangalathu
Producers : Faras Mohamed, Fahad Sidheekh, Fayez Mohammed
Music Director : Godwin Thomas
Cinematographer  : Naveen Najose
Editor : Arjun Prakash

Related Links : Trailer

Malayalam cinema keeps dropping interesting thrillers, and Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu is the latest to grab attention. This time loop mystery is now streaming in Telugu on Jio Hotstar. Let’s see how it fares.

Story:

CPO Anand (Askar Ali) gets transferred from the Vellurkkad police station. Leaving his family behind, he joins fellow officers Ashokan (Asim Jamal) and Regi (Vineeth Kumar) on a rescue mission. They head into a mysterious forest to save missing cops from the Perumala station. Once inside, things turn strange. Anand realizes the events around him keep repeating. He is stuck in a time loop with no clear way out. The rest of the movie reveals what happened in the forest, its dark history, and whether Anand manages to escape.

Plus Points:

Handling a time loop concept without confusing the audience is tough, but the director manages it with great clarity. Like many Malayalam thrillers, the movie starts slow but quickly becomes gripping. The screenplay brings some serious twists. The pre-interval sequence and the interval block are guaranteed to mess with your mind.

The climax holds another solid twist. Director Jithu Sathisan perfectly planned the elements needed for this rare concept. The entire cast delivers great performances, and every actor gets meaningful screen time that pushes the story forward.

Minus Points:

Hardcore movie buffs who regularly watch Hollywood time loop films like Vivarium or The Midnight Meat Train might find the core idea familiar. Telugu audiences might also draw comparisons to the recent film Aarambham. Because of this, it might not feel entirely fresh to everyone.

The general audience might get a little confused during certain scenes. Also, the pacing drops and feels slow in a few places.

Technical Aspects:

Production values are very good. The team designed the visuals perfectly to fit the complex theme. Godwin Thomas gives good music, and Naveen Njoos handles the camera work solidly. Arjun Prakash keeps the editing neat. The Telugu dubbing on Hotstar is also of good quality.

Director Jithu Sathisan Mangalathu does a fine job. His clear vision and neatly designed screenplay are the biggest strengths here, proving his capability as a filmmaker in this tricky genre.

Verdict:

Overall, Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu offers a satisfactory thrill ride, especially for viewers who aren’t deeply familiar with time loop movies. The twists and a tight screenplay stand out as the main highlights. The cast gives strong, uncompromised performances. If you can ignore a few confusing scenes and a slightly slow narrative, this mystery thriller ends up as a good watch on OTT.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Toaster Review

Toaster Review

Movie Name : Toaster
Streaming Date : April 15, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5

Starring : Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Archana Puran Singh, Upendra Limaye and Others
Director : Vivek Daschaudary
Producers : Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, Tarun Bali
Music Director : Aman Pant
Cinematographer  : Jishnu Bhattacharjee
Editor : Chandrashekhar Prajapati

Related Links : Trailer

Netflix has now come up with the comedy-drama Toaster starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in the key roles. Let’s see how this direct-to-digital OTT release fares.

Story:

Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao) is a miser through and through, who owns a perfume shop. He lives with his wife, Shilpa (Sanya Malhotra), in a society filled with elderly people. One day, the couple attends the wedding of Shilpa’s guru’s daughter. Though Ramakant isn’t pleased, Shilpa gifts the newlyweds a brand-new toaster worth Rs. 5,000. However, the marriage falls apart, and Ramakant decides to retrieve the toaster, leading to a series of chaotic events.

Plus Points:

Rajkummar Rao is the show-stealer of Toaster without an iota of doubt. Known for his impeccable comic timing, the actor amuses with his rib-tickling performance. As an extreme miser, he does a phenomenal job, and his character’s miserliness lands him in multiple troublesome situations, generating laughs.

The backdrop of the film is effective, and it lays the path for some genuinely enjoyable moments. The protagonist going all out for a simple toaster draws us into his stingy nature, which remains consistent throughout. Even after all the chaos, he doesn’t change a bit, which makes the character more likable.

As a woman who is addicted to crime stories on television and tries to solve a murder mystery, Sanya Malhotra does a brilliant job. She attempts to be a private detective, and in doing so, unintentionally generates fun. The rest of the supporting cast does a fine job. Archana Puran Singh takes us by surprise with a bizarre character.

Minus Points:

A few years back, Rajkummar Rao came up with a quirky and unconventional comedy thriller, Monica O My Darling. It stands as one of the best examples of how a crazy concept can gain strength from a well-written and engaging screenplay. Toaster gets it right when it comes to the premise and quirkiness, but the screenplay doesn’t always catch up.

When a film with such a solid premise doesn’t realize its full promise, disappointment is inevitable. It’s not that Toaster is bad, as such. There are some genuinely funny moments, but the movie doesn’t rise beyond them.

The second half, in particular, is filled with repetitive episodes, which bring down the overall impact of Toaster. Had the narrative been stronger here, the film could have turned out to be a much more compelling watch. In the end, we will just wish the storytelling were as wacky as Rajkummar Rao.

Technical Aspects:

Aman Pant’s background score matches the film’s tone, and cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee is effective. The editing and production values are satisfactory, too.

Vivek Daschaudary’s direction works only in parts. The screenplay needed more spice and substance to keep things consistently crazy, just the way the film’s premise promises a quirky ride.

Verdict:

On the whole, Toaster is a partly engaging comedy drama with some genuinely funny moments. The premise is solid, but the screenplay doesn’t help the film live up to its promise. Rajkummar Rao is hilarious and is well supported by Sanya Malhotra and the rest of the cast. What could have been a crazy, eccentric ride is reduced to just an okay watch, with the narrative not quite hitting the mark.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Dacoit

Dacoit Review

Movie Name : Dacoit

Release Date : April 10, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, Kamakshi Bhaskarla
Director : Shaneil Deo
Producer : Supriya Yarlagadda
Music Director : Bheems Ceciroleo
Cinematographer : Danush Bhaskar
Editor :  Kodati Pavan Kalyan

Related Links : Trailer

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s romantic action drama Dacoit has now hit the big screens. The film marks the directorial debut of Shaneil Deo. Amidst good expectations, the film hit the big screens and let’s see how it is.

Story:

Haridas a.k.a Hari (Adivi Sesh) and Juliet a.k.a Saraswati (Mrunal Thakur) are lovers who wish to stand by each other through thick and thin. However, destiny has other plans for them. Hari lands in jail, while Saraswati marries someone else. How the two cross paths again and become important in each other’s lives forms the crux of Dacoit.

Plus Points:

Unlike Adivi Sesh’s usual thrillers, this one doesn’t rely on a complicated plot. Dacoit is straightforward in that sense, but the screenplay sprinkles arresting moments across both halves, keeping the narrative engaging.

There are two solid twists in the second half that will genuinely catch you off guard. They arrive just when the story seems to be heading in a simple, predictable direction, making the film more impactful.

The second half features well-designed action blocks with engaging chase sequences, good emotions, and twists that work fairly well. The Kannepettaro song remix, coupled with the title card sequence, delivers goosebumps.

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur carry the film almost entirely. It’s their chemistry, confrontations, and actions that drive most of the narrative. Adivi Sesh shows noticeable improvement in emotional scenes, while he continues to impress with his trademark style.

Mrunal Thakur delivers a very good performance in a role that changes paths in different situations. With Dacoit, she once again proves she’s not just a beauty but a good performer with strong acting talent. Among the supporting cast, Anurag Kashyap and Kamakshi Bhaskarla leave an impact.

Minus Points:

There are twists in Dacoit for which Sesh is synonymous, but the kind of newness he brings to his films through stories is missing here. If you are looking for an out-of-the-box concept, then you might be a bit disappointed, as Dacoit is all about two estranged lovers who reunite to achieve a common goal.

There are certain slow moments here and there which diminish the overall feel. The first half takes more time to establish the characters and the conflict point, and here the editing could have been better.

The special song featuring Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh and singer Jonita Gandhi was much-hyped, but it doesn’t land as effectively as the makers intended. The Rayalaseema slang by Sesh isn’t impressive and has scope for improvement. Certain dialogues were not conveyed properly.

Technical Aspects:

Songs by Bheems Ceciroleo are decent, while the background score by Gyaan is appealing in the action part. Danush Bhaskar’s cinematography is splendid. The way the chase and action sequences are designed is excellent. The production values are first rate.

Debut director Shaneil Deo did a satisfactory job with Dacoit. He along with Sesh worked on the screenplay part, and this aspect makes the film engaging despite the regular nature of the plot. Some scenes needed more clarity as they feel incomplete.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dacoit is a compelling romantic action drama that has a fair share of good moments. Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur shoulder the film with their impressive performances. The story isn’t fresh, but the screenplay hooks us for the most part, and the twists work in the film’s favour. There are certain slow moments here and there, and dubbing issues at times reduce the overall impact. If you are looking for an intense action drama, Dacoit will work for you.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Love Insurance Kompany

Love Insurance Kompany

Movie Name : Love Insurance Kompany

Release Date : April 10, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Pradeep Ranganathan, SJ Suryah, Krithi Shetty, Yogi Babu, Seeman, Gouri Kishan, Shah Rah, Malavika.
Director : Vignesh Shivan
Producers : Nayanthara, S.S. Lalit Kumar
Music Director : Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer : Ravi Varman
Editor :  Pradeep E Ragav

Related Links : Trailer

Love Insurance Kompany (LIK) is the latest film starring Pradeep Ranganathan, with Krithi Shetty as the female lead. Directed by Vignesh Shivan, this futuristic romantic drama has released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Here’s how it turns out.

Story:

in 2040, the world is heavily dependent on an app called Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), which dictates who people should love and when they should break up. Dheema (Krithi Shetty) is one such person who blindly follows the app and trusts its every instruction. Vibe Vaasu (Pradeep Ranganathan), who comes from a phone-free “Organic World” and serves as the voice behind the app, falls for Dheema at first sight. As they fall in love, their relationship takes a turn when the app’s “Love Score” feature interferes. Trusting the digital verdict, Dheema walks away from Vaasu, pushing him to prove that love cannot be measured by an app. What follows is his journey to challenge the system and win back his love. Whether he succeeds forms the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

The concept of exploring love in a tech-driven future is refreshing and provides a strong base for a modern romantic drama. However, the film only scratches the surface instead of exploring this idea in depth.

Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a performance that suits the role but lacks the standout presence of his previous films. Krithi Shetty, unfortunately, gets very limited scope and fails to leave a strong impression. The standout performer is S.J. Suryah, who brings energy with his entertaining villainous role.

The supporting cast appears in various scenes but does not leave much impact, making the overall world feel less immersive than expected.

Minus Points:

Some stories look great on paper but fail to translate effectively onto the screen, and this film falls into that category. The futuristic setting fails to impress as it mirrors present-day society too closely, lacking the imagination expected from a story set in 2040. Also, the “Organic World” feels artificial rather than serving as a convincing contrast to the tech-driven environment.

In terms of performances, Pradeep Ranganathan is adequate but does not reach the standout level of his previous films, missing some of his usual charm. Krithi Shetty feels miscast, and the script does not provide her with enough depth to showcase her acting abilities.

The weak emotional connection between the leads, along with an underdeveloped conflict, reduces the overall impact of the narrative. More importantly, a futuristic love story relies heavily on emotional depth, which is largely missing here.

The comedy also falls flat, as talented actors like Yogi Babu are significantly underutilised throughout the film. This absence of both genuine emotion and effective humour leaves the narrative feeling hollow and prevents it from truly engaging the audience. Ultimately, the film lacks even a single standout scene that is compelling enough to keep viewers hooked to the screen.

Technical Aspects:

Director Vignesh Shivan had a promising idea, but the screenplay fails to translate it into an engaging film. The narrative lacks enough substance to hold interest consistently.

Anirudh Ravichander’s music is underwhelming and does not create much impact. The songs are forgettable and do not elevate the film. The editing by Pradeep E. Raghav is poor, leading to noticeable lag and an overly stretched runtime. Several scenes in both halves could have been trimmed for better pacing. Ravi Varman’s visuals are decent but do not fully establish a convincing futuristic setting.

Verdict:

On the whole, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK) is a futuristic romantic drama with an okay concept but weak execution. Pradeep Ranganathan is adequate, while Krithi Shetty feels miscast. The lack of emotional depth, ineffective humour, and sluggish pacing across both halves significantly weaken the film. It ultimately falls short due to weak narrative control and an underwhelming screenplay, failing to fully realise its high-concept premise.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Movie Name : Biker

Release Date : April 03, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Sharwanand, Dr Rajashekhar, Malvika Nair & Others.
Director : Abhilash Reddy
Producers : Vamsi Krishna Reddy, Pramodh Uppalapati
Music Director : Ghibran Vaibodha
Cinematographer : J Yuvraj
Editor :  Anil Pasala

Related Links : Trailer

Sharwanand has now come up with the sports drama Biker. Directed by Abhilash Reddy, the movie stars Rajasekhar in a key role. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Vikas Narayan aka Vikky (Sharwanand) is a top-class motocross racer.. Since childhood, he is trained rigorously by his father Sunil Narayan (Rajasekhar). However, Vikky suddenly leaves the sport, putting his father in a tough spot.

Why did Vikky leave racing? How is he connected to Ananya (Malavika Nair)? What is her role in his life? What happened after Vikky left the sport? This forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

We have already seen multiple sports dramas in Tollywood, but motocross racing has never been explored before, and that becomes the USP of Biker. Even though a few moments appear familiar, the unexplored territory in Telugu cinema keeps the proceedings engaging, and credit where it’s due.

The sport sequences are superbly shot and choreographed. Some moments truly keep us on the edge of our seats. To make a film on a less popular sport in India by weaving emotional moments around it, the director does a pretty good job in helping the movie connect with the regular audience.

Sharwanand looks in his best shape, and it’s good to see him try his hand at multiple genres. He brings sincerity to his performance as a professional racer and is effective in the emotional segments as well. His scenes with Rajasekhar work well. With Biker, Rajasekhar (Angry Man) reaches a new level, playing his part with utmost dignity and elegance.

When veterans play their age and become an integral part of the story instead of trying to outshine others, it’s a pleasure to watch. From here on, Rajasekhar could become the go-to actor for character roles in Telugu cinema. The second half is comparatively more engaging with decent emotional depth. Malavika Nair is fine in her role.

Minus Points:

Biker plays it safe in key moments with familiar tropes, which prevents it from reaching the next level. The vulnerability of the protagonist should have been explored more during the actual racing portions to make it stand apart from regular sports dramas. Some elements feel too easy for the hero to achieve, which takes away from the realism.

Instead of external factors, if the hero had been troubled by his own internal thought process during the racing, the impact could have been much higher. The episodes involving the hero’s sponsorship needed better execution.

The racing scenes are no doubt solid, but the moments leading up to them could have been still better. The conflict point between the lead pair is meaningful, but it is underutilized. The first half is slow at times, and isn’t upto the mark on the whole.

Technical Aspects:

Ghibran’s background score is solid in the thrilling moments, and the sound design is excellent. Cinematographer Yuvraj does a fabulous job in picturizing the racing sequences. The editing is fine in the latter half, but needed improvement in the first half.

The production values are solid. Director Abhilash Reddy takes up a not-so-popular sport and delivers an engaging film with a fair number of good moments. Had he avoided a few clichés, the movie could have reached a whole new level.

Verdict:

On the whole, Biker is an engaging sports drama with a never-before-explored motocross racing backdrop and good performances. The racing scenes are brilliant, and the film is carried by Sharwanand and Rajasekhar with their impressive performances. The first half is slow, and there are a few convenient moments. The use of certain tropes could have been avoided for better impact. Nonetheless, if you enjoy sports dramas, Biker turns out to be a satisfactory watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Raakaasaa

Movie Name : Raakaasaa

Release Date : April 03, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Sangeeth Shobhan, Nayan Sarika, Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji, Tanikella Bharani, Getup Srinu & Others.
Director : Manasa Sharma
Producers : Niharika Konidela & Umesh Kumar Bansal
Music Director : Anudeep Dev
Cinematographer : Raju Edurolu
Editor :  Anwar Ali

Related Links : Trailer

Raakaasaa is the latest Telugu fantasy comedy movie starring Sangeeth Shoban and Nayan Sarika in the lead roles, with Niharika Konidela as producer and Manasa Sharma as director. The movie hit the big screens today and here is our take on it.

Story:

A remote village called Raakavaram has lived under the fear of a monstrous presence for over 2000 years. Whenever it signals, ignoring its demand leads to complete destruction. Terrified, the villagers offer a human sacrifice each time the sign appears. Veerababu (Sangeeth Shoban), a carefree US returnee, unknowingly steps into the monster’s forbidden territory without grasping the consequences. What follows? Does he survive or fall victim to the beast? Why does the monster target the village and its people? The film unfolds these answers.

Plus Points:

This is the first film of Sangeeth Shoban as a main lead, and he makes good use of the opportunity. His strength lies in his comic timing, and he keeps the narrative engaging whenever he is on screen. He delivers several moments that bring genuine laughs.

Getup Srinu in the first half and Vennela Kishore in the latter half provide good support. Their comedy works in many places and helps maintain a fun vibe, especially during tense portions.

Nayan Sarika has limited screen presence but does her part neatly. The supporting cast is adequate and fits well within the setup.

The build up towards the interval is one of the better parts of the film. It creates curiosity and sets up expectations nicely. The background score, performances, and atmosphere work effectively in these portions.

The film blends humour with horror elements in the second half and manages to deliver a few enjoyable moments. The background score by Anudeep Dev stands out and enhances several scenes.

Minus Points:

The story follows a somewhat familiar pattern, and a few developments feel predictable at times. A slightly tighter narrative could have made the film more engaging overall.

There are a few cinematic liberties taken in the storyline that may not work for everyone, but they do not heavily affect the overall flow if viewed as a light entertainer.

Some characters have scope for more depth but remain limited in impact. A few comedy scenes do not land as expected, and the songs feel like they slow down the narrative slightly.

Technical Aspects:

Director Manasa Sharma picks an interesting concept for her debut and handles it in a fairly decent manner. While the writing could have been sharper in places, her approach keeps the film accessible and entertaining.

The background score by Anudeep Dev is a major plus and supports the mood effectively. Editing could have been crisper in parts. Cinematography is decent, and the production values are satisfactory for the genre.

Verdict:

On the whole, Raakaasaa is a timepass horror comedy that offers decent entertainment. Sangeeth Shoban’s performance and the humour from the supporting cast work in the film’s favour. While it does not fully capitalise on its premise, it still manages to stay engaging. If you are looking for some light hearted fun, this film can be an enjoyable weekend watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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