Reviews

Review : Raja Shivaji – Grand Visuals Ruined by Slow Pacing

by narendhar May 2, 2026

Movie Name : Raja Shivaji

Release Date : May 1, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Bhagyashree, Vidya Balan
Director : Riteish Deshmukh
Producers : Genelia Deshmukh, Jyoti Deshpande
Music Director : Ajay-Atul
Cinematographer : Santosh Sivan
Editor : Urvashi Saxena

Related Links : Trailer

Riteish Deshmukh’s highly anticipated directorial venture, Raja Shivaji, hit the screens today. Based on the life of the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film features a massive star cast. Let’s see how this grand historical action drama holds up.

Story:

The film traces Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s (Riteish Deshmukh) relentless fight to establish Swarajya. It focuses on the guerrilla warfare tactics he used to counter the Mughal Empire and the Adil Shahi forces. Later, the narrative builds toward the legendary battle against Afzal Khan (Sanjay Dutt), which forms the core of the drama.

Plus Points:

Riteish Deshmukh breathes life into the role of Shivaji Maharaj. His commanding screen presence and strong dialogue delivery drive the movie forward. At the same time, Sanjay Dutt brings a terrifying edge to the cruel Afzal Khan. Bhagyashree also leaves a mark with her dignified performance as Jijabai.

Santosh Sivan’s cinematography is a major asset. Every frame looks stunning, elevating the massive scale of the production. Ajay-Atul’s background score hits the right notes, especially during the war scenes, where it gives you goosebumps. The action sequences look incredibly real, and the highly anticipated Afzal Khan episode stands out as the best part of the second half.

Minus Points:

The biggest hurdle for the film is its lengthy runtime. Clocking in at over three hours, the movie feels a bit heavy to sit through.

While the first half moves at a good pace, the second half slows down significantly, breaking the emotional flow.

Since the movie was originally shot in Marathi, the dubbing issues are clearly visible in other languages. Some scenes retain Marathi dialogues, which might disconnect regular viewers who aren’t familiar with the language.

Technical Aspects:

As a director, Riteish Deshmukh completely succeeds in bringing his grand vision to the big screen. He handles the massive scale without making major mistakes.

Genelia’s production values are top-notch, giving the film a premium feel. However, editor Urvashi Saxena could have chopped off several slow scenes in the second half to keep things crisp. Finally, the background music by Ajay-Atul pushes the entire film to another level.

Verdict:

On the whole, Raja Shivaji is a mildly engaging historical action drama backed by grand visuals. Riteish Deshmukh’s performance and Santosh Sivan’s cinematography stand out. However, the slow narration and excessive runtime weigh the film down. There are some good moments, but ultimately it falls short of being an epic, and ends up as a below-par watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

May 2, 2026

Review: Mammootty’s Patriot – Spy Thriller That Works in Parts

by narendhar May 1, 2026

Movie Name : Patriot

Release Date : May 01, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi and others
Director : Mahesh Narayanan
Producers : Anto Joseph, K. G. Anil Kumar
Music Director : Sushin Shyam
Cinematographer : Manush Nandan
Editors : Mahesh Narayanan, Rahul Radhakrishnan
Related Links : Trailer

After nearly 18 years, Mollywood legends Mammootty and Mohanlal reunite for the spy action thriller Patriot. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film arrives with high expectations. Here is how it fares.

Story:

Dr. Daniel Joseph (Mammootty), a research scientist at the Defence Research Wing, uncovers a covert spyware network operating through laptops distributed to underprivileged students. The devices, linked to Minister JP Sundaram’s (Rajiv Menon) son Shakti Sundaram (Fahadh Faasil), are embedded with a surveillance program called Periscope that tracks users relentlessly. When a young girl becomes a victim, the stakes escalate. Branded a threat, Daniel escapes to London to expose the truth. Captured and on the run, he navigates a web of deception as deeper layers of the conspiracy unravel. At a crucial juncture, Colonel Rahim Saheb (Mohanlal) enters the narrative, emerging as a key force whose connection to the operation adds weight to Daniel’s mission. The story ultimately follows Daniel’s fight to expose the company behind the spyware and the government backing it.

Plus Points:

The biggest strength of the film is watching Mammootty and Mohanlal share screen space again. Mammootty delivers a composed and authoritative performance, bringing weight to the film’s core theme of privacy and governance. His presence adds credibility and depth to several key moments.

Mohanlal appears in the latter half and makes a noticeable impact, even though his role is limited. The scenes featuring both legends are engaging and carry a certain emotional weight for fans.

Kunchacko Boban plays a significant role and leaves a good impression. Zarin Shihab is effective in her part. Fahadh Faasil, as the antagonist, brings a controlled performance, though the character itself lacks depth.

The film raises relevant and unsettling questions about digital surveillance. It effectively conveys how everyday devices can intrude into personal lives, and how systems meant for public welfare can be misused for control and political advantage. These portions feel grounded and thought provoking.

Minus Points:

Despite a strong premise, the film struggles with consistency. It opens well but loses grip midway, briefly regains momentum, and then falls into a similar uneven rhythm in the second half. This fluctuation affects immersion.

The narrative needed sharper writing and tighter execution. A more focused approach could have sustained the tension throughout.

The emotional layer remains underdeveloped, which limits the film’s impact. Nayanthara’s role feels underwritten and does not contribute meaningfully to the story. Fahadh Faasil’s character, while effective in parts, deserved a stronger arc to elevate the conflict.

Technical Aspects:

Mahesh Narayanan deserves credit for choosing a relevant subject and presenting it with intent. However, the screenplay could have been more refined and cohesive. More shared screen time between Mammootty and Mohanlal would have enhanced the experience.

Manush Nandan’s cinematography is functional. Sushin Shyam’s background score stands out and adds intensity to several sequences. Editing is serviceable but could have been tighter to avoid the dragging portions. Production values are solid and reflect the scale of the project.

Verdict:

On the whole, Patriot is a concept driven thriller that works in parts. Mammootty anchors the film with a strong performance, while Mohanlal adds value in a brief but effective role. The film’s take on privacy and surveillance is relevant, but uneven pacing and underwritten characters hold it back from being consistently engaging. It ends up as just an okay watch that might appeal more to those interested in its theme than its storytelling.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

May 1, 2026

Review: Dhanush’s Kara – Familiar plot, Satisfactory execution

by narendhar April 30, 2026

Movie Name : Kara

Release Date : April 30, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Dhanush, Mamitha Baiju, K.S. Ravikumar, Karunas, Jayaram, Prithvi Pandiarajan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, M.S. Baskar, Sreeja Ravi & Others.
Director : Vignesh Raja
Producer : Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh
Music Director : GV Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer : Theni Eswar ISC
Editor : Sreejith Sarang
Related Links : Trailer

Dhanush has now come up with the rural heist thriller Kara. The film is directed by Vignesh Raja of Por Thozhil fame. Let’s see how the movie is.

Story:

Karasaami (Dhanush), a thief, leaves his family behind and marries Malli (Mamitha Baiju). The duo works at a small hotel in Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh, to make a living. However, Karasaami is not satisfied with his financial situation. He returns to his father, Kandhasaamy (K. S. Ravikumar), seeking financial support. There, he learns that his father is trapped in a debt spiral after taking a bank loan. Karasaami realizes that banks are exploiting innocent farmers and decides to rob them. The rest of the story follows Karasaami’s attempts at robbery.

Plus Points:

The best part about Kara is that it sticks to its core theme from the beginning without deviating from the storyline. Even during the ordinary scenes, we stay glued to the screen since the narrative remains focused.

The heist episodes are designed superbly and are sure to keep us on the edge of our seats. Especially, the interval sequence is brilliantly executed and whistle-worthy. What makes these sequences more engaging is that the film initially portrays the protagonist’s failed attempts and vulnerability rather than presenting him as an unstoppable force, making the character arc feel natural. The cat-and-mouse game between Dhanush and the cops is nicely written and delivered.

To avoid a repetitive feel, Vignesh Raja constantly throws new challenges at the hero, making each theft sequence distinct from the other. Dhanush is a gem of an actor who can never go wrong with his performance. With Kara, he once again proves why he is hailed as an actor par excellence. Be it his intensity in the thrilling robbery scenes or his subtlety in emotional moments, Dhanush delivers his A-game throughout.

The emotional moments between the father and son work well in the first half. GV Prakash Kumar’s background score is scintillating and aligns perfectly with the narrative. His score elevates the impact effectively in several key moments. Suraj Venjaramoodu is stunning as a cop, highly determined to catch the thief. KS Ravi Kumar is solid in the father role, while Jayaram is too good as the regional bank manager. Karunas and others did well, too.

Minus Points:

The heist moments are undoubtedly brilliant, but the driving force behind the robbery scenes is the exploitation by banks through high interest rates and other charges. This theme has been explored multiple times in mainstream cinema, with the recent example being Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. While the core idea isn’t entirely new and may remind viewers of older films at times, the presentation keeps the proceedings engaging.

The director takes his time establishing the key characters and the central conflict, which makes parts of the first half feel slow-paced. The Telugu dubbing could have been better, as the dialogues occasionally sound a bit odd.

Mamitha Baiju appears convincing as a village belle, but she is underutilized. She gets limited screen time, and the emotional scenes in the latter half needed more impact to elevate the narrative further. In the end, Kara enters a Robin Hood-esque zone, which could have been avoided.

Technical Aspects:

GV Prakash Kumar’s songs may not have worked well as standalone tracks, but they fit the narrative effectively. As mentioned earlier, the background score is one of the main highlights. Theni Eswar’s cinematography is impactful, as he neatly captures the rustic setting of the film. The editing is in sync with the director’s vision. The production design is impressive, showcasing the 90s vibes.

Director Vignesh Raja delivers on the screenplay front, even though the chosen premise isn’t unique. The rural setup and the consistent storytelling throughout the film keep us engaged for the most part.

Verdict:

On the whole, Kara is a satisfactory period heist thriller set against a rural backdrop. The subject isn’t fresh and has been explored several times before, but Vignesh Raja’s grounded narration and well-executed heist episodes keep the proceedings engaging. Dhanush is extraordinary and is well supported by Jayaram and Suraj Venjaramoodu. Mamitha Baiju has a limited scope, and the emotional moments in the second half needed more punch. If you like watching heist thrillers, this film can be given a try.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 30, 2026

Review: Michael – Celebrates the Legend, Misses the Complexity

by narendhar April 25, 2026

Movie Name : Michael

Release Date : April 24, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo
Director : Antoine Fuqua
Producers : Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Music Director : Lior Rosner
Cinematographer : Dion Beebe
Editors : Conrad Buff IV, Tom Cross, John Ottman, Harry Yoon
Related Links : Trailer

The biopic of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is now out in theatres. Let’s see if the movie lived up to the expectations.

Story:

Michael tells the story of the pop icon who rose from Gary, Indiana. Michael (Jaafar Jackson), the youngest of the Jackson brothers, is believed by his mother to be a rare talent. After performing with the family band, the Jackson 5, for several years, he decides to go solo, but remains petrified of his strict father, Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo). The rest of the film chronicles the crucial events in Michael’s life.

Plus Points:

Michael Jackson has been part of our lives at some point, with his god-gifted voice and dance skills, and hence the enthusiasm for this biopic is surreal. Hence, we look forward to the real-life concerts and popular tracks of the legend, and this aspect has been delivered superbly. The one sequence that gives immense satisfaction is the recreation of the iconic ‘Thriller’ track, and scenes like these will make us revisit Jackson’s concert videos after the film.

Michael Jackson had a troubled childhood due to his strict father, who even whipped him with a belt. Because of his father’s harsh verbal insults and physical abuse, Michael creates a dreamlike world called ‘Neverland’ as he attempts to recapture his lost childhood, and this aspect helps the audience connect emotionally with the legend.

The scene where Michael conveys to his father during a concert that he will live his life the way he wants is superbly presented. Jaafar Jackson makes a phenomenal debut with an award-worthy act. His performance is A-rate, as he perfectly portrays the mannerisms and body language of Michael Jackson. He makes us feel the aura of the legend, and the way he performs the dance moves is simply brilliant. In the emotional scenes, Jaafar is terrific.

Colman Domingo is superb as the antagonist and makes us despise him through his performance. KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Miles Teller, and others deliver satisfactory performances. Juliano Krue Valdi, who played the young Michael, was adorable.

Minus Points:

Anyone who walks in to watch a biopic would want to know the ins and outs of that celebrity, including the negative aspects, and this is where Michael falters. The film doesn’t showcase the allegations and controversies surrounding Michael Jackson’s life. Though a second part is likely, it still feels like watching a biopic that tells only half the story.

The pacing is initially a bit slow. There’s also an important aspect that lacks clarity. The film doesn’t show what the Jackson brothers were doing when Michael wasn’t around. Were they unhappy with their younger brother’s growth? Were their albums not performing well when Michael was on the rise? Even if we set aside the allegations, which may be explored in the second part, these aspects remain largely unaddressed.

Technical Aspects:

The usage of Michael Jackson’s iconic songs is the film’s biggest trump card. The production design by Barbara Ling and the costumes by Marci Rodgers recreate the bygone era flawlessly. Dion Beebe’s cinematography is stunning, with the concert sequences being a visual treat. The way the ‘Thriller’ track is captured feels magical. The film also moves at a faster pace in the second half.

Antoine Fuqua’s direction works well in parts, especially in the portions that celebrate the music icon. However, he should have addressed a few key elements, the absence of which slightly reduces the overall impact.

Verdict:

On the whole, Michael, the biographical film on the ‘King of Pop’, delivers a decent big-screen experience, backed by Jaafar Jackson’s first-rate performance, the recreation of Michael Jackson’s iconic tracks and concerts, and a few emotional moments. However, the absence of the controversial events from his life makes the biopic feel somewhat hollow in terms of subject matter, preventing it from reaching the next level. Nonetheless, it can be given a try, as there are worthy moments that make us relive the magic of the legend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 25, 2026

Review: Vaazha 2 – An Engaging Youthful Entertainer

by narendhar April 25, 2026

Movie Name : Vaazha 2

Release Date : April 24, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Hashir H, Alan Bin Siraj, Biju Kuttan, Ajin Joy, Vinayak V and others
Director : Savin SA
Producers : Vipin Das, Harris Desom, Sahu Garapati, P. B.Anish, Adarsh Narayan, Icon Studios
Music Directors : Malayali Monkeys, Rajat Prakash
Cinematographer : Akhil Lailasuran
Editor : Kannan Mohan
Related Links : Trailer

The coming-of-age drama Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros is a sensational Malayalam sequel that has recently stormed the global box office, crossing the Rs. 200 crore mark. Featuring social media sensations and directed by debutant Savin SA, the movie has now released in Telugu. Check out the review to know how it fares for the local audience.

Story:

Hashir (Hashir H) and Alan (Alan Bin Siraj) have been friends since childhood, eventually forming a close-knit group with Vinayak (Vinayak V) and Ajin (Ajin Joy). Their behavior in college creates a massive ruckus that lands them in significant trouble with both their families and the authorities. Later, they decide to concentrate on their studies with the hope of going abroad and settling down well to escape their “loser” labels. Whether their plan works and what they learn during this transformative journey is what the movie is all about.

Plus Points;

The beauty of the film is that it doesn’t go overboard anywhere, maintaining a grounded and authentic tone throughout the narrative. It gives you a nostalgic reminiscence of the life many of us passed through during our own student days. Many incidents involving mistakes, friendships, and life realisations are showcased in a fun manner. It successfully captures the essence of youth without feeling forced or overly dramatic.

The director avoids preaching and instead lets the viewers recollect their own memories by telling even painful stories in a humorous way. Regarding the performances of Hashir, Alan, Vinayak, and Ajin, they are incredibly lively and deliver surprisingly neat performances. We see ourselves in them because their acting feels unpolished yet incredibly genuine. Their chemistry is the driving force that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

The problems faced by the leads in foreign lands are showcased in a fun manner, yet there is a layer of truth and pain underneath. The first half runs very well with high-energy comedy and relatable student life scenarios that keep the momentum high. While the second half flows smoothly, the emotional ending is well-showcased and provides a satisfying conclusion to the journey. It manages to transition from laughter to heart-tugging moments with relative ease.

The underlying meme references in the Telugu version, such as the Jaya Janaki Nayaka dialogue and nods to Anil Ravipudi, will connect deeply with the youth. These local touches, including references to Cash Anudeep, make the dubbed version feel fresh and relevant to our audience.

The technical department also deserves appreciation, especially for the well-crafted interval fight sequence. The cameo by Premam director Alphonse Puthren is a treat for film buffs and works perfectly within the narrative. The rest of the supporting cast does their job adequately.

Minus Points:

This kind of movie may not work for those who are looking for a traditional, heavy narrative or a complex plot. The story flows like regular life with its usual ups and downs, which a few people might find slightly aimless. It is a “slice-of-life” film at its core, meaning it prioritises character moments over a fast-paced thriller-like structure. This approach might not resonate with viewers who prefer high-stakes commercial cinema.

The love stories could have been better showcased, especially considering the target youth demographic of the film. While the second half starts off well, a few moments of slowness can be observed in the middle act before the climax. However, the proceedings eventually pick up again to make the movie enjoyable overall. A bit more depth in the romantic tracks might have added another layer to the emotional payoff for the viewers.

Some viewers may not agree with the director’s choice of showcasing serious life problems in a purely entertaining or satirical manner. While the writer and director’s intention is to tell a story for recollection, some might feel the tone is too light for the gravity of the situations.

Additionally, while the Telugu dubbing is generally fine, a few minor characters didn’t receive a proper voice match. This creates a slight “dubbed movie” feel in certain scenes that momentarily breaks the immersion.

Technical Aspects:

Savin SA was highly successful in bringing Vipin Das’s sharp writing from the paper to the screen. No scene feels forced, and there is no sense of boredom thanks to the clear vision of the director. The editing by Kannan Mohan is a standout, making the entire film feel like a racy and well-paced narrative. He ensures that the comedy and the emotional beats are balanced without any jarring transitions.

The visuals by Akhil Lailasuran are cool and refreshing, giving the film a polished look despite its modest budget. The production values are decent and suit the scale of the story perfectly for this genre. The background score by the A Team is a massive highlight, as it amplifies the impact of both the action and the emotional scenes. The technical team has clearly worked in sync to deliver a high-quality product.

Verdict:

On the whole, Vaazha 2 is truly a “biopic of a billion brothers” who have navigated the messy highs and lows of youth. It is a well-crafted coming-of-age drama that manages to be both entertaining and deeply relatable. All thanks to Savin SA and Vipin Das for bringing this fresh perspective to the screen. Despite being newcomers, the lead actors lived in their roles and left a lasting impression. On the flip side, the satirical narrative style and a few minutes of draggy scenes in the second half are minor negatives. Overall, it will definitely give you a chance to remind yourself of your own school and college days. One will definitely come out of the theater with a happy smile and a lot of nostalgia. Without any doubt, you can watch this movie with your friends this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 25, 2026

Review: Thimmarajupalli TV – A Nostalgic Ride That Works in Parts

by narendhar April 18, 2026

Movie Name : Thimmarajupalli TV

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Sai Tej, Vedha Jalandharr, Pradeep Kotte, Swathi Karimireddy, Amma Ramesh, Satyanarayana, Lathish
Director : V. Muniraju
Producer : Kiran Abbavaraam
Music Director : Vamsikanth Rekhana
Cinematographer : Akshay Ram Podishetti
Editor : V. Muniraju

Related Links : Trailer

Thimmarajupalli TV is a Telugu period drama produced by Kiran Abbavaram. Featuring debutants Sai Tej and Veda Jalandhar in the lead roles, the film arrives with a nostalgic premise set in a rural backdrop. Here’s how it fares.

Story:

Set in 1996 in the village of Thimmarajupalli, Satish (Sai Tej), a petty thief, is in love with Sharada (Veda Jalandhar). Every Maha Shivaratri, he arranges a television for the villagers, turning the occasion into a shared celebration. Meanwhile, village head Ramachandrayya (Amma Ramesh) dreams of being the first to own a TV, but Rajappa (Kotte Pradeep) beats him to it. What starts as a matter of pride soon turns into a burden, as Rajappa’s house becomes a constant gathering spot for the entire village. The situation escalates when a clash erupts between Satish and Rajappa, and the very next day, Rajappa’s TV goes missing, putting the blame on Satish. With the village council giving him two weeks to prove his innocence, Satish sets out to find the truth behind the missing TV, which forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

The film’s strongest aspect is its nostalgic premise. The idea of a single television bringing an entire village together is both relatable and interesting, and the film captures this innocence with sincerity. The reactions of villagers experiencing television for the first time feel organic.

Sai Tej puts in a sincere effort and manages to hold his part, especially in emotional scenes. Pradeep Kotte gets a more layered role and delivers a controlled performance that adds weight to the narrative. The supporting cast blends well into the setting and helps maintain the film’s grounded tone.

There are moments, particularly involving the mother-son relationship and the communal viewing scenes, that land effectively. These portions reflect the film’s potential and offer glimpses of emotional depth. The background score supports such scenes without becoming overpowering.

Minus Points:

Despite a promising setup, the film struggles with consistency. The narration frequently loses grip due to loosely written and unnecessary stretches that dilute the core conflict. This issue becomes more prominent in the second half, where the story demands urgency but moves at an uneven pace.

While the film introduces multiple characters, most of them remain underwritten. As a result, the performances, though sincere, do not translate into memorable moments.

The love story between the leads lacks depth and fails to create a strong emotional pull. Similarly, the exploration of village dynamics such as ego clashes, jealousy, and social tensions feels surface-level, limiting the overall impact of the drama.

Technical Aspects:

Director V. Muniraju chooses a rooted and interesting concept but does not fully capitalise on it due to an inconsistent screenplay. A tighter narrative structure and better scene transitions could have significantly improved engagement.

Vansikanth Rekhana’s music complements the film in key moments, particularly in emotional stretches. Akshay Ram Podishetti’s cinematography effectively captures the rural setting and enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. The production values are neat, and the art department does a commendable job in recreating the period setting authentically.

Verdict:

On the whole, Thimmarajupalli TV has a nostalgic core and a premise that holds genuine appeal, but uneven storytelling holds it back from reaching its full potential. While a few emotional and village-centric moments work well, the lack of narrative tightness and depth makes the experience inconsistent. It ends up as a partially entertaining watch rather than a truly engaging rural drama. Keeping expectations in check will help in appreciating its better moments.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 18, 2026

Review: Thiruveer’s Papam Prathap – Just for a few laughs

by narendhar April 18, 2026

Movie Name : Papam Prathap

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Thiruveer, Ajay Ghosh, Raasi, Payal Radhakrishna, Devi Prasad, Goparaju Ramana, Ravi Anthony, Raghu Babu, Prasad Behra, Basha
Director : S.P. Durga Naresh
Producer : Gaddam Rakesh Reddy, Rudradev Madhi Reddy
Music Director : K.M. Radha Krishna
Cinematographer : Vishweshwar S.V
Editor : Anwar Ali

Related Links : Trailer

Thiruveer who gained reputation among the audiences with his choice of scripts has now come up with the village drama Papam Prathap. The movie is now out in theatres. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Prathap (Thiruveer), who belongs to a rich family, marries the love of his life Bujjamma (Payal Radhakrishna) against his father’s (Ajay Gosh) wishes. Their married life starts on a great note, but things take a turn when Bujjamma leaves her in-laws, citing that Prathap has a significant health condition during sleep. What exactly is this problem? How long has Prathap been suffering from it? Is there a solution? Did the couple reunite? This forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Thiruveer once again is impressive in a role filled with innocence. His gestures in the initial portions, along with the combo scenes with Ajay Gosh, offer some entertainment in the first half. His performance in emotional moments is fair enough.

Ajay Gosh is effective as the protagonist’s father. The senior elicits laughs with his frustration towards his son’s character. There are a few decent fun moments featuring him that make the first half passable to an extent.

Minus Points:

Initially, the director tries to create curiosity about the hero’s disorder, but when the revelation finally happens, it makes us wonder why the female lead hid it from the hero’s family for so long. The reason behind her silence isn’t convincing, and it makes the film feel unnecessarily dragged. The entertainment angle in the first half is also somewhat undone by heroine’s approach to the issue.

In the second half, the director shifts focus to emotions and drama, but unfortunately, nothing works here, and this portion is dull for the most part. The written material lacks logic and conviction, and hence the desired impact doesn’t land.

Payal Radhakrishna is good as a performer, but her role could have been written better. The way Ajay Gosh’s character behaves in the latter half doesn’t feel reasonable. The hero’s issue should have been depicted in a more detailed manner, along with its solution, since it is closely connected to the lead pair’s bonding.

Technical Aspects:

K.M. Radha Krishna’s music and Suresh Bobbili’s background score are okay. Vishweshwar’s cinematography is decent, and the production values are fine. The editing isn’t quite satisfactory, especially as the second half feels slow-paced and dragged.

Director S.P. Durga Nagesh came up with a relatively lesser known health disorder, but the screenplay needed more weight to make the film an engaging experience. The second half is where the actual drama begins but the scenes just don’t work.

Verdict:

On the whole, Papam Prathap is an okayish village drama where a few fun moments work. The makers should have come up with better execution to make the emotional angle around the hero’s health disorder more effective. Thiruveer is good in his role, while Ajay Gosh generates some laughs. The first half is passable, but the second half loses grip once the drama kicks in. With better writing, Papam Prathap could have gone to the next level.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 18, 2026

Review: Naga Shaurya’s Bad Boy Karthik – Outdated and thoroughly boring

by narendhar April 18, 2026

Movie Name : Bad Boy Karthik

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2/5
Starring : Nagashaurya, Vidhi Yadav, Samuthirakani, Naresh, Saikumar, Vennela Kishore and others
Director : Ramesh
Producers : Srinivasa Rao Chintalapudi, Vijaya Kumar Chintalapudi,
Dr. Ashok Kumar Chintalapudi
Music Director : Harris Jayaraj
Cinematographer : Rasool Ellore
Editor : Kotagiri Venkateswara rao

Related Links : Trailer

Bad Boy Karthik is the least promoted film of Naga Shaurya. After many delays, the film has finally hit the big screens, and let’s see how the movie is.

Story:

Karthik (Naga Shaurya) is very fond of his sister Kasturi (Sridevi Vijayakumar), a reputed lawyer in Vizag. As Karthik roams around aimlessly and picks up fights with random goons, Kasturi decides to send him abroad. However, Karthik comes up with a plan to get his visa rejected so that he can stay with his sister.

Meanwhile, Kasturi locks horns with Govindappa (Mime Gopi), a dreaded goon from Kadiri who has affected the lives of many farmers. Enraged by this, Govindappa decides to kill Kasturi, and the rest of the film is about how Karthik saves his sister.

Plus Points:

Naga Shaurya delivers a sincere performance as a brother who goes all out to protect his sister. Even though the writing doesn’t offer much support, the actor does his best to elevate the proceedings. He also looks charming and stylish on screen. Sridevi Vijaykumar performs very well in her role. The interval fight sequence set against the backdrop of the Kadiri Jathara is well-shot and effectively choreographed, featuring massive crowds.

Minus Points:

The concept of ruthless villains trying to establish authority by affecting the lives of poor and innocent people, and the hero stepping in to save them, has been showcased in umpteen Tollywood films so far. Some recent films have also succeeded with this formulaic storyline. Audiences are fine with these done-to-death plot points, but what matters most is how they are presented. Bad Boy Karthik is very weak in this aspect.

From the word go, the film feels heavily outdated in almost every frame. The makers have visibly spent well, but perhaps they should have paid more attention to the writing, too. The farmers’ track lacks any emotional connect and doesn’t evoke much feeling. The screenplay lacks a proper flow and wanders around without much progression.

The love track between the lead pair is both boring and confusing. The film doesn’t even attempt to show when the female lead started having feelings for the hero. The episodes involving Saikumar and his wife try to evoke laughs, but they hardly land.

While the romantic track takes the center stage in the first half and causes boredom, the second half goes on and on with endless action that severely tests the patience levels. The villain characters are routine in nature and don’t have any freshness.

Technical Aspects:

Even Harris Jayaraj disappoints with his songs and background score, further weakening the overall experience. The cinematography by Rasool Ellore is good in some action episodes. The editing is weak, as the film drags on.

Coming to director Ramesh, he has taken up an old-fashioned concept and presented it in an equally old-school manner, making the overall film highly boring.

Verdict:

On the whole, Bad Boy Karthik is an outdated and disappointing action drama, with both halves failing to make any impact. Naga Shaurya and Sridevi Vijayakumar try their best to save this sinking ship, but the actors can’t make much difference when both the storyline and screenplay are weak and lack a contemporary touch. The emotions fail to connect, and the heavy action in the second half turns into a patience-tester. You can skip this film and look for better options.

123telugu.com Rating: 2/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 18, 2026

Review: Bhooth Bangla – Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Film Falls Flat

by narendhar April 17, 2026

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

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 17, 2026

Review: Tovino Thomas’ Pallichattambi – A Fair Attempt That Struggles to Leave an Impact

by narendhar April 17, 2026

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

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 17, 2026

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