Telugu Movie Reviews

Review: Satya’s Jetlee – A bumpy ride that works only in bits

by narendhar May 2, 2026

Movie Name : Jetlee

Release Date : May 01, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Satya, Rhea Singha, Vennela Kishore, Ajay and others
Director : Ritesh Rana
Producers : Chiranjeevi, Hemalatha Pedamallu
Music Director : Kaala Bhairava
Cinematographer : Suresh Sarangam
Editor : Karthika Srinivas
Related Links : Trailer

Jetlee is the latest outing from director Ritesh Rana, known for his quirky brand of comedy. With Satya taking the lead this time, the film arrives with a fair bit of curiosity. Let’s see how it fares.

Story:

Pragapathi (Ajay) runs a bank that collapses under a loss of Rs. 15,000 crore. After provoking Harish Chandra (Subhalekha Sudhakar), he flees to Dubai. Agent Shivani Roy (Rhea Singha) and her team set out to bring him back to India, boarding a flight where Jetlee (Satya) is also present. However, Jetlee suddenly loses his memory. Meanwhile, an attack targets Pragapathi. What follows, along with the mystery behind Jetlee’s identity and his presence on the flight, forms the rest of the narrative.

Plus Points:

Satya once again proves why he is one of the most dependable comedians. His screen presence and timing naturally evoke laughter, and he gets a relatively substantial role here. He manages to carry the film in several portions, blending comedy with a bit of action.

Vennela Kishore gets a well written role and delivers effectively. His innocent demeanor and interactions with Satya generate consistent humour. The movie puzzle book track and his timely responses land well and add to the entertainment.

Rhea Singha is decent in her part. Harsha Chemudu is underused but manages to draw a few laughs. Ajay and the rest of the supporting cast are adequate.

The film includes meme based elements like visual inserts during TV sequences, hidden references, and QR based jokes. While these are fewer compared to the director’s earlier works, they still manage to evoke occasional smiles.

Minus Points:

The premise is fairly simple, but the execution lets it down. The writing lacks depth and freshness, relying on familiar ideas and predictable phrasing. There is a noticeable sense of repetition, with several scenes reiterating the same beats without adding anything new. At times, the narrative even contradicts itself, leading to inconsistency.

The screenplay is sluggish and uneven. Ritesh Rana attempts to balance comedy and action, but the blend does not come together effectively, resulting in a film that feels both confused and underwhelming. A tighter and more focused screenplay could have significantly improved the experience.

While Satya performs well, this is not among his best works. His character could have been explored better. In fact, many characters lack proper depth and purpose. Ritesh is known for extracting humour from every character, but that strength is largely missing here.

After a passable first half, the second half turns increasingly stretched and exhausting. The narrative drags, and the pacing dips noticeably. The climax feels forced and lacks the signature touch seen in the director’s earlier films.

Technical Aspects:

The issue lies more in the writing than the direction. Ritesh Rana’s script does not have the sharpness expected from him. The cinematography is decent and supports the setting well. Editing is a major drawback, as the film feels longer than its actual runtime due to loose narration and unnecessary scenes. Production values are acceptable, while the CG work could have been handled more convincingly. The background score works to an extent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Jetlee is a bumpy ride that works only in bits and pieces. Satya’s performance is the primary factor that keeps it afloat, but it is not enough to fully salvage the experience. The weak writing, repetitive narration, and sluggish second half weigh the film down significantly. This ends up being one of Ritesh Rana’s weaker efforts. There are other options to be entertained.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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May 2, 2026

Review: Gaayapadda Simham – Promising Premise, Underwhelming Payoff

by narendhar May 2, 2026

Movie Name : Gaayapadda Simham

Release Date : May 1, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Sree Vishnu, Tharun Bhascker,J.D.Chakravarthy,Faria Abdullah,Maanasa Choudhary,Kasyap Sreenivas,
Vishnu Oi, Harshavardhan, Subhalekha Sudhakar
Director : Kasyap Sreenivas
Producers : Kalyana Chakravarthy Manthina, Bhanu Kiran Pratapa, Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni, Umesh Kumar Bansal
Music Director : Sweekar Agasthi
Cinematographer : Vidya Sagar Chinta
Editor : Viplav Nyshadam
Related Links : Trailer

Tharun Bhascker has now come up with the comedy drama Gaayapadda Simham. The movie marks the directorial debut of Kashyap Sreenivas. The film has been promoted quite well, and let’s see how it is.

Story:

Darahas (Tharun Bhascker) and YouTuber Shalini (Faria Abdullah) meet through a matchmaking setup, and soon they decide to get married. However, Shalini gets to know that Darahas and her father IG Vijayakanth (Subhaleka Sudhakar) have known each other for a long time. When asked about the same, Vijayakanth starts narrating about Darahas’ past and his connection to gangster Brutal Dharma (JD Chakravarthy).

Plus Points:

Gayapadda Simham features one of the most bizarre and crazy plotlines from Tollywood, and this initially draws our attention into the film’s world. To be able to think something different is definitely appreciable.

Tharun Bhascker is good as Darahas, a youngster who aims to take revenge on POTUS, Donald Trump. Director Kasyap Sreenivas plays a full-length role as the hero’s friend, and he did well. Some scenes evoke decent laughs here and there.

Minus Points:

Gaayapadda Simham aims to be a wacky and eccentric entertainer, but the narrative doesn’t quite pack a punch. Apart from a handful of gags, nothing really works much.

The first half moves at a slow pace, and this part introduces the key characters and their goals, acting as a setup for the chaos and madness that we expect to come. But the way the film ends is disappointing and dull. With such a crazy idea, we expect the goofiness and quirkiness to explode in the second half, but the movie doesn’t fully tap into its potential.

Initially, Sree Vishnu’s role shows promise, and the scenes depicting his peculiar family work to an extent, but the way the character is wrapped up is very underwhelming. The ending fails to live up to the setup established at the beginning. The same goes for JD Chakravarthy’s character. The actor got very less moments to shine, and that’s about it.

The final act mostly relies on spoof comedy, and it doesn’t land as intended. Attempts to generate fun through KGF’s narrative style, and the digs at Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe don’t quite hit the mark. Female leads Manasa Choudhary and Faria Abdullah have very little to do in the narrative.

Technical Aspects:

Sweekar Agasthi’s music is okay, while cinematography by Vidya Sagar Chinta is neat. The production values are good, and editing needed more fine-tuning.

Director Kasyap Sreenivas has come up with a whimsical idea, but the presentation isn’t up to the mark to leave an impact. Very few moments click, and perhaps he should have gone ahead with wacky comedy instead of the parody approach towards the end.

Verdict:

On the whole, Gaayapadda Simham features a very interesting idea, but the execution is underwhelming, with only some scenes generating laughs. The movie promises a wacky ride initially, but the way it concludes lacks the desired impact. Tharun Bhascker did a fine job, and the second half starts well, but the film falls flat as it moves into the parody zone. Had the narrative been handled with more care, the movie would have realized its full potential.

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: 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

OTT Review: Pochamma – Telugu Web Series Streaming on Aha

by narendhar April 16, 2026

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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April 16, 2026

Review: Adivi Sesh’s Dacoit – Gripping action drama

by narendhar April 11, 2026

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

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 11, 2026

Review: Love Insurance Kompany (LIK) – Nice concept, weak execution

by narendhar April 11, 2026

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

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 11, 2026

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