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Review: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s DC – Gripping Mass Action Drama

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Movie Name : DC

Release Date : August 07, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Lokesh Kanagaraj, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy and Others
Director : Arun Matheswaran
Producer : Sun Pictures
Music Director : Anirudh
Cinematographer : Mukesh G
Editor : G K Prasanna

Related Links : Trailer

Among this week’s theatrical releases is DC, the maiden acting venture of sensational South director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Directed by Arun Matheswaran, this mass action drama has generated curiosity with its music. Let’s see how the movie is

Story:

Set in the Chittoor region in 2011, the story begins with a criminal gang attacking police vehicles and looting weapons. Devadas (Lokesh Kanagaraj) is one of the members of this gang. The case takes an unexpected turn when the gang murders the police officer investigating the robbery, turning it into a major headache for the department. A police officer named Bhogaraju is then assigned to capture the gang.

Why did the gang kill the officer? What did Devadas lose, and what did he gain during this journey? Did the police finally succeed in catching them? And what roles do Chandra (Wamiqa Gabbi) and Parvathi (Sanjana), the two women who enter Devadas’ life, play in the story? The answers unfold on the big screen.

Plus Points:

The biggest strength of DC is Arun Matheswaran’s gripping screenplay. Equally impressive is Anirudh Ravichander’s outstanding score, which significantly elevates the film in many sequences. On top of that, Lokesh Kanagaraj makes a confident and impressive acting debut.

Many viewers may walk into the film with modest expectations or doubts given the promos, but the narrative quickly wins them over with several impactful moments. The screenplay is tightly structured and keeps the viewers invested for the most part. The film effectively presents situations from multiple perspectives, much like the two sides of a coin, making the emotional moments land well.

As the protagonist, Lokesh fits the rugged role perfectly and delivers a convincing performance. Wamiqa Gabbi gets a substantial role and impresses with her performance despite playing a relatively subtle character. Several of her scenes in the second half work particularly well. Sanjana has limited screen time but leaves a pleasant impression with her charming presence.

Minnal Murali actor Guru Somasundaram surprises as the antagonist. His confrontation scenes with Lokesh and his gang are engaging. The supporting cast also performs their roles convincingly.

Special mention to Anirudh Ravichander, as his music carries the film to another level. Whether it’s the songs or the background score, he consistently enhances the narrative with his work. The interval block, Lokesh’s entry during the climax, and a key sequence also involving Wamiqa are elevated brilliantly by his score.

Minus Points:

Although the film has plenty of engaging moments, its core premise is neither fresh nor particularly original. Certain portions involving the police department resemble the style of Jai Bhim, making those scenes feel somewhat familiar.

Another drawback is that the conflict between the hero and the villain isn’t established strongly enough. After a certain point, the villain’s obsession with the protagonist raises questions, and the film could have handled this aspect more convincingly.

Technical Aspects:

Sun Pictures’s production values are super impressive, with the film maintaining a natural visual aesthetic throughout. Anirudh’s music is undoubtedly one of its biggest assets. Mukesh G’s cinematography is excellent, and G.K. Prasanna’s editing is crisp.

Director Arun Matheswaran did a good job. His engaging screenplay, impactful moments, and effective use of music result in an engaging film. While the central plot may not be particularly novel, the execution largely makes up for it.

Verdict:

Overall, DC is a gripping mass action drama packed with engaging moments. It marks an impressive acting debut for Lokesh Kanagaraj, with the filmmaker-turned-actor delivering a convincing performance. Wamiqa Gabbi does well in her role, while Anirudh Ravichander’s music further strengthens the film. Arun Matheswaran’s engaging screenplay keeps us invested for the most part. The film’s theme may remind viewers of a few other films, and the protagonist’s conflict with the antagonist could have been handled better. Nonetheless, DC ends up being a good watch this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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Review: Varun Tej’s Korean Kanakaraju – An Entertaining Horror Comedy

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Movie Name : Korean Kanakaraju

Release Date : August 07, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Varun Tej, Ritika Nayak, Satya and Others
Director : Merlapaka Gandhi
Producers : Rajeev Reddy Yeduguru, Pramod Uppalapati, Vamsi Krishna Reddy
Music Director : Thaman S
Cinematographer : Manojh Reddy
Editor : Satyaa G

Related Links : Trailer

After a very long time, a Varun Tej film arrived in cinemas with good hype. The movie in discussion is Korean Kanakaraju, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi. Ritika Nayak plays the female lead in this horror comedy. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Kanakaraju (Varun Tej) heads a traditional folk performance troupe in Penukonda, in the Rayalaseema region. He falls for Chaitra (Ritika Nayak), who works at the Kia plant and is a K-pop fanatic. Somehow, Kanakaraju gets close to Chaitra, but his life turns upside down when a Korean spirit possesses him.

What is the backstory of the spirit? How and why did it enter Kanakaraju’s body? What do Kanakaraju, Chaitra, and his friend Kisttappa do to get rid of the problem? This forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Horror-comedy is one genre in which Tollywood has been lagging behind over the last few years. It is a genre that can do wonders commercially, but it is equally challenging to crack. Merlapaka Gandhi rose to the occasion and delivered a neat film that has entertainment spread throughout its runtime.

Kudos to Merlapaka Gandhi for coming up with a clean entertainer infused with healthy comedy throughout. The director grabbed eyeballs with Venkatadri Express and Express Raja, and after a while, he has once again left his mark with this one.

There are several blocks that will make you laugh your heart out. Varun Tej and Satya’s combo scenes will tickle your funny bone. The best part about the screenplay is that it neatly generates comedy while also telling the story in parallel. The plot is never obstructed or halted to bring in fun.

The film entirely belongs to Varun Tej and Satya. Varun is splendid in both avatars, showcasing ample variation. He is likeable as Kanakaraju, while he looks pretty stylish as the Korean guy. Satya is a true gem unearthed by the industry. His histrionics and comic timing are utilized to the best in this film.

Ritika Nayak plays her part quite nicely and helps the story progress forward. Master Revanth, Muralidhar Goud, and the Korean actors lend a good support.

Minus Points:

The entire team had one intention in their minds, which was to entertain the audience thoroughly. In this process, they threw the logical part out of the window at times. To enjoy the magic, one should ignore the logical errors.

What could have been a blockbuster is slightly undermined by the climax and not-so-great CGI. This portion isn’t handled at its best and also feels rushed. Some explanations should have been given to make things better. The violence could have been toned down at certain instances as the film is made for family audience.

Technical Aspects:

Thaman gave decent songs, and the background score is impactful, working well with the situations. Manojh Reddy’s cinematography is stunning. Especially, the visuals during the Korean portions are well captured. Editor Satyaa did a solid job in ensuring the pacing remained tight.

Coming to writer-director Merlapaka Gandhi, he has instilled good hope for Tollywood in churning out horror comedies. The narrative is peppered with amusing episodes consistently. The one liners keep coming and deliver plenty of laughs. Even the much-viral ‘amateurish’ dialogue has been used effectively. One particular block in the second half featuring Satya, Ritika Nayak, and Muralidhar Goud is hilarious to say the least.

Verdict:

On the whole, Korean Kanakaraju is a neat horror-comedy entertainer that keeps the laughs coming consistently. The Indo-Korean crossover, healthy comedy, Varun Tej’s dual avatar, and Satya’s fantastic comedy timing keep the proceedings entertaining. Some blemishes include logic taking a backseat and an underwhelming climax with below-par CGI. That said, Korean Kanakaraju is a fun watch that delivers good entertainment. Recommended.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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Review: KJQ (King Jackie Queen) – A crime drama lost in weak execution

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Movie Name : KJQ

Release Date : August 07, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.25/5
Starring : Dheekshith Shetty, Shashi Odela, Yukthi Thareja, Muralidhar Goud, Rekha Nirosha, Ankur Vikal and Others
Director : Kiran Kumar
Producer : Sudhakar Cherukuri
Music Director : Poornachandra Tejaswi
Cinematographer : Nagesh Banell
Editor : Shravan Katikaneni

Related Links : Trailer

KJQ – King Jackie Queen marks the final directorial venture of the late Kiran Kumar (KK). Starring Dheekshith Shetty alongside debutant Shashi Odela, the film arrives in theatres today. Does KK’s final outing leave a lasting impression? Let’s find out.

Story :

Partha (Dheekshith Shetty) believes power is everything and rises from rags to riches through violence. His closest friend, Jackie (Shashi Odela), is a ruthless man who longs for a normal, peaceful life. Their lives take a turn with the arrival of heroine Bhargavi (Yukthi Thareja), a bold woman haunted by a troubled past. Partha is determined to make her his own, but Bhargavi wants nothing to do with him. An unexpected turn changes all three of their lives, setting the stage for the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

Dheekshith Shetty gets one of his most challenging roles after Dasara. As the arrogant and power-hungry Partha, he delivers a convincing performance, especially in the third act, where he effectively portrays the character’s darker shades.

Debutant Shashi Odela leaves a respectable impression. Though Jackie isn’t explored as deeply as he could have been, Shashi expresses the character’s inner conflict with sincerity and makes his presence felt whenever he appears.

Yukthi Thareja gets a refreshingly different role. Bhargavi is written with grey shades, and she carries the emotional weight of the character quite well. It is certainly a welcome addition to her filmography. Muralidhar Goud is natural and effective in his limited role, while the supporting cast performs within the scope of their characters.

The film is built around an interesting idea, that circumstances shape people into either good or evil. It is a thought-provoking theme and one that had the potential to become an engaging emotional drama.

Minus Points:

The biggest issue lies not in the story but in the screenplay. Even a familiar premise can become compelling with engaging narration, but KJQ never finds that rhythm. The scenes keep moving, yet the story itself barely progresses, making the film feel considerably longer than its runtime.

While the central idea is okay, the emotional depth needed to support it is missing. The character arcs exist but aren’t explored enough to leave a lasting impact. A love track briefly adds freshness before making way for more violence, leaving the emotional drama underdeveloped.

Compared to the first half, the latter half offers a few better moments, but not enough to lift the overall experience. Characters played by Rekha Nirosha and Ankur Vikal deserved stronger writing, which could have generated more drama.

The songs are pleasant to listen to, especially a couple of melodies, but they don’t organically blend into the narrative.

Technical Aspects:

Kiran Kumar’s vision is evident in a few well-executed sequences, showing flashes of his directorial ability. However, the overall narration settles for a routine gangster drama instead of fully exploring its promising theme. Nagesh Banell’s cinematography gives the film a polished visual appeal, while Poornachandra Tejaswi’s music complements the mood effectively.

Saumit Deshmukh’s sound design also adds value during the action portions. The editing, however, is the weakest technical department. Several repetitive scenes affect the pacing, making a film that runs under two hours feel noticeably longer. The production values are good throughout.

Verdict:

On the whole, KJQ – King Jackie Queen is a below-par action drama that wastes a promising idea with weak execution and an uneven screenplay. Dheekshith Shetty impresses with a committed performance, Shashi Odela makes a confident debut, and Yukthi Thareja gets a refreshingly different role. However, sluggish narration, repetitive storytelling, and underdeveloped drama prevent the film from leaving any impact. Despite competent technical work, KJQ ends up as a forgettable outing.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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OTT Review: Objection My Lord – Telugu Web Series On ZEE5

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Objection My Lord

Movie Name : Objection My Lord
Streaming Date : July 31, 2026
Streaming Platform : ZEE5
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5

Starring : Srikanth, Mukesh Rishi, Ananya, Snehal, Sameer and Others
Director : Santosh Ayyappan
Producers : Raj Kumar Akella
Music Directors : Arun Chiluveru
Cinematographer  : Suryaa
Editor : Kishore

Related Links : Trailer

A new Telugu web series titled Objection My Lord featuring Srikanth in the lead role is now available for streaming on ZEE5. Let’s see how the show is.

Story:

Narayana (Rayala Harishchandra) approaches the police to report his daughter Sameera’s kidnapping, but when they pay no attention, he moves the High Court. As even the lawyers refuse to take up the case due to a lack of proper information, Narayana dies by suicide on the court premises. Disturbed by his death, advocate Parashuram (Srikanth) files a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and fights for justice. Does he win the case? What happened to Sameera? Does she really exist? Why didn’t the police register the complaint? What challenges did Parashuram face while fighting the case? The answers form the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Objection My Lord is an honest and well-intentioned attempt that leaves a decent impact. What initially begins as a kidnap case gradually delves into a different issue altogether while delivering a social message. The narrative is neatly-paced, and there some surprise elements to keep us hooked.

The courtroom exchanges between Srikanth and Mukesh Rishi are designed in a filmy style that drives the story forward and makes the proceedings engaging. The approach is simplistic but remains engaging at the same time.

Srikanth shoulders the series with his captivating performance. He is looked down upon by everyone in the court, and an incident completely shatters his confidence. As a person who is ridiculed by his colleagues and suffers from low self-confidence, Srikanth does a terrific job.

Ananya Sharma provides solid support as Srikanth’s assistant. It is after her entry that the protagonist gains confidence and begins to improve. Sameer, Gemini Suresh, Rayala Harishchandra, and Snehal Kamat are good in their respective supporting roles.

Minus Points:

The final episode appears somewhat rushed and could have been better executed, as it forms the heart of the series. Had the crucial revelation happened a bit earlier, the impact could have been much greater. At times, the series gets a bit generic. A few scenes also feature lip-sync issues.

Srikanth’s dynamic with his family is underexplored. We are shown that his son has issues with him, but the presentation lacks depth. As a result, the family angle adds to the runtime without providing much value.

Technical Aspects:

The production design by Brahma Kadali is solid, as the courtroom setup appears authentic. The music by Arunn Chiluveru and the editing by Sai Kishore Kornani are neat. The production values are good.

Suryaa serves as both the cinematographer and showrunner for Objection My Lord. His camera work is effective. Santhosh Ayyappan’s direction is decent. The show has the potential to be even better, but despite its shortcomings, it remains a watchable fare.

Verdict:
On the whole, Objection My Lord is a decent courtroom drama with a social message. The series doesn’t break new ground, but it remains watchable thanks to its good performances and crisp runtime. Srikanth anchors this honest attempt with a sincere performance, and there are a few surprises that keep the proceedings engaging. The climax revelation appears rushed, and the protagonist’s family track could have been depicted better. If you like courtroom dramas, Objection My Lord can be given a try.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Review: Newton’s 3rd Law – Promising concept, Weak execution

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Newton's 3rd Law

Movie Name : Newton’s 3rd Law

Release Date : July 31, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Sumanth Yarlagadda, Jagapathi Babu, Avasarala Srinivas, Ravi Varma and Others
Director : Rajesh Karna
Producers : Harish Kohirkar
Music Director : Sinjith Yerramilli
Cinematographer : Veda Vyas Gottipati
Editor : Anil Pasala

Related Links : Trailer

Actor Sumanth’s latest film, Newton’s 3rd Law, hits theatres today. Directed by debutant Rajesh Karna, the crime thriller also stars Jagapathi Babu and Srinivas Avasarala in pivotal roles. Here’s our review to find out how it fares.

Story:

Set in 1999 in Hyderabad, Vasu Dev (Sumanth) begins investigating the death of a youngster named Vinay (Trinadh Varma). He soon discovers that it was no accident, but a murder. As the investigation progresses, Vasu uncovers a connection between the deceased and Stephen Mercury (Jagapathi Babu), a ruthless criminal and smuggler. How is a college student connected to the underworld? Who killed Vinay? And what circumstances led to the murder? The answers unfold in the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

The core idea of Newton’s 3rd Law is built around the philosophy that every action has an equal and opposite reaction – a concept that also mirrors the belief in karma. Building a crime investigation thriller around this premise is an interesting choice, and the team deserves appreciation for attempting something concept-driven.

Sumanth fits the role of a serious investigator well and delivers a convincing performance. His character arc is neatly written and contains a subtle twist that works in the film’s favour. While he anchors the narrative, Trinadh Varma, whose character drives the entire story, leaves a good impression with his sincere performance. Given the right opportunities, the young actor has the potential to emerge as a dependable performer.

Shelley N. Kumar is equally impressive as Vinay’s mother. She delivers a natural performance, expressing both grief and restraint with ease. Ravi Varma, Jagapathi Babu and Srinivas Avasarala perform their respective roles effectively despite being confined to limited character arcs.

The opening portions and the climax are among the film’s biggest strengths. Rajesh Karna executes both sequences neatly, ensuring they leave a positive impression.

Minus Points:

A compelling story alone isn’t enough to make an engaging thriller. Even a slow-burn narrative works when the screenplay consistently builds intrigue. Unfortunately, that’s where Newton’s 3rd Law falters. While the premise has genuine potential, the screenplay lacks the grip needed to keep audiences invested.

The investigation often feels stuck in a loop, repeatedly covering familiar ground instead of pushing the narrative forward. As a result, the first hour feels stretched, with the story unfolding in fragments rather than gathering momentum. Frequent flashbacks further interrupt the flow, making the narrative feel repetitive. The second half doesn’t improve matters either. It is weighed down by lengthy conversations that revisit the same points without adding much to the drama.

The supporting characters, too, could have been written with greater depth. Jagapathi Babu gets very little scope to showcase his calibre, and the same applies to Srinivas Avasarala. Though both actors perform well within their limitations, their characters lack the dramatic weight needed to leave a stronger impact. Neha Pathan is okay, but her role also misses the opportunity to surprise.

Although the climax neatly ties together the loose ends and is executed well, the film has already lost much of its momentum by then. Had the narrative been tighter in the initial portions, the overall impact would have been far more effective.

Technical Aspects:

For a debutant, Rajesh Karna deserves appreciation for choosing an interesting concept with good potential. However, the execution falls short of doing complete justice to the idea. A tighter screenplay and sharper narration could have elevated the film into a far more engaging investigative thriller.

Technically, the film is supported by decent cinematography and a neat background score, both of which complement the mood of the narrative. The editing, however, is one of the major drawbacks, as several scenes could have been trimmed to deliver a crisper viewing experience. The production values are adequate.

Verdict:

On the whole, Newton’s 3rd Law has an interesting premise but ends up as a disappointing investigative thriller due to its sluggish screenplay and uneven execution. Sumanth delivers a convincing performance, while Trinadh Varma and Shelley N. Kumar leave a positive impression with their performances. However, the repetitive narration and excessive lags make it difficult to stay invested. With a tighter screenplay and sharper pacing, the film could have delivered a far more compelling experience. As it stands, this turns out to be a tough watch even for fans of investigative thrillers.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

 

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OTT Review: Gatta Kusthi 2 – Telugu-Dubbed Tamil Film on Netflix

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Web Series Name : Gatta Kusthi 2
Streaming Date :  July 31, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Vishnu Vishal, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ramya Krishnan,
Director : Chella Ayyavu
Producers : Dr Ishari K Ganesh & Vishnu Vishal
Music Director : Sean Roldan
Cinematographer  : KM Bhaskaran
Editor : Barath Vikraman

Related Links : Trailer

Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi reunite for Gatta Kusthi 2, the sequel to the successful Tamil sports comedy drama. After skipping a theatrical release in Telugu, the dubbed version has now premiered on Netflix. Here’s our review to find out whether the sequel recaptures the charm of its predecessor.

Story:

Six years after the events of the first film, Veera (Vishnu Vishal) takes charge of the household, allowing his wife Keerthy (Aishwarya Lekshmi) to pursue her wrestling career. However, her jealous coach (Tarak Ponnappa) manipulates Veera into a situation that costs Keerthy an important match, leading to her suspension. Blaming her husband for ruining her career, Keerthy distances herself from him. Will the couple reunite? Can Keerthy revive her wrestling career? The answers unfold in the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

Vishnu Vishal once again proves to be the film’s biggest strength. His effortless comic timing and energetic screen presence keep the proceedings lively whenever the narrative begins to lose steam. His interactions with the neighbours, as well as the scenes involving his daughter, generate a few genuinely enjoyable moments.

Aishwarya Lekshmi gets a comparatively restrained role but delivers a sincere performance. While her character doesn’t offer much scope for humour, she convincingly portrays the determination and emotional struggles of a wrestler chasing her ambitions. The chemistry between Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi works reasonably well, especially in the latter half. Though some emotional moments are predictable, the lead pair’s performances ensure they still leave an impact.

Young Zara Zyanna is a pleasant surprise. She performs naturally, and her scenes add a touch of innocence and emotion to the otherwise familiar narrative. Among the supporting cast, Munishkanth and Mokksha perform their roles well and serve the narrative adequately.

Minus Points:

The biggest drawback of Gatta Kusthi 2 is its highly predictable storyline. Films revolving around misunderstandings between husband and wife before culminating in an emotional reunion have been explored countless times over the years. As a result, the narrative rarely surprises, making it easy to foresee most of its developments. Despite revolving around a wrestler, the film gradually shifts its focus towards marital conflicts, leaving the sports backdrop largely underexplored.

Since the story follows a familiar path, the film relies heavily on comedy to keep the audience engaged. Unfortunately, much of the humour fails to land. While a few scenes may have worked better in theatres, they lose their effectiveness on the small screen. Several jokes feel overstretched, often tempting viewers to reach for the fast-forward button.

The pre-climax courtroom sequence, intended to deliver both emotion and a message, instead comes across as overdramatic and unnecessarily prolonged, diluting the impact it aims to create.

The supporting cast, too, is underutilised. Ramya Krishnan’s cameo adds very little to the narrative, making her presence feel unnecessary. Similarly, talented actors like Tarak Ponnappa, Kaali Venkat and Yogi Babu are left with underwritten roles that offer little opportunity to showcase their abilities.

More importantly, a familiar story like this demands a crisp screenplay and a tighter runtime to remain engaging. Instead, the film stretches for nearly 150 minutes, making the predictable drama feel even more exhausting.

Technical Aspects:

Director Chella Ayyavu once again banks on a familiar blend of family emotions and comedy, but the execution lacks the freshness that made the first film enjoyable. The predictable writing and uneven screenplay prevent the sequel from leaving a similar impact. A tighter script and sharper narration could have considerably improved the overall experience.

Sean Roldan’s music is just passable, while Barath Vikraman’s editing is one of the film’s weakest aspects. Several scenes could have been trimmed to make the narrative crisper and more engaging. K. M. Bhaskaran’s cinematography is decent, and the production values are satisfactory. The Telugu dubbing works in parts, though a few voices feel mismatched to the characters, slightly affecting the viewing experience.

Verdict:

On the whole, Gatta Kusthi 2 is a routine family drama that talks more about marital conflicts than wrestling. Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi deliver decent performances, and a handful of comedy and emotional moments work in parts. However, the predictable storyline, inconsistent humour and overstretched runtime prevent the film from becoming an engaging entertainer. Those looking for a light-hearted family entertainer may find a few enjoyable moments. Others, however, can safely skip it.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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