Latest Telugu Movie Review

Review: Ravi Teja’s Irumudi – A Beautiful & Emotionally Charged Ride

by narendhar August 22, 2026

Movie Name : Irumudi

Release Date : August 21, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.5/5
Starring : Raviteja, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, Baby Nakshathra and Others
Director : Shiva Nirvana
Producers : Naveen Yerneni & Y. Ravi Shankar
Music Director : G. V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer : Vishnu Sharma
Editor : Prawin Pudi

Related Links : Trailer

After a while, a film of Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja, Irumudi, arrived with solid expectations. The movie directed by Shiva Nirvana features Priya Bhavani Shankar and Baby Nakshatra in key roles. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Trinadh (Ravi Teja), a resident of Polluru and an Ayyappa Swamy devotee, owns a banana plantation and loves his daughter Manemma (Baby Nakshatra) to the core. Whatever happens, Manemma tells her father everything, which sometimes leads Trinadh into tussles with some people. Manemma and the village girls go to a neighbouring village for high school, leading to a series of unexpected events that draw Trinadh into action.

Plus Points:

When was the last time we saw a Telugu film with a screenplay that sticks to the story throughout its runtime without any deviations? Well, if you have felt this issue in our industry films lately, then Irumudi is the remedy.

Kudos to Shiva Nirvana for his honest storytelling without including any commercial elements that are not needed for the plot. Not even one scene feels unnecessary in the whole movie. This happens very rarely, and credit where it’s due.

The father-daughter bond is superbly showcased, and it is the biggest draw of Irumudi without an iota of doubt. The combination scenes of Ravi Teja and Baby Nakshatra are beautifully designed and tug at the heartstrings.

Behind the Mass Maharaja persona, there is an extraordinary actor in Ravi Teja whom we haven’t witnessed in recent times. Irumudi brings out the performer in Ravi Teja in full display, and it’s a delight to watch our childhood hero at his best. We only see Trinadh and not Ravi Teja on the screen. Well, when a great actor gets scope to perform, this will be the kind of output. It’s difficult not to fall in love with Ravi Teja’s performance and his heartwarming moments with the child actress.

Baby Nakshatra did a stupendous job. She is adorable and leaves a solid impact by the time the film concludes. Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, Ramesh Indira, and others did well in their respective roles. The intense moments are brilliantly handled with a raw and natural touch, making them all the more impactful.

Minus Points:

In the initial portions of the film, the pacing is slightly slow, and there are visible lip-sync issues in this part, which could have been taken care of. The second half has a few dips at times.

When we look at the crime angle and the big twists, the writing doesn’t feel great, as we have seen similar themes earlier too. But as mentioned earlier, the film wins us over with its honest storytelling.

Technical Aspects:

GV Prakash Kumar’s songs and background score do complete justice to the film. The devotional touch and the rustic nature of the film are neatly brought to life by the music composer. Vishnu Sharma’s cinematography neatly captures the scenic locations of Sileru, making the film visually strong.

The production values are neat, and the editing is satisfactory. Shiva Nirvana’s storytelling is captivating. His making is influenced by films like Rangasthalam and Naa Peru Shiva. Drawing inspiration from other films isn’t wrong, and what matters the most is delivering a good product. Shiva Nirvana scores distinction in this regard. More Telugu films should take the Irumudi route by avoiding unwanted aspects in the name of commercialization.

Verdict:

On the whole, Irumudi is a beautiful emotional ride laced with intense moments and honest storytelling. The Ayyappa Swamy backdrop, father-daughter emotion, Ravi Teja’s spellbinding performance, and, most importantly, the screenplay that stays true to its subject make Irumudi an impactful film. There are a few slow moments, and the themes explored aren’t unique, but the sincere and emotional storytelling overpowers the minor flaws. Ravi Teja is back with a bang. Go for it.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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August 22, 2026

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

by narendhar August 7, 2026

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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August 7, 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

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April 30, 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