Panja Vaisshnav Tej is set to captivate audiences once again with Aadikeshava. This film holds special significance for Vaisshnav Tej, as he pins his hopes on its success following the lukewarm response to his films post the sensational debut, Uppena. The inclusion of Sreeleela adds an extra layer of appeal for movie enthusiasts. Notably, Netflix has secured the OTT rights for the film, heightening anticipation. Join us as we explore what Aadikeshava has in store for movie lovers.
Aadikeshava unravels the tale of a young man and the enigmatic secrets of his past, as he confronts unknown adversaries. Balu (Panja Vaishnav Tej), the carefree son of police officer Sundara Rammurthy (Jayaprakash), eventually opts for employment at the urging of his mother( Radhika Sarathkumar). Joining Earthy Cosmetics, a company owned by Siri (Sreeleela), Balu finds himself entangled in unexpected twists just as his connection with Siri deepens emotionally.
As Balu and Siri's feelings for each other blossom, the narrative takes a riveting turn, introducing startling developments in Balu's life. The crux of the story lies in where these developments lead and the intricate connections Balu shares with key figures such as Mahakaleswar Reddy (Suman), Chenga Reddy (Joju George), Vajra (Aparna Das), and his mysterious link to Brahmasamudram and Rudhrakaleshwar Reddy. The unfolding revelations form the captivating essence of this intriguing narrative.
Panja Vaishav Tej, in the lead role, exuded a commendable rugged mass look, showcasing a notable transformation and a dedicated effort towards refining his expressions and movements. However, despite his hard work, he often fell into a singular expression mode. While his dialogue delivery was satisfactory, he commanded attention with high-energy stunts and decent dance sequences, although a bit more fluidity in the latter would have added finesse.
The real scene-stealer was Sreeleela, the female lead, who dazzled audiences with her glamorous and enchanting presence in the songs. Her breathtaking dance moves resonated deeply, injecting emotion and charm into the narrative. Despite her adorable dialogues, the role assigned to her seemed somewhat inconsequential.
Joju George, making his debut as the antagonist, presented a formidable on-screen presence, portraying a menacing character with conviction. Aparna Das and Sadaf, despite limited screen time, effectively portrayed women in distress. Suman, although his role was brief, left a lasting impact with his significant presence. Sudarshan, Radhika, Jayaprakash, and Tanikella Bharani contributed their efforts to create moments of humor and played key roles, while the rest of the cast performed convincingly within the bounds of their respective characters.
The narrative of Aadikeshava, crafted by Srikanth N Reddy, unfolds as a quintessential mass masala entertainer, aiming to bolster Vaishnav Tej's image and heroism among the masses. However, the storyline treads familiar and well-worn paths, lacking innovation. This predictability extends to both the screenplay and direction, as Srikanth follows a formulaic approach.
The narration kicks off with the introduction of the villain, smoothly transitioning to the family and romantic dimensions of the protagonist. The interval block marks a shift towards the conflict angle, leading to a predictable clash between the protagonist and the antagonist. Unfortunately, this narrative structure has been seen in many similar films, offering nothing new to the audience.
Srikanth's attempt to showcase Vaishnav Tej in breathtaking stunts, while ambitious, appears over the top and somewhat implausible, not aligning with the actor's personality. The infusion of gory scenes in the second half, reminiscent of Boyapati Srinu's style, feels excessive. The climax, in particular, unfolds in a cringeworthy fashion, concluding the film in a routine manner.
Despite the film's good songs, their placement disrupts the pacing, slowing down the narrative. GV.Prakash Kumar's foot-tapping and youthful music, paired with lavish visuals and well-choreographed sequences, offers a visual treat. However, Vaishnav Tej seems to struggle to keep pace with Sreeleela's dynamic dance moves.
Navin Nooli's editing shines in the first half but leaves room for improvement in the second half. Dudely's cinematography adds richness to the film's visual appeal, and the grand production values contribute to the overall spectacle.
In its entirety, Aadikeshava emerges as a standard commercial potboiler. Srikanth N Reddy's attempt to cultivate a mass image for Vaishnav Tej falls short, especially in the portrayal of unbelievable action sequences that defy logic. The film is hindered by a lack of expressive performances, coupled with a routine and monotonous narrative, making the predictable screenplay and direction a significant drawback. Taking into account these aspects, Cinejosh assigns Aadikeshava a Rating of 2.