Natasimha Balakrishna is currently riding a wave of success with his recent high-scoring super hits, "Akhanda" and "Veera Simha Reddy." As he continues to dominate the silver screen, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating his next action-packed entertainer, Bhagavanth Kesari. The film's trailers and teasers have garnered an overwhelming response, showcasing Balakrishna in a strikingly different role that has piqued the audience's curiosity. The film's OTT rights have been bagged for a fancy sum by Amazon Prime and streaming will be after the end of its theatrical run.
Directed by the talented Anil Ravipudi, Bhagavanth Kesari promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, and the release on 19th October has sent expectations soaring to new heights. The big question now is whether Bhagavanth Kesari will live up to these sky-high expectations. Let's eagerly await its release to find out!
Bhagavanth Kesari is a captivating tale that delves into the relationship between a paternal figure and a young girl, as he endeavors to bolster her emotional resilience. Bhagavanth Kesari (Balakrishna), leads a modest life alongside the spirited young girl Vijji Papa, also known as Vijayalakshmi (Sree Leela).
Kesari, driven by a deep desire for her well-being, encourages Vijji to pursue a career in the military, despite her initial reluctance. However, their tranquil existence takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with the influential industrialist Rahul Sanghvi(Arjun Rampal). The ensuing events intertwine the lives of these characters in ways no one could have foreseen.
The narrative unravels the intricate connections between Bhagavanth Kesari and Rahul Sanghvi, while introducing the pivotal role of psychologist Kathyayani, portrayed by Kajal Agarwal, as well as the enigmatic industrialist Shukla (John Vijay) and the vigilant SI Srikanth (Sarath Kumar). Against the backdrop of Nelakonda, Adilabad, the story takes an intriguing and dramatic turn that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Balakrishna, renowned for being a director's actor, once again immerses himself entirely in his character, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his craft. It's noteworthy that he willingly ventured into a role that departs from his customary repertoire of high-octane commercial action entertainers. By embracing a character befitting his age, he sets an inspiring example for other senior actors to explore similar roles. Balakrishna, time and again, demonstrates his versatility, proving that he can excel in any role, provided directors harness his potential to the fullest.
In this role, Balakrishna dials down his natural aggression, delivering nuanced expressions and emotions. He masterfully elevates scenes through his body language, subtle mannerisms, and commanding on-screen presence.
Sree Leela, in her role, not only exudes charm but also delivers a commendable performance in emotional sequences. Her on-screen dance talent is captivating, winning the hearts of the audience, and she surprises with her adeptness in action sequences. Kajal performs her role with finesse, contributing to the overall quality of the film. Muralidhar Goud's role, although significant, fails to leave a substantial impact.
Bollywood star Arjun Rampal makes his Tollywood debut with this film, delivering a fine performance. However, the potential of his character isn't fully realized, ultimately rendering it somewhat routine. Sarath Kumar and John Vijay, along with the rest of the cast, offer solid performances in alignment with their respective roles.
Anil Ravipudi's narrative in 'Bhagavanth Kesari' delivers a powerful emotional experience, as he skillfully explores a different dimension of Balakrishna's acting prowess while endeavoring to convey a crucial message on girl empowerment to society.
Ravipudi succeeds in his endeavor, even though the film has its weak points. In his attempt to cater to both Balakrishna's fan base and a broader audience, he walks a tightrope, impacting the overall storytelling.
The first half of the film unfolds steadily, with Balakrishna encouraging a young girl to pursue a military career and meticulously training her. It also delves into his love story with Kajal and the subsequent developments involving Arjun Rampal and others, providing a detailed narrative. The story gains momentum before the interval, and the interval sequence captivates the audience, setting the stage for the second half.
The second half of the movie is more fast-paced compared to the first, with a pre-climax and climax that are sure to resonate with viewers. While Balakrishna's subdued portrayal may appeal to family audiences, his fans might have anticipated more robust action and explosive dialogues.
Regrettably, the screenplay falls short, with some scenes feeling forced to convey the intended message. The thematic discourse on girl empowerment, despite its good intentions, appears somewhat contrived. Thaman, known for his impactful BGM, disappoints as his score often turns excessively loud and irksome. The songs lack impact as well.
Tammiraju's editing could have been crisper, as some scenes seem superfluous. Harish and Ram's cinematography is adequate, but the subpar VFX and graphics disappoint the audience. The dialogues are passable, and Shine Screens' production values are merely average.
In summary, Bhagavanth Kesari emerges as a run-of-the-mill emotional entertainer. Anil Ravipudi should be commended for showcasing Balakrishna in a fresh and unfamiliar role. Nonetheless, the film's shortcomings in terms of its weak script and screenplay diminish the impact of this effort. Despite the commendable message it imparts about the empowerment of women and their upbringing, the dialogues tend to follow a formulaic pattern, and the storyline, unfortunately, treads down a predictable path.
With some minor adjustments and refinements to the script and character development, this movie had the potential to shine. Taking all these aspects into account, Cinejosh assigns "Bhagavanth Kesari" a rating of 2.5.