Bhairavam Movie Review, When a star like Manchu Manoj makes a long-awaited comeback, fans naturally expect fireworks. With Bhairavam, a Telugu remake of the Tamil hit Garudan, expectations were sky-high. The film promised intense action, heartfelt emotions, and a gripping storyline. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala and backed by a strong supporting cast, Bhairavam seemed poised to be a blockbuster. But did it deliver?
Let’s dive into what the early reviews and the film itself reveal.
Bold Premise, Weak Execution
The heart of Bhairavam lies in its rustic setting, weaving a story that revolves around loyalty, betrayal, and justice. Sounds promising, right? But while the concept packs a punch, the execution doesn’t land as solidly. The story starts strong, teasing deep emotional connections and high stakes, but somewhere along the way, it loses its grip.
Manchu Manoj as Gajapathi Varma: A Riveting but Isolated Performance
One thing everyone seems to agree on Manchu Manoj gave it his all. His role as Gajapathi Varma marks a dramatic shift from his earlier work. He’s intense, brooding, and commands attention. But great acting alone can’t carry a film, and sadly, Bhairavam leans too heavily on his shoulders.
Even the director, Vijay Kanakamedala, praised Manoj’s performance, calling it “riveting.” And yes, it truly is. But when the story and pacing don’t back him up, it feels like watching a lion trapped in a cage powerful, but underutilized.
Supporting Cast: Some Shine, Others Fall Short
Bhairavam Movie Review, The film also features Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas as Seenu and Nara Rohith as Varada. While both actors deliver strong performances, online buzz suggests that Bellamkonda’s portrayal bordered on overacting in parts. It’s a shame because the story had enough meat for nuanced performances but was often drowned in unnecessary melodrama.
Aditi Shankar, Anandhi, and Divya Pillai also appear in important roles, though most viewers felt they weren’t given enough space to truly make an impact. One reviewer even pointed out that Aditi seemed to be there “just for the songs,” which, honestly, felt like a missed opportunity.
Twitter’s Take: A Mixed Bag of Reviews
Let’s talk real talk the fans. Twitter (or should we say “X”) lit up with reactions as soon as the film hit the screens. And boy, were they mixed.
Some users weren’t impressed:
“Starts off okay but loses grip soon after. Comedy doesn’t work, songs are out of place. Final Verdict: Below Average.”
Another echoed similar disappointment:
“Strong performances but too much action. Drama is lost in the chaos. Could’ve been better.”
However, a few found things to like:
“Not bad, tbh. First 30 mins was cliché, but it picks up. Good performance from Bellam Anna.”
And there were even some glowing responses:
“#Bhairavam is a powerful action drama with stellar performances and emotionally gripping storytelling.”
So, clearly, opinions are all over the place but that’s often the case with polarizing films.
Strengths: What Worked in Bhairavam?
Despite its flaws, Bhairavam isn’t a total trainwreck. Here are a few things that did work:
- Performances: Manoj and Nara Rohith’s portrayals stood out. When the script gave them something to work with, they delivered.
- Intensity: Some of the dramatic scenes do manage to hit the right emotional notes.
- Cinematography: Hari K. Vedantam captures the rural landscape beautifully, giving the film an earthy, authentic feel.
- Soundtrack: Sricharan Pakala’s music adds weight to certain scenes, though not all songs are well-placed.
Weaknesses: Where Things Went Wrong
Bhairavam Movie Review, Unfortunately, the list of what didn’t work is longer:
- Pacing Issues: The film drags in places and rushes through critical moments. Not a good combo.
- Predictable Plot: If you’ve seen a few Indian action dramas, you can probably guess every twist.
- Subplots as Distractions: Too many minor storylines steal focus from the main narrative.
- Excessive Action: While the genre calls for some brawling, the over-the-top fight sequences feel forced.
Aditi Shankar’s Role: Eye Candy or Missed Opportunity?
One glaring issue is how underutilized the female leads are especially Aditi Shankar. Reviews and viewers alike noted that her presence felt more cosmetic than narrative-driven. In a story rooted in emotional bonds and betrayal, her character had the potential to be a game-changer. Instead, she’s relegated to song sequences and fleeting appearances.
Direction and Production: All Style, Less Substance
Director Vijay Kanakamedala had the right ingredients: a popular actor’s comeback, a proven storyline from the Tamil original, and a solid technical crew. But somehow, it didn’t come together. It’s like having all the toppings for a great pizza but burning the crust.
Production-wise, the film looks slick. The visuals are polished, and the rural aesthetic is on point. Kudos to producer K.K. Radhamohan and Dr. Jayantilal Gada for assembling a strong team. But again, visuals can only go so far when the script falters.
Audience Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
That depends on what you’re looking for.
- Want to see Manchu Manoj’s performance? Then yes, it’s worth a watch.
- Looking for a well-rounded story with emotional depth? Maybe skip this one.
- Love action dramas no matter what? You might enjoy it more than others.
At the end of the day, Bhairavam is not a bad film it’s just not a great one either.
A Comeback Film That Could’ve Been So Much More
Bhairavam Movie Review, Manchu Manoj deserved a better return vehicle. Bhairavam had the bones of a compelling story but stumbled in execution. It’s like getting a fancy birthday cake that looks amazing but tastes kind of bland. Sure, you’ll eat it but you won’t remember it tomorrow.
Despite some memorable moments and solid acting, the movie gets lost in its own ambition. A little restraint, sharper writing, and more focus on character development could have elevated this to something special.
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Conclusion
Bhairavam Movie Review, In the ever-competitive world of Telugu cinema, a film like Bhairavam needed to do more than just check boxes. While it showcases Manchu Manoj’s undeniable talent and offers a few engaging scenes, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
Fans will still show up for the action and the nostalgia of Manoj’s return, but whether they leave satisfied is another story altogether.
