What’s it about?
Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari (Nandamuri Balakrishna), just out of Warangal prison, assumes custody of a young girl whose cop father was killed in a car crash. He adopts the role of Chiccha (paternal uncle) to Vijji (Sreeleela) and works tirelessly to shape her into a self-reliant woman and future army officer.
After an incident with Rahul Sanghvi’s (Arjun Rampal) men, Vijji finds herself in hot water with the business magnate. Bhagavanth Kesari comes in just as they’re about to kill her and saves her life.
When Rahul Sanghvi learns that Bhagavanth Kesari rescued her, he is reminded of his encounter with Kesari many years ago in Adilabad. Can Kesari make Vijji an officer in the army? In what ways do he and Rahul Sanghvi go back?
Analysis
For both Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Anil Ravipudi, “Bhagavanth Kesari” is a slight departure from their usual fare. Balakrishna is known for doing violent mass action dramas and Anil is popular for packaging comedy-laced films. Anil Ravipudi, however, gave up his signature storytelling style in favor of Balakrishna’s in order to convey a strong message using the actor’s superstardom.
Which is more important: a compelling story or a meaningful message? When it comes to conveying a vital message, “Bhagavanth Kesari” succeeds admirably. In terms of narrative interest, it falls short.
The message is that girls should be encouraged to be self-reliant, and that our daughters should not be restricted to domestic life alone. Balakrishna’s slogan in the film is “Banao Beti Ko Sher” (Turn Our Daughters Into Lionesses). This message is laudable.
To drive this message, director Anil Ravipudi narrated the story in a way that puts focus on the bond between Nandamuri Balakrishna and Sreeleela. It takes a good chunk of the first half of the film. Thus, the sequences lack effectiveness and remind routine. Director Anil Ravipudi uses the relationship between Nandamuri Balakrishna and Sreeleela’s characters to drive home the film’s message. It occupies a significant portion of the first half. This results in inefficient and mundane sequences. Only when the film gets to the primary battle between the hero and the villain, with Sreeleela’s character entangled in it, does it make sense and become interesting.
The uneven narrative and excessive fights, as well as the failure to properly blend both strands of the tale – Balakrishna’s battle with Arjun Rampal and the film’s message about women empowerment – have all contributed to the film’s mixed result.
Apart from the message, the best aspect of the film is Balakrishna’s role. Not only did Balakrishna portray a role that is appropriate for his age, but he also dared to forego the extended romantic track (albeit there are a couple of passages between Balayya and Kajal) and duets. He has played as Sreeleela’s father figure. Balakrishna’s style and his dialogue delivery (Telangana slang) is refreshing as well.
Sreeleela receives full marks for this part since she played a character that allowed her to demonstrate her acting abilities. She made good use of it. Kajal Aggarwal has played a psychologist who falls in love with a middle-aged hero admirably. Arjun Rampal, the beautiful actor from Bollywood, has the looks of a villain, yet his character lacks depth.
Anil Ravipudi and his writing team shown fine dialogue writing. The cinematography and production design are excellent. Thaman’s songs are routine. His background music is monotonous.
Bottom line: The best part of “Bhagavanth Kesari” is the strong message it conveys. However, the film is a standard commercial action drama with an inconsistent narrative. Despite slow narration and other faults, the message, Balakrishna’s character and swag, and some dialogues hold the film.
Rating: 2.75/5
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Bhagavanth Kesari
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal, R Sarathkumar, and others
Music: S Thaman
DOP: C Ram Prasad
Editor: Tammiraju
Production Designer: Rajeevan
Producers: Sahu Garapati, Harish Peddi
Written and Directed by: Anil Ravipudi
Release Date: Oct 19, 2023
