What’s it about?
Sreenu (Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas) is the trusted confidant of childhood friends Aadhi (Nara Rohith), who runs a transport business, and Gajapathi Varma (Manoj), a landlord currently struggling financially. Their unbreakable bond is put to the ultimate test when betrayal strikes.
A corrupt minister (Sharath Lohitashwa) hatches a plan to seize the lands belonging to the Varahi Amma temple in Devipatnam, located in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. He learns that the land documents are in the possession of one of the friends. When his aide (Ajay) approaches one of them with a sinister proposal, their lives turn upside down.
Can Sreenu rise to protect the temple’s lands? Will Aadhi and Gajapathi stand by his side?
Analysis
“Bhairavam” marks Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas’s comeback after a two-year hiatus, while Manchu Manoj returns to the big screen after nearly five years. The film is a remake of the Tamil hit “Garudan” (2024). Though the core storyline stays largely faithful to the original, a few changes have been made to suit Telugu sensibilities.
Like the Tamil version, the film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. In addition, this rural drama integrates a strong devotional angle. Director Vijay Kanakamedala, known for Naandhi, presents the story with more grandeur, moving away from the original’s rooted and emotional tone.
“Bhairavam” also retains the original structure and screenplay. However, the early portions in this remake lack engagement. Until the conflict drama between Nara Rohith and Manchu Manoj kicks in, the presentation feels a bit stale. From that point, the film starts to hold interest. The interval sequence, seemingly influenced by Kantara, is also well done. Post-interval, the film improves due to the strength of the original content.
This version clearly targets mass audiences, and thanks to the core storyline, it works to an extent.
The performances are solid across the board. Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas delivers a composed performance, understanding the limitations of his role. While he does play to the gallery in a couple of scenes, he mostly stays within the character’s framework. Nara Rohith surprises with a mature and understated portrayal, with his look complementing the role well. Manchu Manoj, in his comeback, gets a strong part, though he should tone down the old-school dramatics in expressions. Aditi Shankar, in her debut, is neat and fits her role.
Music is not the film’s strong suit. Except for “O Vennela,” the songs fail to leave an impression. The background score also doesn’t work much. The production and technical values are good.
Bottom line: “Bhairavam”, bolstered by its original Tamil version, presents a strong theme of justice versus loyalty and features some strong sequences. However, the film is a mixed bag—partly engaging and partly underwhelming—as director Vijay Kanakamedala attempts to give a ‘commercial; coating to an otherwise rooted narrative.
Rating: 2.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Bhairavam
Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, Nara Rohith, Manchu Manoj, Jayasudha, Aditi Shankar, Aanandi, Divya Pillai, and others
Music: Sricharan Pakala
DOP: Hari K Vedantam
Editor: Chota K Prasad
Production Designer: Brahma Kadali
Fights: Ramakrishna, Nataraj Madigonda
Producer: KK Radhamohan
Screenplay and Directed by: Vijay Kanakamedala
Release Date: May 30, 2025
