What’s it about?
Ram (Nithiin), an orphan raised with no family, chooses a path of modern-day Robin Hood—stealing from the rich and secretly donating to orphanages. To keep a low profile, especially with a determined police officer (Shine Tom Chacko) on his trail, he takes up a job as a security agent in a firm run by John Snow (Rajendra Prasad).
The agency assigns him to protect Veera Vasudev (Sreeleela), the daughter of an NRI billionaire, during her visit to India. Ram, under his alias Robin Hood, accompanies her to Rudrakonda, her grandfather’s village. However, unbeknownst to Veera, Ram has a hidden agenda beyond just ensuring her safety. Who is actually targeting Veera, and what is Robin Hood’s real mission in Rudrakonda?
Analysis
The title itself makes it clear—“Robinhood” is about a thief with a noble cause. Director Venky Kudumula efficiently sets up the protagonist’s motivations, quickly establishing why he turns to theft and how he channels the money toward orphanages. This crisp introduction is a positive, as it avoids unnecessary delays. However, the film soon falls into the trap of a predictable, template-driven narrative.
Ironically, there’s a song in the film with the hook line “Adhi Dha Surprise” (meaning “That is the surprise”), yet Venky Kudumula’s storytelling offers very few surprises. The plot unfolds in a familiar, formulaic manner, adhering to the standard beats of mass entertainers with minimal innovation. While there are a few twists in the second half, they lack novelty.
When directors opt for tried-and-tested commercial templates, they need to compensate with engaging humor and memorable songs to keep audiences from feeling a sense of déjà vu. This is almost a golden rule for mainstream entertainers. While Kudumula’s knack for comedy shines through in parts, the humor isn’t consistently hilarious.
The comedic sequences between Vennela Kishore and Rajendra Prasad work well, and a few fun moments involving Nithiin and Sreeleela add some charm. However, these engaging moments are too few—just three or four in two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
Nithiin fits well into the role of a thief with a noble cause. Balancing both his identities—as a cunning thief and a security agent—he brings a mix of playfulness and heroism to the character, pulling it off with ease. His chemistry with Sreeleela and their lighthearted moments work well. While his role follows the familiar template of many such action entertainers, Nithiin still manages to infuse his signature style into it.
Sreeleela looks more glamorous than ever, with her stylish portrayal of a wealthy girl enhancing her screen presence. Her act as a seemingly ‘intelligent’ yet dumb girl adds a touch of humor.
However, it’s Vennela Kishore’s impeccable comic timing that truly elevates the film, delivering some of the most entertaining moments. Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad also contributes with his own comedic flair.
David Warner’s cameo as a cricketer is amusing but comes towards the end, which looks more like an extra addition. Ketika Sharma’s item song is decent, with the controversial lewd steps removed from the final cut.
Visually, the film looks rich, thanks to the cinematographer’s work and the production house’s investment in creating a grand aesthetic. However, GV Prakash Kumar’s music remains strictly average, failing to leave an impact. The song “Follow” is okay.
Bottom Line: “Robinhood” follows a predictable formula, offering occasional laughs. While Nithiin’s stylish performance and Vennela Kishore’s comedy provide some entertainment, the film ultimately lacks the freshness needed to stand out.
Rating: 2.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Robinhood
Cast: Nithiin, Sreeleela, Rajendra Prasad, Vennela Kishore, David Warner (Cameo), Ketika Sharma, and others
Music: GV Prakash Kumar
DOP: Sai Sriram
Editor: Koti
Art Director: Raam Kumar
Producers: Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar
Written and Directed by: Venky Kudumula
Release Date: March 28, 2025
