Release Date: 30 May 2025
Director: Vijay Kanakmedla
Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, Manchu Manoj, Nara Rohit, Aditi Shankar, Anandi, Divya Pillai, Jayasudha, Sharath Lohitasva
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 2.75/5
Synopsis of the story
‘Bhairavam’ is the Telugu remake of the 2023 Tamil hit film ‘Garudan’, set in Devipuram village in East Godavari district. The story revolves around three unbreakable friends – Gajapathi (Manchu Manoj), Varada (Nara Rohit), and Srinu (Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas). Gajapathi, hailing from a zamindar family, is now struggling with financial difficulties, while Varada is a wealthy and principled person. Srinu is an orphan who is raised by Gajapathi and is loved by everyone in the village. The village’s Varahi Amma temple, which has land worth Rs 1000 crore, is central to the story. A corrupt minister (Sharath Lohitashwa) plots to usurp the temple’s land and lures Gajapathi with Rs 40 crore. This plot drives a wedge between the three friends, leading to betrayal and bloodshed. How do Srinu and Varada respond to this plot, and why does Gajapathi go against his friends? This film answers these questions.
Performances and acting
Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas as Srinu looks subtle and innocent in the first half, but his action-oriented role after the interval is impressive. His unique dialogue delivery and the poonkam (passion) scenes attract the audience. Manchu Manoj is fiery and aggressive as Gajapati, but his character suffers from a lack of emotional depth. Nara Rohit gives a restrained and intense performance as Varada, especially in the Mamیدی Thota episode, which is a highlight of the film. Aditi Shankar (Vennela) and Anandhi (Neelima) have limited roles and do not leave much impact in the story. Supporting actors like Jayasudha and Sharath Lohitashwa are fine in their small roles, but their talents are not fully utilized.
Direction and technical aspects
Vijay Kanakamedala has retained the basic structure of ‘Garudan’ but made some changes for the local audience, such as adding devotional elements and a commercial tadka. Hari K. Vedantam’s cinematography effectively captures the rustic atmosphere of the village and the night action sequences. Sricharan Pakala’s background score adds pace to the film, though the songs are not memorable. Chotta K. Prasad’s editing is uneven, especially in the second half, where the pace slows down. The production design, especially the temple and village sets, looks authentic. However, the director could have paid more attention to the emotional depth and character development, which were the strengths of the original film.
Strong and weak sides
The film’s strengths are its action sequences, especially the interval block and the mammi thota episode, which keep the audience captivated. The performances of the three lead actors and the rustic setting make the story believable. However, the film’s weaknesses are its predictable plot, the clichéd style of the first half, and the lack of emotional depth. The songs and comic scenes derail the story, and Aditi Shankar’s romantic track seems forced. The second half is slow, and the devotional element in the climax (reminiscent of Kantara) is not fully effective.
Themes and messages
‘Bhairavam’ touches upon themes of friendship, trust, and betrayal. It shows how greed and external pressures can break long-standing friendships. The element of saving the temple land and Bhairava’s devotion adds social and religious commentary to the story. However, like the original ‘Garudan’, it lacks emotional depth, which limits the audience’s connection to the characters.
Is it worth watching?
‘Bhairaavam’ is for the audience who likes mass-entertainment and action dramas. The performances of the three lead actors and some impressive action sequences make it worth a one-time watch. However, if you have watched ‘Garudan’, this remake may impress you less, as it fails to replicate the emotional depth and subtlety of the original. For the general audience, it is an average action drama, which can be watched with low expectations.
Rating: 2.75/5
Why watch: Great action sequences, performances from all three lead actors, and the rustic setting.
What to skip: Predictable story, lack of emotional depth, and a slow second half.
