Release Date: May 30, 2025
Director: Vijay Kanakamedala
Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, Manchu Manoj, Nara Rohith, Aditi Shankar
Rating: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5)
Bhairavam (2025) Review: Strong performances by Bellamkonda & Nara Rohith lift this Telugu remake, but patchy narration & slow first half weaken impact. Worth your time? ⭐⭐✨
The Core Conflict: Friendship vs. Greed
Set in Devipatnam (East Godavari), Bhairavam follows childhood friends Gajapathi (Manchu Manoj) and Varada (Nara Rohith), alongside orphan-turned-loyal-aide Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas). Their bond shatters when a corrupt minister (Sarath Lohitashwa) conspires to seize ₹1000 crore worth of temple lands guarded by Gajapathi’s family . The plot explores betrayal, power struggles, and redemption against a rustic backdrop rich in cultural symbolism.
Strengths: Performances and High-Impact Moments for Bhairavam Review:
- Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas: Delivers his most nuanced performance yet. Though underused early on (reduced to songs/dances), his transformation in the second half—especially the jatara sequence and police station scene—showcases surprising emotional depth .
- Nara Rohith: A revelation as the conflicted Varada. His grey-haired, brooding portrayal balances restraint and intensity, making his character arc the film’s backbone .
- Manchu Manoj: Returns powerfully after a 9-year hiatus. While occasionally over-the-top, his aggressive dialogue delivery and screen presence elevate key scenes .
- Action Blocks: The interval fight and Bellamkonda’s brutal rampage are technical standouts, amplified by Sricharan Pakala’s thunderous background score .
Weaknesses: Narrative Inconsistencies
- Sluggish First Half: Endless songs (like the forgettable “O Vennela”), forced comedy (Vennela Kishore’s wasted role), and superficial character establishment drain momentum .
- Underwritten Roles: Female leads Aditi Shankar and Anandhi serve purely decorative purposes. Aditi’s village-belle role clashes awkwardly with her modern demeanor .
- Emotional Void: The trio’s friendship lacks authentic buildup. Told but rarely felt, their bond’s collapse fails to resonate .
- Climax Contrivance: A forced deus ex machina twist involving divine intervention (reminiscent of Kantara) feels unearned due to zero foreshadowing .
Technical Analysis
- Cinematography (Hari K Vedantam): Lush visuals capture rural Andhra’s rawness—sun-drenched fields, temple rituals, and gritty action are visually compelling .
- Music (Sricharan Pakala): Background score elevates drama, but songs add little value. Lyrics lack memorability .
- Editing (Chota K Prasad): Abrupt transitions and a bloated 155-minute runtime exacerbate pacing issues, especially post-interval .
Verdict: A Half-Baked Remake
While Bhairavam improves upon its Tamil original Garudan in scale and performances, director Vijay Kanakamedala struggles to replicate its emotional core. The second half’s engaging drama (notably Nara Rohith’s Mamidi Thota twist) can’t salvage the first half’s tedium .
The Bottom Line: Watch for the leads’ performances and well-shot action, but brace for inconsistent storytelling. A one-time theatrical experience for mass-movie fans.
“An emotionally hollow first half meets a gripping second act—proof that potential alone can’t sustain a remake.”
FAQs: Bhairavam
Q1: Is Bhairavam a remake?
Yes. It’s an official Telugu adaptation of the 2023 Tamil hit Garudan .
Q2: How is Manchu Manoj’s comeback?
Energetic but uneven. His loud delivery works in action scenes but feels excessive in quieter moments .
Q3: Ott release details?
Digital rights are acquired by ZEE5. Expected streaming date: Late June 2025 .
Q4: Box office performance?
Day 1 collections: ₹0.53 Cr (India net). Telugu occupancy: 25.58% (Hyderabad, Vizag, Guntur peaked at 29–43%) .
Q5: How does Bhairavam compare to the original Tamil version Garudan?
A: It scales up action and visuals but fails to replicate Garudan’s emotional depth. Key relationship arcs feel rushed, weakening the betrayal’s impact.
Q6: Why does the first half feel slow?
A: Excessive songs (like “O Vennela”), forced comedy tracks, and superficial character development drag pacing until the interval fight kicks off momentum.
Q7: Does the climax really copy Kantara?
A: Partially. The deus ex machina twist involving divine intervention feels similar to Kantara but lacks foreshadowing, making it abrupt and unconvincing.