Bhairavam (2025) Movie Review: A Rustic Action Drama with Emotional Highs and Narrative Hiccups
Released on May 30, 2025, Bhairavam has arrived as a much-anticipated Telugu rural action drama, directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, known for hits like Naandhi and Ugram. Starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohith, with a supporting cast including Aditi Shankar, Jayasudha, and Vennela Kishore, this film is a Telugu remake of the 2024 Tamil hit Garudan. With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, Bhairavam aims to blend intense action with emotional drama, set against a rustic backdrop. Early reviews and box office reports, as seen in the web results, indicate a mixed reception—praise for its strong foundational plot and performances, but criticism for its patchy narration.
Plot and Themes
Bhairavam unfolds in a rural setting, weaving a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. While the IMDb listing notes a lack of detailed plot synopsis, web results reveal that the film retains the core themes of Garudan, focusing on the emotional bonds between characters and the conflicts that tear them apart. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas plays the protagonist, a role that requires both action prowess and emotional depth. Manchu Manoj and Nara Rohith take on pivotal roles, with Manoj marking a notable comeback after a hiatus. The story builds toward a climactic confrontation, with a strong devotional layer woven into the narrative to resonate with local audiences, as noted by GreatAndhra.com.
The film’s themes center on trust and retribution, common in rural action dramas, but Kanakamedala adds a commercial flair with mass elements and spectacle. A police station episode in the first half and a turning point in the second half are highlighted as impactful moments, though they lack the intensity of the original Tamil version. The emotional weight of the climax, a carryover from Garudan, still resonates, but the Telugu adaptation struggles to balance its commercial leanings with the simplicity that made the original effective.
Performances
The cast delivers a mixed bag of performances. Manchu Manoj steals the show with his intense and powerful portrayal, marking a strong return to the screen. Social media reactions, as cited in the Times of India, laud his emotional depth and screen presence, with fans calling his performance a highlight. Nara Rohith also earns praise for his impactful role, adding gravitas to the narrative. Their performances anchor the film’s emotional core, particularly in scenes that demand raw intensity.
Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, however, struggles to fit into his role. Known for his action-hero image, he falters in moments requiring comedic subtlety or emotional nuance, as GreatAndhra.com points out. This tonal mismatch hampers the film’s overall impact, especially since his character is central to the story. Aditi Shankar, as the female lead, has a limited but functional role, while supporting actors like Jayasudha and Vennela Kishore add moments of warmth and humor, though their screen time feels underutilized.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Vijay Kanakamedala’s direction is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he successfully adapts Garudan for a Telugu audience, infusing it with devotional elements and mass appeal. The rural backdrop is vividly captured, with Hari K Vedantam’s cinematography bringing out the earthy textures of the setting. Sricharan Pakala’s music, particularly the background score, elevates key emotional and action sequences, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The action choreography by Ramakrishna and Nataraj Madigonda is a highlight, with gritty, well-executed sequences that cater to fans of the genre.
However, Kanakamedala’s screenplay, while retaining the original’s structure, feels uneven. The film leans too heavily on commercial tropes, diluting the simplicity and emotional depth of Garudan. The narrative pacing falters in the second half, with some scenes feeling repetitive or unnecessary. Chota K Prasad’s editing could have been tighter to maintain momentum, especially given the 140-minute runtime. The production design by Brahma Kadali is functional but doesn’t stand out, and the film’s reliance on spectacle over substance occasionally undermines its emotional core.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Bhairavam shines in its foundational plot and a few standout scenes. The police station episode in the first half is gripping, blending tension and drama effectively, while the second half’s turning point adds a layer of intrigue. The emotional climax, despite not matching the original’s intensity, still delivers a satisfying payoff for the character arcs, particularly for Manchu Manoj’s role. The film’s themes of loyalty and betrayal resonate, and its rural setting feels authentic, grounding the story in a relatable cultural context.
However, the film’s weaknesses are hard to ignore. The patchy narration, as noted by GreatAndhra.com, prevents Bhairavam from being a gripping action drama. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas’ miscasting in a role requiring more nuance is a significant drawback, and the film’s commercial format often feels at odds with its emotional aspirations. The lack of intensity in key moments and the tonal mismatch between action and drama make the narrative feel disjointed. Even when viewed independently of Garudan, Bhairavam struggles to rise above being a passable entertainer.
Box Office and Reception
According to the Times of India, Bhairavam opened with ₹2.75 crore net in India on its first day, May 30, 2025, with a Telugu occupancy of 26.70%. The occupancy was consistent across showtimes, peaking at 30.09% for night shows, indicating steady audience interest. However, the film’s mixed reviews may impact its long-term performance. Critics have given it a 2.5/5 rating (GreatAndhra.com), praising its plot and performances but criticizing its execution. Audience reactions on social media highlight Manchu Manoj’s comeback as a high point, but some fans may feel let down by the film’s inability to fully capitalize on its potential.
Final Thoughts
Bhairavam is a film with a strong foundation but faltering execution. Vijay Kanakamedala delivers a rustic action drama that hits emotional highs in parts, thanks to Manchu Manoj and Nara Rohith’s performances, but stumbles with its uneven narration and tonal inconsistencies. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas’ miscasting and the film’s overreliance on commercial elements prevent it from being the gripping remake it could have been. For fans of rural action dramas, Bhairavam offers enough to warrant a watch, particularly for its emotional climax and action sequences. However, those expecting a cohesive and impactful narrative may leave disappointed.
Rating: 2.75/5
A passable action drama with moments of brilliance, Bhairavam is held back by its narrative flaws but remains a decent outing for fans of the genre. As of June 1, 2025, it’s a film that sparks conversation but doesn’t fully ignite the screen.
A passable action drama with moments of brilliance, Bhairavam is held back by its narrative flaws but remains a decent outing for fans of the genre. As of June 1, 2025, it’s a film that sparks conversation but doesn’t fully ignite the screen.