Robinhood (2025) Movie Review: A Heist Comedy That Promises Big but Falls Flat
Robinhood, the 2025 Telugu action-comedy directed by Venky Kudumula, arrived with a wave of anticipation. Starring Nithiin and Sreeleela, the film promised a fresh take on the heist genre with a modern Robin Hood twist. Released in theaters on March 28, 2025, and later streaming on ZEE5 Telugu from May 10th, the movie aimed to blend high-octane action, humor, and a socially relevant narrative. However, despite its ambitious setup and a talented cast, Robinhood struggles to deliver a cohesive or engaging experience, leaving audiences with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Plot and Premise: A Modern Robin Hood with a Twist
The story centers on Ram (Nithiin), a charismatic thief who operates under the guise of a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to help the poor. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes the reluctant bodyguard of Neera Vasudev (Sreeleela), the daughter of an Australian CEO, who returns to India under mysterious circumstances. As their paths collide, the film delves into a conspiracy involving Neera’s familial roots and a caricaturish gangster (played by Shine Tom Chacko) who threatens to disrupt their lives. What starts as a cat-and-mouse chase soon spirals into a larger-than-life narrative, with Ram transforming from a wayward thief into a messiah-like protector.
The premise, while intriguing on paper, feels overly familiar. The modern Robin Hood trope has been explored in various forms across global cinema, and Robinhood doesn’t bring much new to the table. The film attempts to balance action, comedy, and drama but falters in execution, leaving the audience with a disjointed narrative that never fully commits to any one tone.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Nithiin, known for earlier hits like Dil (2003) and Sye (2004), has been searching for a commercial success after a string of flops. In Robinhood, he plays Ram with a casual indifference that doesn’t quite suit the character’s supposed complexity. While Nithiin has shown his ability to handle action-comedy roles in films like Bheeshma (2020)—his previous collaboration with Kudumula—here, he seems disengaged. The slow-motion shots meant to amplify his charisma fall flat, and his dialogue delivery lacks the energy needed to carry the film.
Sreeleela, who rose to fame with her energetic dance performances in Telugu cinema after debuting in Pelli SandaD (2021), is reduced to a decorative role as Neera. Her character is little more than a plot device, with her arc revolving around a “fashion parade” of glamorous outfits rather than any meaningful development. Despite her proven screen presence, the script gives her little to work with, making her performance feel one-dimensional.
The supporting cast, including Shine Tom Chacko as the villain and a cameo by Australian cricketer David Warner, tries to inject some life into the film. However, the villain’s over-the-top portrayal borders on caricature, and Warner’s brief appearance, while a fun surprise, doesn’t add much to the story. The inclusion of comedians from various regional industries also feels forced, with most of their scenes failing to land the intended humor.
Direction and Writing: A Missed Opportunity
Venky Kudumula, who previously directed the lighthearted and successful Chalo (2018) and Bheeshma, takes a more ambitious route with Robinhood. Unfortunately, this larger-than-life canvas doesn’t play to his strengths. Kudumula’s earlier films thrived on relatable characters and tongue-in-cheek humor, but Robinhood overreaches with its sprawling narrative and uneven pacing. The film oscillates between slapstick comedy, high-stakes action, and emotional drama, but none of these elements gel together.
The writing is a significant weak point. The conspiracy surrounding Neera’s return feels contrived, and the film’s attempt to address social inequality through Ram’s Robin Hood persona lacks depth. The dialogue, which could have added wit to the proceedings, is forgettable, and the screenplay fails to build any real stakes. At 2 hours and 30 minutes, the runtime feels unnecessarily bloated, with several scenes dragging on without adding value to the story.
Technical Aspects: A Few Bright Spots
On the technical front, Robinhood has its moments. The cinematography captures the film’s vibrant color palette well, particularly in the action sequences set against urban backdrops. The background score by an in-form composer (though not credited in the provided context) adds some energy to the otherwise lackluster proceedings. However, the action choreography, while ambitious, feels repetitive, and the editing could have been tighter to maintain momentum.
Reception and Box Office: A Disappointing Outcome
Despite the pre-release buzz and decent advance bookings, Robinhood failed to make a mark at the box office, grossing just $44,478 worldwide—a major disappointment given its high-profile cast and production by Mythri Movie Makers. Critical reception has been largely negative, with outlets like The Hindu calling it a “misfire” and The Indian Express giving it a 2/5 rating for its lack of depth. Audience reactions, as seen on platforms, have been mixed, with some appreciating the film’s lighthearted moments and others criticizing its weak writing and execution.
Final Verdict: A Heist That Doesn’t Pay Off
Robinhood had all the ingredients for a fun, entertaining action-comedy: a talented cast, a promising director, and a premise with potential. However, it stumbles in its execution, delivering a film that feels half-baked and uninspired. Nithiin and Sreeleela deserved better material to showcase their talents, and Venky Kudumula’s attempt to scale up his directorial vision falls short of expectations. For fans of Telugu cinema looking for a breezy watch, Robinhood might offer a few fleeting moments of entertainment, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 2.5/5
If you’re curious, you might want to catch it on ZEE5 Telugu for a one-time watch, but don’t expect a cinematic gem. For now, Nithiin’s search for a comeback hit continues.
If you’re curious, you might want to catch it on ZEE5 Telugu for a one-time watch, but don’t expect a cinematic gem. For now, Nithiin’s search for a comeback hit continues.
