TheReviewMonk
SD

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo

The Hindu

23Reviews
Rarely scored3 of 23 scored
1Publication
Michael

Michael

2026 · The Hindu

Michael is a labour of love that, at times, feels too laboured and tries hard to impress. Despite an earnest effort by its actors and the technical team, the film falls short of finding its own strong voice in the melee of gangster dramas we have seen in the last decade.

Rao Bahadur

Rao Bahadur

2026 · The Hindu

The carefully constructed drama gives way to a series of delightful twists that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Rao Bahadur ventures into fantasy, lacing its psychological drama with touches of magical realism, crafted as a fable that engages rather than preaches about the weight of caste, class, colour, lineage and identity. The result is an ambitious, playful film that rewards attentive viewers.

Sing Geetham

Sing Geetham

2026 · The Hindu

Sing Geetham is a refreshing departure at a time when Telugu cinema seems trapped in the pursuit of pan-Indian ambitions. Yet Sing Geetham is the kind of film I would gladly surrender to rather than nitpick. By the end of Sing Geetham, I found myself wondering how the team pulled it off.

Anaganaga Oka Raju

Anaganaga Oka Raju

2026 · The Hindu

Despite the uneven narrative, Naveen's comic timing and Meenakshi's graceful screen presence make the film immensely watchable. The film is redeemed when it shifts gears from an outrageous comedy to a social satire that taps into reel addiction and apathy for ground-level issues.

Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu

Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu

2026 · The Hindu

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu offers enough fun to gloss over its dull stretches. The chief pleasure lies in watching Chiranjeevi clearly enjoying himself, aided by an extended cameo from Venkatesh Daggubati and the presence of Nayanthara. Post-interval, however, the momentum dips as both comedy and drama turn predictable.

Saaho

Saaho

2019 · The Hindu · Aug 2019

Saaho was an opportunity to follow up on Baahubali, which had both scale and imagination, and blur the boundaries between regional and national cinema once again. Sadly, it ends up as a missed opportunity.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

2017 · The Hindu · Apr 2017

For the most part, The Conclusion doesn't let us take our eyes off the screen. It's designed to be a cinematic celebration, one that deserves to be watched on the largest screen possible.

Manamantha

Manamantha

2016 · The Hindu · Aug 2016

Manamantha is narrated with a lot of conviction and the stories merit a discussion. The only grouse is with how Gautami's journey ended. But it wouldn't be possible to discuss it here without giving away the end.

7.0
TRM 6.2
Full review ↗
24

24

2016 · The Hindu · May 2016

24 is laudable for its attempt to take Indian mainstream cinema a step ahead. The lead actor and technical team apart, there's good support from other pivotal characters including Ajay. Nithya Menen is a delight in a brief role and renders the lullaby 'Lalijo' beautifully.

Oopiri

Oopiri

2016 · The Hindu · Apr 2016

It's no mean feat to make a mainstream Telugu film where the hero sits on a wheelchair. But the next time an unconventional film is made, let's hope the item number can be done away with.

8.0
TRM 6.9
Full review ↗
Krishnashtami

Krishnashtami

2016 · The Hindu · Feb 2016

Krishnashtami tries to position itself as a family entertainer, action flick and romantic drama and falls short on all counts.

Nenu Sailaja

Nenu Sailaja

2016 · The Hindu · Jan 2016

The hero has to iron out frictions in the heroine's family to win her over.

6.0
TRM 6.0
Full review ↗
Size Zero (Inji Iduppazhagi)

Size Zero (Inji Iduppazhagi)

2015 · The Hindu · Nov 2015

The film has its heart at the right place in terms of what it wants to convey, but if only it had been done in a smarter, more entertaining way.

Cheekati Rajyam

Cheekati Rajyam

2015 · The Hindu · Nov 2015

... isn't really exceptional, going by Kamal Haasan's oeuvre, but makes for an engaging watch. An assured debut by director Rajesh M. Selva.

Kanche

Kanche

2015 · The Hindu · Oct 2015

Kanche doesn't stand out merely by being different, but also because it's earnest.

Bruce Lee - The Fighter

Bruce Lee - The Fighter

2015 · The Hindu · Oct 2015

In the latter half, when you have almost given up on the film, there are far too many songs. The moment you spot the heroine, you shudder expecting another song.

Rudhramadevi

Rudhramadevi

2015 · The Hindu · Oct 2015

There are several shortcomings, but Gunasekhar piques the interest to go back and read up more about this warrior queen.

Courier Boy Kalyan

Courier Boy Kalyan

2015 · The Hindu · Sep 2015

Nithiin looks the part of a helpless guy caught in a tangle and shows his mettle as an actor. The background score and cinematography are good too. But the film itself could have been so much better had it stayed true to the plot and genre. Bottomline: A story that doesn't live up to its premise.

Bale Bale Magadivoy

Bale Bale Magadivoy

2015 · The Hindu · Sep 2015

Bhale Bhale Magadivoi puts logic aside but there's plenty of situational humour where you'll find yourself laughing aloud and having a good time. And these laughs are with than at the protagonist.

Lingaa

Lingaa

2014 · The Hindu · Dec 2014

Lingaa is worth the watch for Rajinikanth but falls midway between being a gripping social drama and a full throttle entertainer.

Loukyam

Loukyam

2014 · The Hindu · Sep 2014

Watch Loukyam for a few laughs. Just don't expect it to keep you engrossed.

Power

Power

2014 · The Hindu · Sep 2014

Power tries hard to amuse and has a hangover of Kick and Vikramarkudu. Ravi Teja does his part well but the film itself offers nothing new.