Films
Scoring fingerprint
63 scored reviews · 0–10
Most given: 5 (21 reviews)2% of reviews not scored
In step with the room
Within a point of the Monk Score on 91% of 57 films
Closest peer
Agrees with Venkat on 93% of 26 shared films
Divergence
From the archive
"Cult" is neither a conventional action film nor a typical mass entertainer. It is a slasher thriller, a genre built around graphic violence and brutal killings... However, unlike that series, Vishwaksen's film struggles to generate tension or make its games compelling. The proceedings are largely dull, with the narrative moving from one violent episode to another without building any meaningful suspense.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−0.4
Despite these shortcomings, 418 works to an extent. Its effective flashback, Chaitra Achar's performance and sound design make parts of the film engaging. However, repetitive scares and a weak climax prevent this horror thriller from realising its full potential. It is a mixed bag that delivers a few effective scares but falters at the finish.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9+0.1
Despite Anandhi's strong performance and the effective use of folk music, the film makes for a largely tedious watch. On the whole, Garividi Lakshmi is a sincere attempt to document the life and contribution of a folk artist. However, its sluggish narrative and lack of dramatic engagement undermine the effort.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.8
Crazy Kalyanam benefits from strong performances by Anupama Parameswaran and VK Naresh, and its underlying message has merit. But the familiar storyline, unconvincing romantic track, uneven comedy and stretched wedding episode prevent it from being a fun ride.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.8
On a whole, Vijay Deverakonda's sincere effort and the director's intentions are evident, but the predictable treatment and tedious narration make it mostly boring. "Ranabaali" is a sincere historical drama, but its dead slow narration and excessive runtime make it a tedious watch for much of its duration.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.3
The routine second half, artificial emotions and largely ineffective cameos pull the film down. It may offer enough for Rajinikanth's fans to enjoy in parts, but it does not match the impact of its predecessor.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9−0.4
"Comrade Kalyan" has some entertaining moments, particularly because of Satya and Sree Vishnu. But the film never becomes the full-fledged comedy that its title and premise promise. The film leans more towards sentiment and revenge, ultimately culminating in a message-oriented ending.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7+0.3
Sigma is a patience testing thriller let down by weak writing, poor characterisation and an unnecessarily stretched narrative. What could have been an engaging money-heist thriller instead turns into a tedious watch.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2−1.2
Thella Kaagitham attempts to be a simple, message-oriented teenage drama and has a few entertaining portions, particularly in the first half. However, the outdated writing, forced humour and sluggish second half derail the film. The message is good, but the emotional punch the subject demands is not strong enough.
Full review ↗TRM 4.6−0.6
Don't Trouble The Trouble delivers neither strong humour nor emotional depth needed for this kind of premise. Despite Fahadh Faasil's presence and a few decent sequences, the film is largely boring and illogical, with neither entertainment nor emotional depth to hold attention.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.2
The Paradise turns out to be a messy action drama with little redeeming points. What begins with considerable promise eventually turns into a long, predictable and tiring watch. The writing remains predictable and the narrative loses steam after the interval.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2−0.2
Overall, Anumana Pakshi is painfully boring from beginning to end. It is meant to be a comedy, but it delivers far more irritation than laughter. Comedy films can survive even with a thin plot if the jokes work. Anumana Pakshi has neither a compelling plot nor effective humour.
Full review ↗TRM 3.8−0.8
With Maadhav's expressionless performance, weak narration and ineffective humour, Maremma, set in 2006, ultimately turns into a tedious watch. Maremma is another addition to the growing list of Telangana village-based period dramas made in recent years that falls short on both counts of solid script and engaging narration.
Full review ↗TRM 3.9−0.9
Overall, EPIC – First Semester is a disappointing mixed bag. A few portions are youthful, entertaining and poetic, but much of the film feels silly, dragged out and unconvincing, especially in the middle. Young audiences may relate to a few moments, but for regular moviegoers, the film offers more frustration than satisfaction.
Full review ↗TRM 4.8−0.8
The film misses out on logical consistency and technical finesse. At times, it feels more like a convenient attempt to cash in on the current divine-themed formula than a genuinely compelling film.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.2
Sardar 2 is another disappointing spy thriller from Indian cinema. It is Karthi's War 2 moment; bland, overlong and thoroughly boring. The lengthy and dragged-out narration in the second half tests the audience's patience even further, with almost everything feeling familiar, borrowed and recycled from older films.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−2.4
Overall, "Romanchakam" is a mixed bag. It offers several fun moments and keeps the first half light and entertaining, but the second half is dragged out and the film lacks a serious approach to its core conflict. It is not a total laugh riot, but it does provide a decent dose of fun and can be watched for its lighter moments.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−0.1
Irumudi works as a content-driven emotional action drama. The father-daughter relationship is handled with genuine emotion, while the Ayyappa Swamy Deeksha thread is blended into the narrative in a way that gives the film a different flavour. Most importantly, Shiva Nirvana brings out the actor in Ravi Teja while still retaining enough action to satisfy his image.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
Agadha does not provide excitement. It neither scares nor thrills consistently. Apart from the kala tantra episode and a few portions in the second half, it remains a routine horror drama.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9−0.4
Vishwanath and Sons has its moments, particularly in the first half. However, the lengthy runtime, formulaic scenes and uneven second half prevent it from becoming a completely engaging family drama. Nevertheless, Vishwanath and Sons makes for a decent watch.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9−0.4
Overall, DC is a gritty action drama powered by Anirudh's music, strong visuals and a confident acting debut from Lokesh Kanagaraj. It may not be a conventional mass entertainer, but it offers a distinctive theatrical experience for audiences comfortable with intense and graphic violence.
Full review ↗TRM 7.0−1.0
Korean Kanakaraju is a mixed bag. It offers an entertaining pre-interval stretch, sincere performances from Varun Tej and Satya, and an interesting core concept. However, weak writing, limited comedy and an underwhelming second half prevent it from becoming a consistently entertaining horror-comedy.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9+0.1
The entire first half of the film shocks us with its dull presentation, and even after the interval, the twist is hardly surprising, leaving audiences wondering if all the buildup was merely for this formulaic writing. All in all, 'Srinivasa Mangapuram' is not only a badly made film but also fails in its mission of giving Jai Krishna a strong debut and introducing Rasha Thadani impressively to Telugu cinema.
Full review ↗TRM 4.2−0.2
After setting things up beautifully before the interval, the film gradually slips into familiar territory. While the second half doesn't completely go haywire, most of it turns predictable. Had the makers maintained the same freshness and care in the second half, it could have raised the bar and emerged as a cult romantic drama.
Full review ↗TRM 5.4
Rao Bahadur is a sincere attempt to tell a story in a distinctive manner. The idea is admirable, and the climax justifies much of the film’s thematic ambition, with Satyadev delivering a performance worthy of applause. However, the painfully slow narration, overstretched screenplay and self-indulgent storytelling make it a tiresome watch.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.3
The film deteriorates into the vortex of propaganda and underscores Agnihotri's personal single-point agenda of broadcasting and proliferating baseless right-wing entitlements and assertions. I am afraid 'The Vaccine War' is nothing but slanted, distorted and propagandist torture all the way.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−2.3
All in all, watch the film for its emotional content, good and earnest scenes and superb performances from the lead actors.
Full review ↗TRM 6.4+0.6
Allu Arjun and Boyapati have come up with an out and out mass movie that has no great scenes. Bottom-line: Too Loud
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
"Brahmotsavam" tests the patience with its idiotic scenes, directionless screenplay, and snail-paced romantic thread. If not for Mahesh Babu's presence, the film collapses completely.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−1.3
Watchable for its lighter moments and emotional sequences. Bottom-line: Many Aaha Moments
Full review ↗TRM 6.0+1.0
The movie is filled with many emotional moments all the while keeping humor intact. This is the director's movie. And Karthi's show all the way. Despite length, "Oopiri" is one of the best made heart-touching movies in Tollywood. It is seeped with classiness.
Full review ↗TRM 7.2−0.2
"Krishnashtami" is full of clichés and boredom. Totally a head-ache movie.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
There are some twists in the second half, but by that time we disconnect with the happenings on screen. Added to it, the music and the chemistry between Aadi and Adah don't excite. All in all, "Garam" is an outdated movie from Madan and Aadi.
Full review ↗TRM 4.5−0.5
Unlike "Sudigaadu" Bhimaneni has not come up with perfect remake and unlike "Alludu Seenu" Bellamkonda has come up with a story that is too heavy for him.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3−0.3
Nannaku Prematho is mixed bag – with some stunning moments, breezy romance, and intelligent screenplay and yet it burdens the mind with some unnecessary scenes, lengthy second half. Bottomline: Too Classy and too brainy!
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
All in all, the movie is perfect watch for Sankranthi festive time. Despite weak second half, it still entertains. Bottom-line: Good family entertainer
Full review ↗TRM 6.1−0.1
Director Sri Wass and writers have failed Balakrishna. All in all, "Dictator" is a mess. Except for Balakrishna and Anjali's presence, the movie doesn't have anything to talk about. Bottom-line: Old Wine In Old Bottle!
Full review ↗TRM 5.6−0.6
Overall, the pleasant presentation by director Kishore Tirumala with good dialogues, catchy tunes by Devi Sri Prasad and beautiful presence of Keerthi Suresh, Nenu Sailaja works.
Full review ↗TRM 6.2+0.8
All in all, the film is an out and out mass entertainer. Bottom-line: Regular Fare With Comedy
Full review ↗TRM 5.3+0.7
The film is said to be remake of a Hindi hit, Phas Gaye Re Obama but the screenplay has been changed a lot by writer Kona Venkat and he has added his own brand of style. On paper the basic idea looks pretty good but the screenplay has gone completely haywire with the movie neither turning out to be a proper crime comedy or romantic movie.
Full review ↗TRM 4.7−0.7
Director Prakash Rao who debuted with Anangana O Dheerudu has proved again that he has visual flair but has no grip on narration. Writer Kanika's script lacks dum. Music is another big letdown. The movie has excessive runtime.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−0.5
...the movie has lot going for it like technical values, Kamal Haasan's performance and other actors' honest effort but it doesn't rise above the level of a taut and engaging thriller. Okay movie, on the whole. Bottomline: Lacks Punch
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
All in all, Kumari 21F will connect with youth and the people who like to see bold content. This attempt is quite unusual. Bottomline: Different Attempt
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
...is show reel movie of Akhil's dancing skills. Other than that it offers only boredom, nothing else.
Full review ↗TRM 5.00.0
All in all, Krish has once again come up with a different movie with novel storyline. It appeals the film lovers and class audiences only.
Full review ↗TRM 5.8+0.2
All in all, appreciation to Gunasekhar goes for the fact that through the movie he tries to bring rich history of Telugu land on to the screen. Other than this fact, the movie has more demerits than the merits. The movie is only for people who want to know how Rudrama Devi ruled in the guise of a male.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−0.5
While director Premsai did have a story that had a lot of potential, he fails to use it to the optimum extent and ends up giving the audience a rather flavourless film. Bottomline: Boring affair.
Full review ↗TRM 5.3
A better screenplay, better entertainment would have made some difference to this predictable story. All in all, Kick 2 is not half good as the original Kick.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9−0.9
The only saving grace for the entire film is Naga Chaitanya who is sincere and the bunch of comedians who get some interesting one-liners. Surely, not a film that one expects from the director of Swamy Ra Ra.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6
Bunny and Trivikram is probably the nicest combination apart from Trivikram and Pawan Kalyan. They seem to be in sync and Trivikram's dialogues go perfectly well with their body language and on-screen persona. So, SOS is yet another attempt at cashing in on this awesome synchronization between the director and his hero.
Full review ↗TRM 5.6
Temper is all that the Puri and his team had promised it would be. It has all the commercial elements and some good work put in by Puri, NTR and Kajal. This is surely going to work well with the audiences. The timing will also work in film's favour as there are no big releases lined up for a long, long time.
Full review ↗TRM 6.3+0.7
In all, the film has all the elements that the audience wants from a commercial film and Anil Ravipudi gives them all in a neatly packaged, clean, action entertainer.
Full review ↗TRM 6.5+0.5
Srikanth Addala uses an old story and tries to tell it his way. Well, he does succeed to a certain extent and falters to a certain extent.
Full review ↗TRM 5.1−0.1
Barring audiences who don't mind watching an overdose of fights, few jokes, two build-up songs, one beautiful heroine; Rough is not for the ordinary viewer.
Full review ↗TRM 4.4−0.4
Like most films these days, Current Theega also has a message for young lovers as a part of the story. Barring a few scenes here and there, which could have been chopped off at the editing table, Current Theega remains true to the original story.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
Oka Laila Kosam is a happy watch. Nagarjuna has timed the release perfectly and it might work in favour of the film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5+0.5
Though the comic scenes remind you of other popular films, Loukyam still works as it is not pretentious and does not try to be a big film.
Full review ↗TRM 6.00.0
The only saving grace for the film is Mahesh and a few punch dialogues sprinkled randomly which has now become the trademark of Srinu Vaitla.
Full review ↗TRM 5.9−0.9
In all, Ravi Teja fans will be happy watching him play yet another mass character. But Power lacks that extra something which makes for a successful, racy commercial entertainer.
Full review ↗TRM 4.9+1.1
Like all films these days, the film has its share of ifs and what ifs. Still, Rabhasa can be watched purely for the sincere efforts put in by NTR.
Full review ↗TRM 5.5−0.5
...you might end up watching Aashiqui 2 and listening to the songs all over again after watching Nee Jataga Nenundaali. But if you haven't watched the original, you might end up feeling that both the films are total waste of time and energy. Bottomline: We can't feel their love!
Full review ↗TRM 4.3−0.3
Though the director maintains pace, he drags the plot during the second half and the editor could have chopped off a couple of scenes to tighten the film. Bottomline: Total Paisa Vasool
Full review ↗TRM 6.0
If one looks at it, the film has all the elements that a commercial film must have – a lost and found father-daughter story, twin brothers, poor hero and a rich heroine, two villains, action and songs. Still, VV Vinayak disappoints by not making a gripping entertainer which will make you leave the theatre with a smile. Lacks the Punch!
Full review ↗TRM 5.5
Though the film may work out commercially, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Had the director put in more efforts on the second half, it would have worked better for the film.
Full review ↗TRM 5.7+0.3
