Bhagavanth Kesari

While the first half could have offered a more engaging narrative, the film finds its stride in the second half with its blend of action and emotion championing women empowerment.

'Bhagavanth Kesari' is a solid entertainer with a few shortcomings. Though the message barely scratches the surface, to have a star like Balayya utter the lines could invoke the desired impact. 'Bhagavanth Kesari' is an enjoyable entertainer where you see Balayya teaching a bunch of school children about good touch and bad touch.

Bhagavanth Kesari tries hard not to be a regular Nandamuri Balakrishna movie, while having all the signature moments die-hard fans will expect from him.

It's predominantly a retread of familiar territory rather than offering something entirely novel. The movie commences with a slow beginning and encounters a setback in the somewhat conventional central plot. The highly anticipated flashback episode leans more towards background dialogues rather than delivering an exhilarating moment.

'Bhagavanth Kesari' seems like an answer from Balakrishna and director Anil Ravipudi to their critics who often call their work 'cringeworthy', but it just leaves us with more questions. Even as a formulaic film hinging on the heroism of the male star, the formula itself is confusing.

Despite having some issues, Bhagavanth Kesari works pretty well on both fronts to a large extent, offering us an action entertainer with its heart at the right place. For a film that's trying to be both massy and meaningful, the narrative flows very well, with the humour, heroism, and emotion complementing each other wonderfully.