TheReviewMonk is back — critic reviews for Indian cinema, aggregated. Read our story →

TheReviewMonk
Daaku Maharaaj backdrop

Daaku Maharaaj

12 January 2025Telugu2h 27m

What critics are saying

Critical reception for Daaku Maharaaj is mixed, leaning toward average.

Read all 7 reviews →

A violent outlaw takes a job as a personal driver in order to protect the life of a little girl.

Critic Consensus

Critical reception for Daaku Maharaaj is mixed, leaning toward average. Most reviewers acknowledge Nandamuri Balakrishna's commanding screen presence and star power as the film's primary draw, along with stylish action sequences and technical values. However, critics widely point to a weak, predictable, and derivative script that borrows heavily from other films, with several noting that the story loses momentum once the plot is revealed and fails to raise genuine stakes.

6 rated reviews · 3 positive · 2 mixed · 1 negative

Praised: Balakrishna's screen presence and star powerCriticised: Predictable, derivative, weak writing

AI-generated summary of 6 critic reviews · may contain errors

Report inaccuracy

Critic Reviews (7)

Updated
Paul Nicodemus· Times Of India
7.0
Daaku Maharaaj is a high-octane entertainer that thrives on Nandamuri Balakrishna’s commanding performance, stylish action sequences, and impressive technical values. While it doesn’t reinvent storytelling, it offers an engaging cinematic experience and a treat for Balakrishna’s fans.
Read full review ↗
Sashidhar Adivi· TimesNowNews
6.0
Daaku Maharaaj follows a familiar and formulaic template. But the technical aspects of the film are top-notch, with clever blending of Balayya's signature elements in the narrative.
Read full review ↗
Despite some flaws, this one is a visual extravaganza for all the fans of Nandamuri Balakrishna. The plot is nothing unique and out of the box but it's the superstar's star power and screen presence which makes this an entertaining watch.
Read full review ↗
Avinash Ramachandran· Indian Express
5.0
Daaku Maharaaj is the quintessential Balakrishna film, but it is burdened by the hangover of a number of films including Rajinikanth's Jailer, Kamal Haasan's Vikram, and the 'God of Masses' own filmography. However, the writing leaves us with an overwhelming sense of deja vu, and the stakes are never really high for Balakrishna's character despite facing a formidable foe.
Read full review ↗
Janani K.· India Today
5.0
...a predictable vigilante thriller. Though clichéd, the film strikes the right notes.
Read full review ↗
BVS Prakash· Deccan Chronicle
4.0
Balakrishna essays another anger-driven role in 'Daaku Maharaaj' but has chosen a contrived and mindless story. Once the plot is revealed, the film loses its steam and charm. Director Bobby Kolli who tasted success with 'Waltair Veerayya', failed to come up with a relatable plot since even action films need good plot.
Read full review ↗
Not rated
Despite these merits the film falls short, owing to its lack of conviction in the execution. It neither plays to the galleries nor embraces the new dictum wholeheartedly. A handful of sequences draw attention and can be termed paisa vasool, but the film on the whole is not satisfying.
Read full review ↗

Cast & Crew

Cast

Details

Release Date
12 January 2025
Runtime
2h 27m
Language
Telugu

User Ratings & Reviews

No ratings or reviews yet — be the first to share your take.

TMDB

This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.