Bhagavanth Kesari

Bhagavanth Kesari is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Anil Ravipudi and produced by Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi, under the banner of Shine Screens.[4] It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in the titular role alongside Sreeleela, Kajal Aggarwal and Arjun Rampal (in his Telugu debut). The soundtrack and background score was composed by Thaman S.

Bhagavanth Kesari
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnil Ravipudi
Written byAnil Ravipudi
Produced bySahu Garapati
Harish Peddi
StarringNandamuri Balakrishna
Sreeleela
Kajal Aggarwal
Arjun Rampal
CinematographyC. Ramprasad
Edited byTammiraju
Music byThaman S
Production
company
Shine Screens
Release date
  • 19 October 2023 (2023-10-19)
Running time
164 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹90-100 crore[2]
Box officeest.₹100 crore[3]

The film was theatrically released on 19 October 2023, on the occasion of Dasara. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics Balakrishna and Sreeleela’s performances and action sequences.[5][6][7][8]

Plot

Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari is an ex-prisoner who becomes the guardian of Vijayalakshmi "Viji" after his friend and Viji's father, CI Srikanth's death in an accident. Bhagavanth wants her to join the Indian Army as per her father's wish and seeks the help of psychologist Dr. Kathyayani. However, Vijji is against joining the Army, stemming from a phobia in her childhood; she is keen on marrying her boyfriend, Karthik.

Meanwhile, Rahul Sanghvi is a business magnate who seeks in stealing the country's prestigious project, V.A., but the Deputy CM accumulates incriminating evidence against him. Sanghvi assassinates him, but his PA absconds with the evidence and Sanghvi begins his hunt. Karthik proceeds with his parents with the proposal, but Bhagavanth denies it, for which Viji starts to detest Bhagavanth. While escaping from Sanghvi's men, the PA fortuitously uses Viji's laptop to secure the data and Sanghvi's men target her instead. Bhagavanth learns about this and shields Viji. Sanghvi is shocked upon seeing Bhagavanth, revealing that the two are past rivals and Viji soon learns about Bhagavanth's past.

Past: Bhagavanth is a gallant Inspector at a tribal zone called Nelakonda, where he locks horns with Sanghvi's politician father, Sarath Sanghvi, after he massacres the forest department. Bhagavanth outrageously butchers his men and publicly arrests Sarath, who later commits suicide. In order to exact vengeance, Rahul incriminates Bhagavanth under trumped-up charges and has him sentenced to prison.

Present: After learning this, Viji oaths to fulfill Bhagavanth's ambition. They go to Hyderabad along with Kathyayani and admit Viji to a training academy where the coach disdains her, but later accepts an apology after Bhagavanth glorifies their eminence. Viji cannot climb her last leg because of neurosis, where Kathyayani provides insight to raise her mental strength and courage. Sanghvi intends to kill Bhagavanth and his loved ones, whilst also capturing the PA. However, Bhagavanth tarnishes Sanghvi's plans with the support of Ratan Shukla, who he befriended in prison, and procures the evidence from the PA. Bhagavanth makes a deal with the politicians to schedule a dual war with Sanghvi and receives approval. As directed by Kathyayani, Bhagavanth keeps himself at risk and Viji soon turns violent to safeguard him. Bhagavanth finally kills Rahul Sanghvi and his men, while Viji is selected into the Army, fulfilling her father's and Bhagavanth's dream.

Cast

Production

The film went into floors on 8 December 2022 in Hyderabad.[9] Arjun Rampal completed filming his scenes in August 2023.[10]

Release

Theatrical

The film was released on October 19, 2023, in theatres on the occasion of Dasara.

Home media

The film's digital rights were brought by Amazon Prime Video in all languages and will stream on the platform from November 17, 2023.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack and background score is composed by Thaman S, which marks his fourth collaboration with Balakrishna after Dictator (2016), Akhanda (2021), and Veera Simha Reddy (2023); first collaboration with Ravipudi.

The first single titled "Ganesh Anthem, was released on 1 September 2023. The second single, "Uyyaalo Uyyaala" was released on 4 October 2023. The third single, "Roar of Kesari" was released on 17 October 2023.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ganesh Anthem"Kasarla ShyamKareemullah, Maneesha Pandranki4:38
2."Uyyaalo Uyyaala"Anantha SriramS. P. Charan4:15
3."Roar of Kesari"Kasarla ShyamChorus3:20

Reception

Critical response

The film received positive reviews from critics praising Balakrishna's performance and action sequences.[11][5][6]

123Telugu gave 3.25/5 stars and wrote "Bhagavanth Kesari delivers an engaging blend of action and emotional drama, fueled by finest performances from Balakrishna and Sreeleela. Their combo scenes are a delight to watch, especially in emotional scenes. However, a sluggish second half and occasional unnecessary scenes do challenge the film's overall pacing. Balakrishna's compelling screen presence and impactful dialogues provide a treat for fans."[12] Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "While the first half could have offered a more engaging narrative, the film finds its stride in the latter portion, delivering a satisfying blend of action and emotion. Bhagavanth Kesari stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and power of women empowerment."[13]

Avad Mohammad of OTTplay gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Bhagavanth Kesari showcases Balakrishna like never before. The star hero plays his age and explodes when it is needed. But the story and backdrop are routine and do not showcase anything new. But director Anil Ravipudi has made sure that the emotions are conveyed properly, making this film a passable watch for the fans."[14] Raghu Bandi of The Indian Express gave 2.5/5 and wrote "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."[15] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote "Anil Ravipudi's Bhagavanth Kesari starring Nandamuri Balakrishna oscillates between hypermasculine action and an emotional drama that hammers the message of women empowerment."[16]

Janani K of India Today gave a rating of 2.5/5 and wrote, "Bhagavanth Kesari is an enjoyable entertainer where you see Balayya teaching a bunch of school children about good touch and bad touch. It's a film that has a mix of everything for the audiences."[17] Jahnavi of The News Minute gave a rating of 1.5/5 and wrote "But even as a formulaic film hinging on the heroism of the male star, the formula itself is confusing."[18] Eenadu reviewed the movie and noted that, aside from a few scenes in the first half, the film is commendable.[19]

Ram Venkat Srikar of Film Companion wrote, "Bhagavanth Kesari is a pretty entertaining outing from both Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi. Despite having some issues, it works pretty well to a large extent, offering us an action entertainer with its heart in the right place, which surprises on the emotion and the 'message' front.[20]

References
  1. "Bhagavanth Kesari (15)". British Board of Film Classification. October 15, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  2. "Bhagavanth Kesari: Check Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Day 1 Box Office Collection". News18. October 21, 2023. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  3. "'Bhagavanth Kesari' box office collection Day 7: Balayya's film mints Rs 66.55crore". India Today. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  4. "Balakrishna, Anil Ravipudi Telugu film titled 'Bhagavanth Kesari'". The Hindu. 8 June 2023. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  5. "Bhagavanth Kesari: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film is GOOD or BAD to watch? Read THIS". Asianet News. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24. the film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
  6. "Bhagavanth Kesari box office collection day 3: Lukewarm response brings worldwide haul to ₹45 crore". Hindustan Times. October 22, 2023. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023. Bhagavanth Kesari starring Balakrishna , Kajal and Srileela received mixed response
  7. "'Bhagavanth Kesari' box office collection Day 5: Balayya's film remains strong". India Today. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  8. "'Bhagavanth Kesari' Twitter review: 'It's a hattrick blockbuster,' say Nandamuri Balakrishna fans". Business Today. 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  9. "#NBK108: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film with Anil Ravipudi launched". The Times of India. 8 December 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2023-08-15. Retrieved 2023-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Bhagavanth Kesari: Where director Anil Ravipudi proves it's possible to make a meaningful massy film". OTTPlay. 21 October 2023. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023. mixed responses from critics.
  12. "Bhagavanth Kesari – Enjoyable action and emotional drama". 123Telugu. Archived from the original on 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  13. "Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: A Blend Of Action And Emotion Championing Women Empowerment". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  14. "Bhagavanth Kesari: Balakrishna impresses but the story and presentation are routine". OTTplay. Archived from the original on 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  15. "Bhagavanth Kesari movie review: Nandamuri Balakrishna does not disappoint". The Indian Express. 2023-10-19. Archived from the original on 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  16. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (2023-10-19). "'Bhagavanth Kesari' movie review: Anil Ravipudi, Balakrishna outing is mediocre at its best". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  17. "Bhagavanth Kesari Review: Balayya has maximum fun in this film on women empowerment". India Today. Archived from the original on 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  18. "Bhagavanth Kesari review: Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi dabble with girlboss feminism". The News Minute. October 19, 2023. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  19. "Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: రివ్యూ: భగవంత్‌ కేసరి.. బాలకృష్ణ యాక్షన్‌ డ్రామా ఎలా ఉంది?". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  20. Srikar, Ram Venkat (2023-10-19). "Bhagavanth Kesari Review: Balayya's Attempt At Women Empowerment Is Both Meaningful And Fun". www.filmcompanion.in. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
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