Bhagavanth Kesari | |
---|---|
Directed by | Anil Ravipudi |
Written by | Anil Ravipudi |
Produced by | Sahu Garapati Harish Peddi |
Starring | Nandamuri Balakrishna Sreeleela Arjun Rampal Kajal Aggarwal |
Cinematography | C. Ramprasad |
Edited by | Tammiraju |
Music by | Thaman S |
Production company | Shine Screens |
Release date |
|
Running time | 164 minutes [1] |
Country | India |
Language | Telugu |
Budget | est.₹100 crore [2] |
Box office | est.₹98.2–130 crore [3] [4] [5] |
Bhagavanth Kesari is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Anil Ravipudi and produced by Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi, under the banner of Shine Screens. [6] It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in the titular role alongside Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal (in his Telugu debut) and Kajal Aggarwal. The soundtrack and background score was composed by Thaman S.
The film was theatrically released on 19 October 2023, on the occasion of Dasara. The film received mixed reviews from critics praising Balakrishna's performance and action sequences. [7] [8] [9] [10]
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 to steal the country's prestigious project-V, but the Deputy CM accumulates incriminating evidence against him. Sanghvi assassinates him, but his PA absconds with the evidence, and Sanghvi is behind 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 Circle 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. 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 the women but later accepts an apology after Bhagavanth glorifies their eminence. Viji cannot climb her last leg because of neurosis, whereas 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, whom 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.
Filming started on 8 December 2022 in Hyderabad. [11] Arjun Rampal completed filming his scenes in August 2023. [12]
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.[ citation needed ]
The film was theatrically released on 19 October 2023, on the occasion of Dasara.
The film's digital streaming rights were brought by Amazon Prime Video, while the satellite rights were brought by Zee Network in all languages. The film was premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 24 November 2023 in Telugu, along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. [13]
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics praising Balakrishna's performance and action sequences. [14] [7] [8] [9] [10]
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." [15] 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." [16]
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." [17] 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." [18]
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." [19] 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." [20] Eenadu reviewed the movie and noted that, aside from a few scenes in the first half, the film is commendable. [21] 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. [22]
Nandamuri Balakrishna, widely known as Balakrishna and Balayya is an Indian actor, producer and politician known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupuram constituency since 2014. The sixth son of Legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna made his debut as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala (1974). Balakrishna is a recipient of three state Nandi Awards and one South Indian International Movie Award. In 2012, Balakrishna was the chief guest at the 43rd IFFI. Currently He serves as the Chairman of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Hyderabad.
Sonal Chauhan is an Indian actress, singer, model and beauty pageant titleholder. She predominantly works in Telugu and Hindi films. She won the title of Femina Miss India in 2005 and Miss World Tourism in 2005.
Narasimha Naidu is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by B. Gopal and written by Chinni Krishna. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Simran, Preeti Jhangiani, Asha Saini and music composed by Mani Sharma.
Vijayendra Varma is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by Konda Krishnam Raju under Aditya Productions banner and directed by Swarna Subba Rao. It features Nandamuri Balakrishna, Laya, Sangeeta, Ankita, with the music composed by Koti. The film was panned both by critics and audience. The core plot of the movie was reported to be inspired by the 2002 movie The Bourne Identity.
Kajal A Kitchlu is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil language films, as well as in Hindi language films.
Sultan is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language action film, produced by MRV Prasad and directed by Sarath. The film stars an ensemble cast of Nandamuri Balakrishna, Krishna, Krishnam Raju, Roja, Rachana and Deepti Bhatnagar, with music composed by Koti. The film was released on 27 May 1999. It was successful at the box office.The Film Remade in Hindi with Same Title
Nandamuri Balakrishna is an Indian actor, politician in the Telugu Desam Party founded by his father and who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He is the sixth son of Telugu matinee idol and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh legendary actor, N. T. Rama Rao. He entered the film industry as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala. In the mid-1980s, he graduated to acting in the lead role and soon became one of the sought after actors in Telugu cinema. In his career spanning 40 years, he has acted in over hundred films in a variety of roles. Balakrishna has received two state Nandi Awards for best acting.
Lion is a 2015 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film produced by Rudrapati Ramana Rao under the SLV cinema banner and directed by debutant Satyadev. The plot of the movie is loosely based on the Hollywood movie Unknown. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Apte and music composed by Mani Sharma.
Dictator is a 2016 Indian Telugu-language action film, jointly produced by Eros International & Sriwass under Vedhaaswa Creations banner and directed by Sriwass. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Anjali, Sonal Chauhan and Vikramjeet Virk music is composed by S. Thaman.
Anil Ravipudi is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema.
Jai Simha is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by C. Kalyan on C. K. Entertainments banner and directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nayanthara, Hariprriya, and Natasha Doshi. The music was composed by Chirantan Bhatt. The film was a box office Hit.
NTR: Kathanayakudu is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film based on the real life and acting career of N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). It was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Vardhan Induri under NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vibri Media banners. It is the first installation of a two-part film. The film stars an ensemble cast with Nandamuri Balakrishna, as his father N. T. Rama Rao, Vidya Balan in lead roles. Music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film has a sequel, NTR: Mahanayakudu, that showcases the political journey of Rama Rao.
Ruler is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language action drama film, produced by C. Kalyan under CK Entertainments & Happy Movies banners and directed by K. S. Ravikumar and. starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vedhika, Sonal Chauhan, Bhumika Chawla, and music composed by Chirantan Bhatt.
Sreeleela is an American actress of Indian origin who predominantly works in Telugu and Kannada cinema. She began her career as a child artist in 2017, before playing a leading role in the 2019 Kannada film Kiss, and then starred in the Telugu films Pelli SandaD (2021) and Dhamaka (2022). The lattermost won her the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu. In 2023 and 2024, she had four critical and commercial failures in Skanda, Aadikeshava, Extra Ordinary Man, and Guntur Kaaram.
Akhanda is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Boyapati Srinu. It was produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy, under Dwaraka Creations. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role alongside Pragya Jaiswal, Jagapathi Babu and Prakash Raj Srikanth. & Others The soundtrack album and film score is composed by Thaman S.
Unstoppable is an Indian Telugu-language web television talk show hosted by Nandamuri Balakrishna that premiered on 4 November 2021 on the streaming platform Aha. The first season became the most watched show on Aha with over 40 crore streaming minutes. It has become the top-rated talk show in India on IMDb. Second season was premiered on 14 October 2022.
Veera Simha Reddy is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in titlular dual role, with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Honey Rose, Shruti Haasan And Duniya Vijay in lead roles, along with Lal, Ajay Ghosh, John Kokken, Naveen Chandra and Murali Sharma in supporting roles. The film score and soundtrack were composed by S. Thaman.
SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu is presented by Vibri media group as part of its annual South Indian International Movie Awards, for best acting done by an actor in Telugu films, who are selected by the jury. The award was first given in 2013 for films released in 2012.
Akhanda is the soundtrack to the 2021 film of the same name directed by Boyapati Srinu starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Pragya Jaiswal. The soundtrack to the film features four songs composed by S. Thaman and written by Anantha Sriram and Kalyan Chakkravarthy. It was released by Lahari Music on 9 December 2021.
the film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Bhagavanth Kesari starring Balakrishna , Kajal and Srileela received mixed response
mixed responses from critics.