Bhairavam Movie Review: A Tale of Loyalty, Conflict, and Performances That Shine

Starring: Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, Nara Rohit
Directed by: Vijay Kanakamedala
Produced by: KK Radha Mohan
Rating: ★★¼ (2.25/5)

Overview:

Bhairavam marks a significant moment in Telugu cinema with three well-known actors — Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit — joining forces for a high-stakes drama built on friendship, betrayal, and redemption. A remake of the Tamil hit Garudan, this Telugu adaptation takes a more commercial route while attempting to retain the emotional weight of the original.

Plot Summary:

Set against a rural backdrop and drawing symbolic parallels from the Kurukshetra narrative in mythology, Bhairavam focuses on three key characters: Gajapathi Varma (Manchu Manoj), Varadha (Nara Rohit), and Bantu Srinu (Bellamkonda Sreenivas). Gajapathi and Varadha are bonded by years of friendship, with Srinu as their loyal aide.

Trouble brews when a land dispute related to a local temple surfaces. Allegations pull Gajapathi into the spotlight, shaking his friendship with Varadha. As tensions rise, loyalties shift, and the trio’s relationship begins to unravel, triggering a chain of dramatic events.

Performances:

The standout feature of Bhairavam is undoubtedly the performances of its leading men. Manchu Manoj brings a fiery presence to Gajapathi Varma, with a commanding screen persona reminiscent of his father Mohan Babu. Nara Rohit delivers a restrained and impactful performance as Varadha, showcasing maturity and control. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas carries the emotional weight of the story as Srinu, giving his best in action and emotional sequences.

However, the supporting cast doesn’t leave much of an impression. Adithi Shankar as Vennela doesn’t quite fit the role, and the chemistry with Sreenivas feels forced. Vennela Kishore, usually a source of comic relief, is unfortunately underutilized.

Technical Aspects:

While the film attempts to be a mass entertainer, its technical execution is inconsistent. The background score and soundtrack fail to elevate key moments. The cinematography is functional but lacks the raw edge the original Tamil version had. The screenplay, particularly in the second half, drags and often feels dated with forced commercial elements.

The action sequences, especially the confrontation in the mango farm and the 20-minute stretch before the interval, are highlights that provide a temporary boost in engagement. The climax, too, benefits from Bellamkonda’s emotionally charged performance.

Direction & Narrative:

Director Vijay Kanakamedala tries to reinterpret Garudan for a Telugu audience by injecting commercial flavor, but this comes at a cost. The gritty and grounded tone of the original is diluted, and some emotional layers are lost. While the initial buildup is solid, the momentum falters as the film progresses.

The core conflict — a once-unshakable bond fractured by ambition and betrayal — had the potential to be deeply moving, but the execution lacks the emotional depth needed to resonate fully.

Final Verdict:

Bhairavam attempts to tell a powerful story of friendship and betrayal but lands in a mixed zone due to its uneven pacing, underwhelming music, and lack of emotional resonance. Still, the film can be appreciated for the committed performances of its lead trio and a few engaging sequences. It’s a one-time watch for fans of the actors and those interested in emotionally tinted action dramas.

Bottom Line: Strong cast, patchy execution. Bhairavam shines in parts but misses the emotional core it aimed for.