Bhairavam Review: A rustic action drama with big names but mixed impact

Bhairavam Story

Gajapathi Varma (Manchu Manoj), Varadha (Nara Rohith), and Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas) are three close friends in a small town. Their friendship takes a drastic turn when a politician enters the scene and sets his sights on a temple land worth ₹1000 crore. As the plot thickens, misunderstandings arise between the friends, and chaos ensues. How everything is resolved in the end forms the basic story of the film.

Bhairavam Review

Bhairavam is the official remake of the Tamil hit Garudan and has been directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, known for his hit film Naandhi with Allari Naresh. In terms of casting, the remake features popular actors Nara Rohith, Manchu Manoj, and Bellamkonda Sreenivas in the lead roles. The remake leans more towards a hero-oriented narrative and includes many mass moments to please the fans of the lead actors. This is why the initial few minutes of the film are dedicated to hero introductions.

While these introductions are well-executed, they consume a significant amount of time, leaving little room for the director to establish the main plot. When the story finally begins to unfold, it feels rushed, and just as the audience starts to settle into the plot, a twist is revealed, and it’s already time for the interval.

Bhairavam includes a lot of commercial elements, and actors like Bellamkonda Sreenivas are primarily used for songs and action sequences in the first half. However, director Vijay introduces an interesting twist during the pre-interval portion, which adds excitement to the film. The interval bang, which revolves around land documents, and the accompanying thrills are engaging.

Bhairavam also carries an old-school charm, and since it is a remake, a distinct Tamil flavour is present throughout. The second half includes a good amount of action and holds attention to some extent due to the suspense and thrills. However, one of the film's major drawbacks is its lack of emotional depth. Several characters are underdeveloped, which makes the narrative feel uneven.

Although the pacing is fast, the screenplay often fails to keep the audience engaged. A compelling scene is frequently followed by predictable, formulaic moments that break the momentum. As for performances, Manchu Manoj of Okkadu Migiladu and Jhummandi Nadam fame, makes a decent comeback. His portrayal is slightly loud, but it suits the tone of the film. It’s refreshing to see him in action sequences again, and he doesn’t disappoint.

Nara Rohith delivers a solid performance and proves to be a surprise package in the film. Known for his acting skills, he fits perfectly into his supporting role and excels in it. Bellamkonda Sreenivas is competent but underutilised. While he handles the dances and fight scenes well, he still needs to improve in emotional scenes. All three actors return with Bhairavam and live up to expectations.

Vennela Kishore is a disappointment, as his comedic role lacks impact. Jayasudha plays the stereotypical grandmother role and is adequate. Music by Sricharan Pakala is underwhelming in terms of songs, but he shines with the background score, which adds intensity to key scenes. The action sequences stand out and enhance the thrill factor.

The production design, cinematography, and village setting are well-executed. Bhairavam is a faithful remake of Garudan but is made more action-driven with a focus on mass appeal. While the emotional core is lacking, the presence of three well-known stars serves as the film’s main strength.

Bhairavam Verdict

On the whole, Bhairavam features impressive performances and decent action, but its old-school style and lack of emotional depth are disappointing. If you enjoy rustic action dramas, this film might be worth a watch.

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