Bhairavam Movie Review

Bhairavam brings together three powerhouse performers in a gritty tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. Set against a backdrop of political greed and sacred land disputes, the film aims to blend emotion with action. But does this ambitious remake of Garudan soar or stumble? Let’s find out.

Childhood friends Gajapathi Varma (Manchu Manoj) and Varadha (Nara Rohith) are inseparable, with Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas), an orphan, joining their bond after a life-changing event. Their unity is threatened when a powerful minister (Sharath Lohithaswa) schemes to seize the land of a sacred temple. To execute his plan, he brings in the ruthless CI Pardha Sarathi (Sampath Raj). As manipulation brews and loyalties crack, deep-rooted friendship turns into betrayal. What follows is a storm of conflict, bloodshed, and the tragic cost of trust lost.

Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas delivers what could be his most nuanced performance to date. He navigates a complex emotional arc with remarkable subtlety, capturing the character’s turmoil and transformation with newfound maturity. Nara Rohith brings a calm intensity to his role. With minimalism and quiet strength, he commands attention and leaves a lasting impression through sheer screen presence. Manchu Manoj is fiery and forceful, bringing raw energy to the screen. His booming voice, charged expressions, and impactful dialogue delivery give his character an unmistakable dominance.

The film’s action set-pieces are crafted to thrill, with standout moments like the interval episode and a fierce metamorphosis sequence involving Bellamkonda that are tailor-made for mass appeal. Divya Pillai impresses with a performance that’s both grounded and purposeful, while supporting cast members like Sampath Raj and Ajay add solid depth, enhancing the story’s momentum with their seasoned portrayals. 

The narrative unfolds with minimal complexity, making the core conflict apparent from the outset. In a story that offers little mystery, the onus falls on inventive storytelling, but that spark feels largely absent here.The momentum, which starts on a steady track, tapers off post-intermission. Scenes begin to linger longer than needed, and the dramatic intensity thins out, causing attention to wander. The emotional fabric between the leads lacks natural chemistry. Their camaraderie is often spoken about rather than meaningfully portrayed, leading to a disconnect that softens the film’s emotional punch. Several supporting characters, including those played by Aditi Shankar, Aanandhi, and Vennela Kishore, are given negligible weight in the story. Aditi’s appearance feels more functional than impactful, confined mostly to brief interludes.

On the musical front, the soundtrack doesn’t quite hit the mark. The songs pass by without much resonance, missing the chance to elevate pivotal moments or add mood to the narrative.

Vijay Kanakamedala’s direction doesn’t fully tap into the emotional depth this remake of Garudan promises. The lack of tight character arcs and urgency in the writing limits its emotional pull.

Hari K Vedantham’s visuals match the film’s tone effectively, while Sricharan Pakala’s background score lends strength in crucial moments. Editing by Chota K Prasad could’ve been sharper to maintain grip. Solid production values, however, ensure the film looks polished throughout. 

On the whole, Bhairavam delivers flashes of intensity through strong performances of Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas shows marked growth, Nara Rohith impresses with subtlety, and Manchu Manoj leaves a mark with his menacing presence. The action choreography hits the right beats for mass film lovers.However, the film struggles to retain the emotional depth of Garudan, trading its soul for formulaic commercial touches. With a familiar storyline, loosely written supporting characters, and a dip in pacing post-interval, the impact feels diluted.

Still, if you’re looking for a decent mix of drama, action, and star power without expecting depth, Bhairavam might just work for you