Bhairavam Review: A Bold Multi-Starrer with High Hopes and Mixed Results

Bhairavam Movie Review: An Ambitious Remake That Doesn’t Fully Soar

After a long break, three familiar faces—Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit—return to the big screen together in Bhairavam, a film that has created buzz for its multi-starrer cast. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, the film is a Telugu adaptation of the Tamil blockbuster Garudan. While the premise promised intensity and drama, the execution lands in somewhat mixed territory.

Plot Recap:

Set in the village of Devipuram in East Godavari, Bhairavam follows the story of three childhood friends—Gajapathi (Manoj), Varada (Nara Rohit), and Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas). When the revered temple trustee Nagaratnamma (Jayasudha) passes away, Seenu unexpectedly steps into her role. A greedy minister, Vedurumalli, eyes the temple’s assets and launches a conspiracy to gain control.

Caught in the crossfire, the trio of friends begin to unravel—tested by betrayal, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. Gajapathi caves under domestic pressure, Varada takes a stand, and Seenu becomes the emotional and moral center. But as secrets surface and friendships strain, only one thing remains certain—the fight for justice will not be easy.

Review:

Remaking a popular film in the OTT era is risky—audiences today are more language-agnostic and often watch originals directly. Vijay Kanakamedala takes a bold step, adapting Garudan for the Telugu audience with some narrative tweaks. But those changes, instead of enhancing the experience, slightly dilute the emotional core that made the original impactful.

While the director successfully juggles screen time among the three leads, the film feels more focused on mass elevations than organic storytelling. The spiritual “Ammavari” track, which had the potential to add depth, is underutilized.

The film starts off with intrigue—thanks to the temple politics and character introductions—but quickly settles into a slower pace. The romantic subplot between Seenu and Vennela adds little. While the pre-interval action raises the tempo, the second half struggles to maintain momentum. Viewers familiar with Garudan will see the twists coming, though newcomers may find some surprises engaging. The climax, however, offers a powerful and redeeming finish.

Performances:

Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas shines in the role of Seenu, especially during the climax “Poonakam” sequence, which is a highlight. Manoj delivers a layered performance as the conflicted Gajapathi, bringing his character’s darker shades to life with flair. Nara Rohit stands solid as the moral compass of the trio.

The supporting cast—Aditi Shankar, Anandi, Divya Pillai, Jayasudha, and Vennela Kishore—play their parts efficiently, though the female characters are somewhat underwritten.

Technical Aspects:

Music: Sricharan Pakala’s background score elevates several moments. His BGM carries emotional heft where the screenplay falters.

Cinematography: Hari K Vedantham’s work is neat, capturing the rural and temple settings with authenticity.

Editing: The second half could have used tighter editing; a few dragging sequences reduce the impact.

Production: High production values reflect on screen, giving the film a polished look.

Final Verdict:

Bhairavam is a brave attempt at telling a powerful story through a commercial lens. While it boasts commendable performances and a few gripping moments, it falls short of the emotional intensity that made Garudan a hit. For fans of the lead trio or those who haven't seen the original, it's a decent one-time watch.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)