Released on January 11, 2020, for Sankranthi, Sarileru Neekevvaru (meaning “Nobody Can Match You”) brought Superstar Mahesh Babu back to a loud, crowd-pleasing commercial setup. Anil Ravipudi directs this action-comedy, following his hit run with films like F2 and Raja The Great. Backed by a set of producers that includes G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, the movie runs about 169 minutes and packs action, comedy, romance, and a touch of patriotism, all built around Mahesh Babu’s star image.
Plot Overview: Familiar Setup, Steady Fun
Major Ajay Krishna (Mahesh Babu) is an Indian Army officer known for courage and quick thinking. He’s sent to Kurnool to deliver important news to the family of an injured colleague. Once he arrives, the assignment turns messy. He crosses paths with Bharathi (Vijayashanti), a strong professor, and her family, who are under pressure from the powerful politician Nagendra (Prakash Raj). Along the way, Ajay meets Samskruthi (Rashmika Mandanna), a lively medical student who becomes part of his personal track.
A simple visit soon turns into a direct clash with Nagendra and his men. The beats are the ones you’ve seen in many Telugu mass masala films: the hero enters a new place, romance follows, the villain shows his hand, and the hero sets things right with style. Even with a predictable base, the writing keeps things moving, thanks to punchy scenes and comedy placed at the right moments.
Performances: Mahesh Babu Runs the Show
Mahesh Babu is the main reason the film works. He plays Ajay as confident, charming, and almost unstoppable. After he runs more serious, message-heavy films like Maharshi and Bharat Ane Nenu, this one lets him go back to pure mass entertainment. He’s at his best when the script mixes action with humor, especially when he drops a line right after taking down a group of goons. The opening entry, the long train stretch, and the interval sequence are made for fans, and they landed well in theaters.
Rashmika Mandanna adds bright energy as Samskruthi. Her teasing romance track brings lighter moments, and their on-screen pairing stays sweet, especially around songs like “He’s So Cute.” Vijayashanti’s return is a big plus. Bharathi is a solid role with weight, and her scenes with Mahesh Babu bring a nice throwback feel for viewers who remember her action-heroine era. Prakash Raj is dependable as always, though the villain role doesn’t feel new. Rajendra Prasad, Vennela Kishore, and Rao Ramesh help keep the comedy flowing.
Music, Visuals, and Standout Moments
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is a major strength. Songs like “Mind Block” became a big crowd favorite, and the special dance number featuring Tamannaah is staged with plenty of visual flair. R. Rathnavelu’s cinematography gives the film a polished look, and it captures the scale of the action well, especially the forest fight and the finale set at Konda Reddy Buruju fort.
Highlights include:
- The extended train sequence, where Ajay meets Samskruthi,is loaded with comedy and romance
- Mahesh Babu’s stylish entry and the interval action block
- Patriotic moments that mix emotion with humor
- High-energy fights choreographed by the Ram-Lakshman duo
The film also has some clear weak spots. The second half can feel long, with side tracks that don’t add much. A few comedy bits, including some involving Vennela Kishore’s character, go on for too long. The villain’s thread wraps up quickly, and some dialogue turns a bit preachy. Many reviews pointed out the predictable story, with some calling it old-school.
Box Office and What It Left Behind
Even with mixed critical reception (often around 3/5 from outlets like Times of India and Telugu360), Sarileru Neekevvaru became a major box office hit. Reported to be made on a budget of about ₹75-80 crore, it collected over ₹260 crore worldwide. It finished as the second-highest-grossing Telugu film of 2020 and became one of Mahesh Babu’s biggest successes. It also crossed $1 million in the US on opening day and led the Sankranthi season at the box office.
Watching with Subtitles
Non-Telugu viewers can find the film on Amazon Prime Video with English subtitles. The subtitles do a decent job with the punchlines and song lines, which helps the jokes and emotional beats land better. If you’re watching for Mahesh Babu’s one-liners and DSP’s high-energy vibe, subtitles make the experience smoother.
Final Verdict
Sarileru Neekevvaru sticks to its formula and doesn’t try to reinvent anything. It’s built to entertain, and it plays to Mahesh Babu’s strengths from start to finish. If you want a festival-style masala movie with action, comedy, and heavy hero moments, this one delivers. For Mahesh Babu fans, it’s a full meal. For everyone else, it’s a decent one-time watch.
iBomma Rating: 3.5/5