Bhairavam

Bhairavam is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language action drama that centres on friendship, loyalty, and the fight against corruption. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala and written by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, the film brings together several familiar faces in a rare multi-starrer for the Telugu industry. The movie mixes neo-noir styling with high-voltage action, emotional drama, and crowd-friendly elements like songs and elaborate fight scenes.

Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas leads the cast, with Nara Rohith and Manchu Manoj in key roles. Aditi Shankar plays the main female lead, while the supporting cast includes Aanandi, Divya Pillai, Jayasudha, Vennela Kishore, and others. The music is composed by Sricharan Pakala, cinematography is handled by Hari K. Vedantam, and editing is by Chota K. Prasad.

Plot summary

The story follows three inseparable childhood friends, Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas), a second friend (Nara Rohith), and a third (Manchu Manoj). Their bond is pushed to its limits when a corrupt Endowment Minister sets his sights on the sacred lands of the Vaarahi Temple for his personal benefit. Blinded by greed, the minister triggers a chain of events that forces the trio to stand together against powerful forces to protect their temple, their village, and their friendship.

The screenplay builds tension through a series of twists, with the Mamidi Thota stretch after the interval standing out as a major highlight. The film moves towards intense confrontations that focus on sacrifice, betrayal, and justice. Bhairavam is described as an adaptation of the Tamil film Garudan, keeping the thriller backbone but reworking it into a more mass-appealing Telugu package, with religious themes treated with a relatively careful touch.
Runtime: 155 minutes. Certificate: A (Adults Only).

Cast and crew

Director: Vijay Kanakamedala
Producer: K. K. Radhamohan (Sri Sathya Sai Arts), presented by Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios)
Writer: R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Music: Sricharan Pakala (includes the first single “Oo Vennela”, released 3 January 2025)
Cinematography: Hari K. Vedantam
Editing: Chota K. Prasad

Key cast:

Bhairavam Strengths Performances

Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas delivers what many will see as his best work so far, adding weight and emotion to Seenu, especially during the interval sequence and his later character shift. Nara Rohith offers a quieter, more controlled performance that balances the drama. Manchu Manoj steals attention in a negative role, playing the antagonist with strong screen presence and a threatening edge. Aditi Shankar brings charm and poise and feels like a proper character rather than a token love interest.

Action sequences

The action scenes are a major asset. Choreographed by Ramakrishna and Nataraj Madigonda, the fights carry solid impact, with the nighttime clashes and the showdown standing out. The stunts feel gritty and intense, which will please fans of loud, massy action cinema.

Technical aspects

Hari K. Vedantam’s visuals give the film a strong look. The rural locations appear dusty and lived-in, while the temple portions are full of colour and energy. Sricharan Pakala’s background score heightens the suspense and drama, even if the songs themselves are a bit uneven in quality. Two tracks have already become popular on social media. The production design looks convincing, from the village streets to the brickyard fight locations.

Emotional core

The climax packs an emotional punch, paying off the themes of friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. The writing during the final portions is stronger, and the performances help land the key moments.

Weaknesses

Predictable plot

Since Bhairavam sticks quite closely to Garudan, the story rarely feels new. Genre fans will see many twists coming long before they arrive. The screenplay avoids big risks, so parts of the second half feel stretched and safe.

Pacing and editing

The first half moves at a slower pace, dragged down by old-fashioned song placements and comedy that does not always work. Vennela Kishore’s comic track, in particular, feels forced. The editing is patchy, with overused slow-motion shots and a final wrap-up that feels sudden and less polished than the build-up.

Underused elements

The female characters are not fully realised, and several subplots, including the romance, seem added mainly to tick commercial boxes. Some emotional beats repeat familiar clichés, which dulls their impact. While the religious angle is mostly handled with care, it may feel a bit heavy-handed for viewers who are not fond of overt devotional messaging in action films.

Ratings roundup

Verdict

Bhairavam works as a mass action drama that delivers in flashes, carried by its lead trio and its hard-hitting fight scenes. At the same time, a familiar storyline and uneven handling stop it from reaching its full potential.

If you enjoy rural revenge dramas with emotional conflict and temple-centred backdrop, this one is worth watching on the big screen, especially for the interval block and the climax. For everyone else, it plays better as a one-time watch on streaming.

iBomma rating: 2.75/5
Worth watching for the performances and action, but do not expect something very new.

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