Bhairavam, the Telugu action drama that landed in theaters on May 30, 2025, is a wild ride with a lot of heart but a few stumbles. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala and a remake of the Tamil hit Garudan, it brings together Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohith for a rare multi-starrer packed with friendship, betrayal, and some serious action. Set against a colorful village backdrop with a dash of devotion, it’s got the makings of a crowd-pleaser but doesn’t always hit the mark. Here’s the lowdown on what makes Bhairavam tick and where it trips.
The Story: Friends, Foes, and a Temple in Trouble
Picture this: the vibrant village of Devipuram, East Godavari, where three buddies—Seenu (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas), Gajapathi Varma (Manchu Manoj), and Varadha (Nara Rohith)—have each other’s backs since childhood. Things get messy when a shady minister (Sharath Lohitashwa) sets his sights on the valuable lands of the Varahi Ammavari temple, worth a cool ₹1000 crore. Gajapathi, from a once-wealthy Zamindar family now down on their luck, and Varadha, a rich but principled guy, are the temple’s trustees. Seenu, an orphan raised by Gajapathi, is loyal to a fault. As greed and betrayal sneak in, the story dives into a mix of loyalty, backstabbing, and a touch of divine justice, all tied to the deity Bhairava.
The Cast: Big Energy, Mixed Results
The trio of leads is the film’s biggest draw, and they bring some serious fire. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas steps out of his usual action-hero vibe to play Seenu, a guy with a big heart and bigger fists. He nails the high-energy “poonakam” (possession) scenes and action moments, especially in the jaw-dropping interval block. But Seenu’s supposed to have this vulnerable, innocent side—something Tamil star Soori pulled off in Garudan—and Bellamkonda’s larger-than-life presence doesn’t quite fit that mold.
Manchu Manoj makes a roaring comeback as Gajapathi, all intense glares and booming voice. He’s great as the rough-around-the-edges friend with some dark edges, but sometimes he dials it up too much, making scenes feel overcooked. Nara Rohith, playing Varadha, is the quiet storm of the group. His calm, commanding vibe and gray-haired dad look feel authentic, and he steals scenes with his understated intensity.
The supporting cast, though, gets shortchanged. Aditi Shankar’s romance with Bellamkonda feels tacked on with zero spark. Aanandhi and Divya Pillai have little to do, and Jayasudha’s role as Gajapathi’s grandma barely registers. Vennela Kishore tries to bring some laughs as a constable, but the comedy falls flat more often than not.
The Look and Feel: Gritty Vibes, Spotty Flow
Hari K. Vedantam’s cinematography is a treat, capturing the earthy, lived-in feel of Devipuram with warm tones and some slick night shots. The action scenes—like the Mamidi Thota sequence and the interval block—are pure adrenaline, perfect for cheering crowds. But Chota K. Prasad’s editing could’ve been tighter. The 155-minute runtime drags, especially in the first half, with songs that pop up at the worst times. Speaking of music, Sricharan Pakala’s background score pumps up the drama, though it can get a bit too loud. The three commercial songs are catchy enough online but feel like speed bumps in the movie.
Brahma Kadali’s production design nails the village and temple setting, making it feel real and immersive. It’s the kind of world you can almost smell—the dust, the brickyards, the festival vibes.
What Works: Action and Heart
Bhairavam knows how to get your blood pumping. The action sequences are a blast, with the interval twist and Mamidi Thota episode earning hoots in theaters. The second half picks up steam, and the climax packs an emotional punch that hits home. There’s a Kantara-style tandava scene that’s a total crowd-pleaser, blending devotion and drama. The core story of friendship, betrayal, and karma, carried over from Garudan, still hooks you, especially when the stakes get high.
What Doesn’t: Missing the Emotional Core
Here’s where Bhairavam stumbles—it doesn’t quite capture the heart or humor of Garudan. The original leaned on Soori’s charm to balance comedy and drama, but this remake goes all-in on mass appeal, losing some of the emotional depth. The screenplay feels old-school, with predictable twists and long-winded scenes that don’t always land. The first half takes forever to get going, weighed down by a forced romance and pointless songs. Vennela Kishore’s comedy track is a dud, and the women in the story barely get a chance to shine.
The film tries to weave in some socio-political stuff about protecting temples and dharma, but it feels shoehorned in and heavy-handed. If you’ve seen Garudan, you might find Bhairavam a bit too loud and less soulful in comparison.
The Bottom Line
Bhairavam is a fun, in-your-face Telugu action flick that delivers on big fights, a lively village vibe, and solid performances from its leads. Bellamkonda, Manoj, and Rohith bring their A-game, and the second half keeps you glued with its drama and heart. But it’s held back by a draggy first half, weak comedy, and a story that doesn’t dig as deep as it could. If you’re in the mood for a rowdy, rustic actioner and don’t mind some flaws, it’s worth a watch in theaters with a bucket of popcorn.
Rating: 2.75/5