Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Bhagavanth Kesari released worldwide on Thursday and registered a huge first day collection, backed by positive reactions, and a role that shows Balakrishna in a never seen before role.
The latest cinematic offering by Anil Ravipudi’s clocking in at a substantial 164 minutes, immerses viewers in the vivid universe of Bhagavanth Kesari. From the onset, the plot follows a familiar path, hinted at as Anil meticulously crafts the backstory of the protagonist, played by the illustrious Nandamuri Balakrishna. As Sarath Kumar’s character enters the frame alongside his young daughter, the audience is primed for the unfolding narrative. With the inevitable twist of fate, the responsibility of safeguarding the girl falls upon the shoulders of Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari, affectionately known as NBK.
Throughout the film, Anil Ravipudi masterfully emphasizes the significance of NBK’s character, leaving no doubt about the star power that Nandamuri Balakrishna brings to the screen. The film treads a well-trodden path, yet it’s the magnetic presence of the lead and the deft directorial touches that keep the audience engaged, serving as a powerful reminder that NBK is more than just a name – he’s a force to be reckoned with on the silver screen.
In ‘Bhagavanth Kesari,’ the heartfelt relationship between Kesari and Vijayalakshmi, portrayed by the talented Sreeleela, serves as the emotional core of the storyline. Their bond, depicted as one akin to a superhero and a mentee, takes center stage, with Kesari’s earnest efforts to instill courage in the anxious young girl, encouraging her to pursue her dreams of joining the Indian Army.
While the narrative unfolds, several characters, albeit one-dimensional, voice archaic opinions on women’s roles, stressing on marriage and domesticity. Kajal Aggarwal’s portrayal of the psychologist, although poorly fleshed out, attempts to offer a voice of reason, despite the lack of depth that makes her character hard to take seriously. The film delves into pop psychology, yet fails to resonate with authenticity, somewhat diminishing the impact of the narrative.
Amidst the prolonged action sequences, Balakrishna’s invincibility remains a constant theme, punctuated with his trademark punch dialogues. His character’s ability to take on any challenge, even armed only with a steel bucket, at times stretches the limits of plausibility, resulting in moments that border on the tiresome. Nonetheless, the film manages to infuse moments of levity, incorporating clever nods to recent Tamil blockbusters, ultimately catering to the audience’s craving for exhilarating action and intense sound effects.
‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ offers a relatively subdued backdrop for Balakrishna, allowing him to delve into the complexities of the father-daughter relationship, showcasing his versatility beyond the boisterous roles he’s known for. His acknowledgment of the social media meme culture and the unapologetic attitude adds a refreshing layer to his character, which might appeal to those seeking subtle yet meaningful departures from his usual on-screen persona. However, for viewers in search of a more nuanced cinematic experience, alternative options might better suit their preferences.
Bhagavanth Kesari Opens on a positive note at the Box Office with good collections
As per a report by Sacnilk.com, Bhagavanth Kesari collected roughly ₹20 crore nett in India on day 1. The film features veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead role alongside Sreeleela, Kajal Aggarwal and Arjun Rampal, who makes his Telugu debut with the film directed by Anil Ravipudi
According to another report by Sacnilk.com, Bhagavanth Kesari may earn ₹7.17 crore nett in India on its second day, taking its total to ₹27.17 crore at the domestic box office. On Thursday, the Telugu film had an overall 62.03 percent occupancy, with the maximum occupancy – 72.34 percent – for night shows.
Produced by Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi, under the banner of Shine Screens, Bhagavanth Kesari was released on October 19 on the occasion of Dasara. The soundtrack and background score has been composed by Thaman S. This marks his fourth collaboration with Nandamuri Balakrishna after Dictator (2016), Akhanda (2021), and Veera Simha Reddy (2023). Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal plays the antagonist Rahul Sanghvi in Bhagavanth Kesari.
Bhagavanth Kesari gained positive reviews from critics and audiences too. An X (Twitter) user wrote, “With Bhagavanth Kesari, Anil Ravipudi delivers a solid second half. Nandamuri Balakrishna and @sreeleela14 deliver terrific performances. After a longtime NBK (Nandamuri Balakrishna) has done an excellent role. It’s clean family entertainer…”
Nandamuri Balakrishna’s film Bhagavanth Kesari is facing a clash with Vijay’s Leo at the box office, which earned ₹68 crore nett in India on its first day for all languages.