Story: Friendship, Betrayal, and Land Disputes
'Bhairavam' draws thematic parallels to the mythological Kurukshetra, centering on the complex relationship between two friends and their devoted disciple. The narrative unfolds around the escalating differences that arise among them. The story introduces Gajapathi Varma (Manchu Manoj) and Varadha (Nara Rohit) as close friends, with Bantu Srinu (Bellamkonda Sreenivas) serving as their loyal follower. The core conflict ignites when a scam involving village temple lands is exposed, implicating Gajapathi Varma and causing Varadha to turn against him. The rest of 'Bhairavam' explores the dramatic consequences that follow this betrayal.
Performances: The Film's Strongest Pillar
The standout element of 'Bhairavam' lies in the performances of its three lead actors. Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit all deliver commendable efforts in their respective roles. Manoj, in particular, showcases a powerful presence, with his performance and dialogue delivery often reminiscent of his father, Mohan Babu, though at times it can feel a little over-the-top. Nara Rohit opts for a more subtle and decent portrayal, impressing with his refined look. Bellamkonda Sreenivas delivers his best, especially in the film's climax, which highlights his strong emotional range.
However, the supporting cast sees mixed results. Adithi Shankar's portrayal of Vennela alongside Bellamkonda Sreenivas felt mismatched, and her dubbing didn't quite sync with her character. Vennela Kishore, a usually reliable comedian, is unfortunately underutilized and largely wasted in his role.
Technical Aspects and Analysis: A Commercialized Remake
The film's music is largely underwhelming, with a below-average score and a dull background score that fails to elevate the emotional beats. While some stories benefit from a raw and rustic approach, 'Bhairavam' deviates from the original's gritty feel by incorporating numerous commercial ingredients, which, at times, detract from its impact. The screenplay feels somewhat outdated, echoing older cinematic narratives. Despite this, certain episodes are narrated with considerable power and intensity.
Director Vijay Kanakamedala has clearly taken the basic plot of Garudan and adapted it with commercial sensibilities for the Telugu audience. The narrative begins at a slow pace, dedicating the first 20 minutes to a childhood episode before the core conflict is unveiled. The turning point, where best friends become enemies over a land dispute, is executed effectively, leading to a powerful and impressive interval block that stands out as a major highlight.
The second half delves into the escalating dispute between Varadha and Gajapathi Varma, showcasing a new, arrogant side to Gajapathi Varma. An action sequence set in a mango farm is well-shot. However, the pacing falters as Srinu takes his time to seek revenge, and much of the drama in the second half becomes boring and fails to impress. While individual acts of heroism are well-narrated, the film suffers from the absence of a strong central antagonist, as the conflict primarily revolves around the three leads. The specific mannerisms given to Srinu's character are not consistently engaging, and the foundational bonding between the three main characters could have been explored with greater depth to establish a stronger emotional connection, which 'Bhairavam' ultimately lacks.
Final Verdict
'Bhairavam' offers a mixed bag. While the powerful performances of Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit, along with some well-executed emotional action sequences, make it a one-time watch, the film struggles with an outdated screenplay, a weak musical score, and a diluted rustic feel compared to its original.
Rating: 2.25/5
