Bhairavam Movie Review: Manchu Manoj Shines in Comeback, Mixed Reactions for Bellamkonda Sreenivas
The much-anticipated Telugu action drama Bhairavam, directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, hit theaters on May 30, 2025, and has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on X. Featuring a stellar cast with Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohith, the film is a remake of the 2024 Tamil hit Garudan. As fans flock to theaters to witness this high-octane rural drama, the buzz around the performances and execution is a mix of praise and critique. Here’s a breakdown of what audiences are saying about Bhairavam and why it’s a significant release for its lead actors.
A Tale of Friendship and Betrayal
Bhairavam tells the story of two childhood friends, Varadha (Nara Rohith) and Gajapathi (Manchu Manoj), whose bond is tested when Seenu (Bellamkonda Sreenivas), an orphan, enters their lives after a life-altering incident. Set against the backdrop of a sacred temple’s valuable land, the narrative weaves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice. A powerful politician’s scheme to seize the temple’s wealth sets the stage for intense drama and action, with the three friends navigating personal and external conflicts.
The film’s rustic setting and emotional core have been highlighted by viewers, with some praising its gripping action sequences and others pointing out flaws in its execution. The supporting cast, including Aditi Shankar, Anandhi, Divya Pillai, Jayasudha, and Vennela Kishore, adds depth to the narrative, though some roles, particularly the female leads, have been criticized for being underdeveloped.
Manchu Manoj’s Triumphant Return
Marking his return to Telugu cinema after a nine-year hiatus, Manchu Manoj has emerged as the standout performer in Bhairavam. Playing the fierce and intense Gajapathi Varma, Manoj has won over audiences with his commanding presence and powerful dialogue delivery. Fans on X have lauded his “rampage performance,” with one user writing, “Manoj’s performance was rampage. The chill guy is finally back with a superb film. Bhairavam has such good emotions.” Another praised director Vijay Kanakamedala for utilizing the three heroes effectively, stating, “Manchu Manoj steals the show. Excellent fights, good music. Hit movie.”
Manoj’s comeback is particularly significant given his personal and professional challenges over the years. In an interview, he expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, saying, “I’m grateful the audience still believes in me, and I am sure that I will be back with a bang.” His portrayal of Gajapathi has been described as a career-defining role, with many calling it a perfect blend of intensity and emotion.
Mixed Reactions for Bellamkonda Sreenivas
Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, who plays Seenu, has received a polarized response. Some viewers have hailed his performance as a career-best, particularly in the action-packed interval and climax scenes. One X user described his performance as “like a volcano in human form,” while another praised his “swag” and the “goosebumps-inducing” Jathara scene. However, others have criticized Sreenivas for overacting, with one review stating, “Bellam Anna’s overacting and the excessive action scenes overshadowed the drama. The story had potential, but the fights should’ve been minimized.”
Sreenivas, who is also making a comeback after the failure of his Hindi film Chatrapathi, has acknowledged past mistakes and views Bhairavam as a relaunch for his career. Despite the mixed feedback, his emotionally layered performance and action sequences have been noted as highlights, particularly for mass-movie fans.
Nara Rohith’s Restrained Brilliance
Nara Rohith, known for his selective and content-driven roles, has been praised for his calm and composed portrayal of Varadha. His restrained acting has been a standout, with reviewers noting that he brings grace and maturity to the film. One X post highlighted his “calm power,” while another review called his performance “excellent,” complementing Manoj’s intensity. Rohith’s return after a long break adds to the film’s appeal as a comeback vehicle for all three leads.
Vijay Kanakamedala’s Direction: A Mixed Bag
Director Vijay Kanakamedala, known for films like Naandhi and Ugram, has received praise for his handling of the three lead actors, giving each a distinct and purposeful role. Fans have appreciated his ability to craft intense action sequences and emotionally gripping moments, with one X user stating, “Every character has purpose… every scene has weight. Direction lo clarity and command kanpinchindi throughout.” However, critics have pointed out that the film falters in its execution, with a predictable plot and a sluggish second half. The Hindu’s review called it a “loud, disjointed rural drama,” criticizing its lack of nuance compared to the original Garudan.
The background score by Sricharan Pakala has been widely praised for elevating the action and tense moments, though the songs have been described as average or out of place. The cinematography by Hari K Vedantam captures the rustic backdrop authentically, adding to the film’s visual appeal.
Audience Reactions: Hits and Misses
Social media reactions on X reflect a spectrum of opinions. Positive reviews have called Bhairavam a “mind-blowing” action drama with “stellar performances” and a “perfect mix of youth, mass, and intensity.” However, others have labeled it “below average,” citing a weakly written screenplay, distracting subplots, and misplaced references to Dharma and Kurukshetra. One user noted, “The story had a chance to build strong emotions like friendship and loyalty, but it doesn’t hit right. Comedy doesn’t work, songs feel out of place.”
The film’s action sequences, particularly the interval block and transformation scenes, have been a major draw for mass audiences, but the overemphasis on fights has drawn criticism for overshadowing the emotional core. The consensus seems to be that while Bhairavam has its moments, it doesn’t fully live up to the potential of its premise or the original Garudan.
A Comeback Worth Watching?
Bhairavam is a significant film for Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohith, all of whom are looking to revive their careers. With a reported ₹32 crore deal for its digital and satellite rights secured by Zee Network, the film is set to stream on ZEE5 in late June 2025, followed by a TV premiere on Zee Telugu. This strong non-theatrical deal indicates confidence in its appeal, even if theatrical reviews are mixed.
For fans of rural action dramas, Bhairavam offers engaging moments, solid performances, and well-executed action, making it a decent one-time watch. However, those expecting a nuanced remake of Garudan might find it lacking in depth and execution. As one review aptly put it, “Bhairavam is an action drama that works to an extent… It’s best to go in with tempered expectations.”
Have you watched Bhairavam yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you think this comeback film lives up to the hype!
Posted by Kishan Baraiya on kishanbaraiya.com