Aadikeshava Review: Mega Nephew Excels in Action Scenes with His ‘Rudra Tandav’ Performance. How is ‘Aadikeshava’?

Cast: Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Sreeleela, Joju George, Sada, Sudarshan, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Jayaprakash, Tanikella Bharani, Suman, Aparna Das, and others.

Writer and Director: Sreekanth N. Reddy

Cinematography: Dudley

Music: GV Prakash Kumar

Production Houses: Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas

Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya

Release Date: November 24, 2023

Mega Nephew Panja Vaisshnav Tej, who gained a blockbuster hit with his debut movie ‘Uppena’, didn’t achieve the same level of success in his subsequent films. However, he had high hopes for his latest movie ‘Aadikeshava’. Different from his past movies, he appeared in a mass look in this one. Did ‘Aadikeshava’ bring him success? Did the Vaisshnav-Sreeleela pair impress the audience? Let’s find out in this review.

Story

Baloo (Vaisshnav Tej), raised under his mother’s shadow, grows up boldly but can’t tolerate injustice. He confronts anyone regardless of their power. Forced by his parents, he joins a cosmetic company. He falls in love with the CEO, Chitravati (Sreeleela). A man from Brahmasamudram tells Baloo that he has a different family and his real name is Rudra Kaleswar Reddy. Who is Baloo? What happens when he goes to Brahmasamudram? How does he confront Chengareddy (Joju George), the antagonist causing havoc in the region? To know, one must watch the movie.

Review

The first half is light-hearted, showing friendship, love, and family scenes in Hyderabad. The story takes a turn at the interval. The second half is all about Baloo’s confrontation with Chengareddy. The film follows a pattern – a song when the hero and heroine meet, and a fight when the hero and villain face each other.

Performances

Vaisshnav Tej has once again proved himself as a good actor. He is entertaining as a lover boy in the first half and shows valor as Rudra Kaleswar Reddy in the second. Sreeleela doesn’t have much scope for acting but excels in dance. Radhika, as the hero’s mother, impresses. Joju George, as the villain, appears cruel but his character lacks impact. Aparna Das, Suman, Tanikella Bharani, and others performed well within their roles. Sudarshan provided some comic relief.

Direction

The film has elements of love, family bonds, drama, and politics but director Sreekanth N. Reddy struggled to present them effectively. Apart from a few twists, the story and narration lack novelty, resembling old faction movies. Emotional scenes and suspenseful moments are missing. Despite weak writing, the direction is good.

Technically

The technical aspects of the film are commendable. Dudley’s cinematography is captivating. GV Prakash Kumar’s songs aren’t memorable, but the background score is good. Other departments also showed good work. Production values are high.

Positives

• Vaisshnav Tej’s acting
• Twists
• Background music

Negatives

• Routine story and narration
• Lack of emotional depth

Rating: 2.5/5