1. Introduction to Bhairavam (2025)
Bhairavam, directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, released on May 30, 2025, is a Telugu rural action-drama featuring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohith.It’s a Telugu remake of the Tamil hit Garudan (2024), framed within rustic landscapes, spiritual conflict, and the unraveling of friendships.
2. Plot Overview & Remake Background
Set in Devipuram, the story revolves around three childhood friends—Gajapathi, Varada, and Seenu—who oversee a temple. Their bond is tested when a minister eyes sacred land worth ₹1000 crores, thrusting the trio into a struggle that tests loyalty, justice, and karmic duty. As a remake, it retains the original’s soul but adds massy elements.
3. Casting & Performances
3.1 Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas
He plays Seenu, the orphan-turned-loyal guardian. Critics say he “tries his best” in intense action scenes, though some felt he was miscast for emotional parts
3.2 Manchu Manoj
Hailed as a “commanding presence” and a comeback performance. His powerful voice and expressions were particularly praised, though judged overbearing in scenes
3.3 Nara Rohith
Grounded and restrained, earning trust as the moral pillar. Audiences missed his signature roles, but appraisal for his subtler parts was high
3.4 Supporting Cast
Aditi Shankar, Anandhi, Divya Pillai, and Vennela Kishore add flavor, but critics felt their roles were underutilized
4. Direction, Writing & Screenplay
Vijay Kanakamedala’s direction preserves the original’s core but exaggerates screenplay to suit commercial tastes. This resulted in a narrative that felt derivative and at times “exhausting” according to High On Films
5. Cinematography & Music
Hari K. Vedantam captures earthy visuals beautifully, and Sricharan Pakala’s background score enhances drama without overshadowing it. However, musical numbers failed to leave a memorable impact
6. Highlights: Action, Symbolism & Spiritual Themes
Key moments include:
- Interval action block & Bellamkonda’s transformation scenes (crowd favorites).
- Incorporation of devotional elements and mythic symbolism—Seenu as a protector—adds depth and emotional resonance
7. Weaknesses: Pacing & Emotional Depth
- Pacing issues: First half slows down; second half drags due to stretched screenplay
- Emotional underplay: Friendship bonds present on screen felt underdeveloped, with dramatic moments more “told” than “shown”
| Source | Rating / Verdict |
|---|---|
| High On Films | “Clueless, exhausting mess” (High On Films) |
| Greatandhra | Strong plot, patchy narration |
| 123Telugu | Works in parts; strong action, weak depth |
| TOI | 3/5; rustic drama with pacing flaws (The Times of India, Wikipedia) |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Critic consensus: dull and violent (Rotten Tomatoes) |
| Gulte | “High on action!” (Gulte) |
9. Audience Feedback & Social Media Buzz
Reddit comments highlight:
“Surprisingly Bellam anna is good in the subtle parts…the loud part somehow doesn’t work for him.”
Social media praised the star trio but flagged pacing issues and storytelling inconsistencies
10. OTT Release on ZEE5
Streaming since July 18, 2025, on ZEE5, dubbed in Hindi for wider reach. This strategic OTT debut followed theatrical feedback and aims to capture mass‑action fans
11. Box Office & Streaming Strategy
With satellite + streaming rights sold for ₹32 crore, OTT helps recoup investments. The Hindi dub aims at North Indian audiences fond of South Indian action entertainers
12. Comparisons with Garudan (Tamil Original)
Most critics agree Bhairavam loses the grounded storytelling and emotional authenticity of Garudan, exchanging nuance for mass masala appeal. While the climax retains some original power, the remake feels like a weaker shadow
13. Is Bhairavam Worth Watching?
✅ Good for:
- Fans of high-octane action and mythic symbolism.
- Viewers loyal to the star trio or South Indian commercial cinema.
⚠️ Consider skipping if you seek:
- Tight, emotional storytelling.
- Fresh narratives or nuanced screenplays.
14. SEO FAQs
Q1. Is Bhairavam a remake of Garudan?
Yes, it’s the official Telugu remake of the 2024 Tamil film Garudan
Q2. How are the performances in Bhairavam?
The lead trio gets praise—strong action from Bellamkonda, commanding presence from Manoj, and restrained dignity from Rohith—but overall dialogue delivery and casting were polarizing
Q3. What are the main criticisms?
Critics point to bland pacing, predictability, and underwhelming emotional arcs
Q4. Where can I watch Bhairavam?
Available for streaming on ZEE5 and dubbed in Hindi
Q5. Should I watch the Tamil original first?
If you value nuanced storytelling, Garudan is recommended. Bhairavam suits viewers seeking larger-than-life action.
Q6. What is the IMDb rating of Bhairavam?
IMDb reviewers mention “colorful visuals” and say it’s appealing for action-loving, mass-audience fans
15. Conclusion
Bhairavam delivers high-voltage action, spiritual themes, and powerful performances from its lead trio. But if you crave a tightly woven, emotionally resonant story, the trappings of commercial spectacle may feel hollow. Based on critical response and audience reaction, come prepared for a mass-packed, mixed-drama experience—a fairly engaging watch according to early reviews
Final Verdict:
Bhairavam movie reviews reflect a film that’s action-driven and visually strong, yet emotionally uneven. It carves its own space for fans of rural action drama but might disappoint anyone looking for narrative depth.
