Daaku Maharaaj Review

The man of a million exaggerations is back. And this time Lord Balayya faces off with Lord Bobby in a Sankranthi spectacle splattered with high-octane action sequences and emotionally charged moments. Daaku Maharaaj comes with plenty of hype, and manages to live up to it.

Krishnamurthy (Sachin Khedkar) is a coffee baron in Madanepalle of Chittor district in Andhra Pradesh. When a personal rivalry with the local MLA Trimurthulu Naidu (Ravi Kishan) results in his granddaughter Vaishnavi being targeted by the latter, Krishnamurthy engages the services of a person named Nanaji (Balakrishna), who joins as the family's driver but whose real job is to protect Vaishnavi. As Nanaji takes on Trimurthulu Naidu, bigger gangs from a buried past join the fray.

Director Bobby Kolli masterfully crafts a visually arresting film that highlights Balakrishna's commanding screen presence. However, the storytelling falters, relying heavily on a conventional, overused narrative arc involving the oppressor, the oppressed and the saviour. The story offers nothing new, and the characters lack emotional depth or growth.

Indeed, it all feels quite formulaic: one character weeps, another lashes out, and a third appears to subdue the aggressor. Consequently, the screenplay leans heavily on style, leaving the emotional and thematic layers largely unexplored. While the first half shows promise, the predictable trajectory of the second half diminishes the film's potential.

But then, who goes to Balayya's movies expecting nuanced storytelling and layered performances? The director's focus on Balayya's swag, character design and larger-than-life persona delivers a zillion fan-pleasing moments even if it overshadows narrative innovation. The film flirts with grandeur, and ticks all the check-boxes that the lead actor's movies are known for: elevations, build-ups, sermons, tears and, of course, some titillation (surely you haven't missed the Dabidi Dabidi controversy), but falls short of offering a truly memorable story.

Balakrishna delivers an unrestrained and impactful performance, bringing depth to both Seetharam and Daaku Maharaaj. His transformation from a principled engineer to a fearsome vigilante feels convincing. But it's not a departure from his usual loud persona.

Bobby Deol, while good enough as the antagonist, struggles to rise above the clichés of his role that you saw in Animal and Kanguva.

Urvashi Rautela adds glamour in a largely ornamental role. She shows more than some skin, but her role is barely meaty - she has been planted primarily for the now-famous item song. Pragya Jaiswal and Shraddha Srinath are underutilized - their characters lack substance, reducing them to mere placeholders in an otherwise male-dominated narrative.

The film's technical brilliance is its saving grace. Vijay Kannan's cinematography is stunning, capturing the forest landscapes and action sequences with finesse. The interval action sequence, blending close-quarters combat and sweeping wide angles, stands out as a highlight.

S Thaman's background score elevates the intensity of the high-stakes moments, seamlessly complementing the film's visual style. However, the songs, while energetic, feel like interruptions rather than organic additions to the narrative.

Daaku Maharaaj is a visually polished action entertainer that thrives on Balakrishna's charisma and technical excellence. While its predictable plot and routine narrative do not break any new ground, the film offers enough spectacle to engage fans and action enthusiasts. This move is for those seeking a festive watch with a dose of style and star power.