Movie Name : Daaku Maharaaj
Release Date : January 12, 2025
Cast : Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, Urvashi Rautela, Sachin Khedkar, Chandini Chowdary, Shine Tom Chacko, Ravi Kaale, Makarand Deshpande, Ravi Kishan, Sandeep Raaj, Sathya, Jeevan etc.
Director : Bobby Kolli
Music Director : S. Thaman
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.75/5
Story:
Krishnamurthy (Sachin Khedkar), an educator from Madanapalle in Chittoor district, runs a large school and owns a coffee estate. The local MLA, Trimurthulu (Ravi Kishan), leases the estate and secretly engages in illegal wildlife trafficking. When Krishnamurthy seeks police assistance to stop Trimurthulu’s criminal activities, the MLA retaliates by targeting Krishnamurthy’s granddaughter, Vaishnavi. To protect her, Makrand Deshpande, a servant in the household, reaches out to the notorious criminal Maharaaj (Balakrishna) in Chambal. Maharaaj, assuming the alias Nanaji, enters the house as a driver to safeguard Vaishnavi.
But who is Maharaaj, really? What connection does he have with Vaishnavi? Who are Balwant Singh Thakur (Bobby Deol) and Nandini (Shraddha Srinath), and what roles do they play in the story? Why does Maharaaj assume the identity of Nanaji, and what enemies does he have? These mysteries unravel as the plot unfolds.
Review:
Balakrishna impresses with his dual portrayal of Nanaji and Daaku Maharaaj, bringing a perfect blend of wisdom and intensity to the screen. His commanding presence in both roles is a major highlight, especially with the powerful moments that will excite his fans.
Pragya Jaiswal makes the most of her limited screen time, delivering a solid performance. Shraddha Srinath adds emotional depth with her role, becoming the emotional core of the second half. Bobby Deol, as the antagonist Balwant Singh, has a strong screen presence but his character lacks the freshness and impact needed to make it memorable.
Chandini Chowdary and Divi Vadthya’s roles serve more as fillers, while Urvashi Rautela adds a touch of glamour. Shine Tom Chacko and Ravi Kishan deliver their usual performances without leaving a significant mark. Sathya, Jeevan Kumar, and VTV Ganesh’s attempts at comedy fall flat, while Sachin Khedekar does a decent job as the grandfather figure. Aadukalam Naren fits his role as the minister, and Makrand Deshpande delivers a straightforward performance.
The first half builds tension as Balakrishna’s character tries to protect a young girl while the police hunt him down as a notorious daaku from Chambal. The flashback, which reveals the story of Daaku Maharaaj, is gripping and keeps the audience intrigued.
The intermission scene, featuring an intense action sequence between Balakrishna and Bobby Deol, stands out for its visual appeal and high-octane drama. While the second half follows a more predictable path, it still manages to keep the audience engaged, especially with the dramatic sandstorm sequence. The climax, though somewhat predictable, brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Bobby Deol’s entrance is impactful, but his character loses its allure as the film progresses, ultimately becoming a generic villain. Shraddha Srinath’s role adds necessary emotional weight to the film, giving it depth beyond the action.
Director Bobby prioritizes Balakrishna’s iconic presence over delivering a unique story. While the screenplay holds interest, the plot feels familiar and repetitive, which slightly diminishes the overall experience. The film seems to cater more to Balakrishna’s fan base than offering a fresh narrative.
Thaman’s background score does a great job of enhancing the action sequences, elevating their intensity. Cinematographer Vijay Karthik delivers visually stunning shots with excellent color grading, particularly in the action sequences, making the film look fresh and stylish. The production values are rich, contributing to the film’s overall appeal.
Daaku Maharaaj offers a solid commercial experience, featuring Balakrishna’s impactful performance at its heart. The film stands out with its stylish visuals, energetic background score by Thaman, and engaging action sequences. However, the predictable storyline and lack of surprises hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, the film remains an enjoyable watch, thanks to its strong technical execution and Balakrishna’s commanding presence, making it a good option for fans of action-packed entertainers.