Daku Maharaj Review: How is Balakrishna’s ‘Daku Maharaj’?
Movie: Daku Maharaj
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, Chandni Chowdhury, Urvashi Rautela, and others
Music: Thaman
Cinematography: Vijay Karthik
Art: Avinash Kolla
Editing: Niranjan Devaramane, Ruben
Production: Suryadevara Nagavamsi, Sai Soujanya
Direction: Bobby Kolli
Release Date: 12th January 2025
Balakrishna’s films always bring a buzz, especially during Sankranthi. Fans and family audiences eagerly await to watch his movies. This time, Balakrishna is here to entertain with Daku Maharaj, directed by the young filmmaker Bobby Kolli, who is known for his mass action films. The combination has created a lot of interest, and the promotional images look promising. But how does the film fare? Let’s find out.
Story Overview:
Daku Maharaj story begins in Madanapalle, Chittoor district. Krishnamurthy (Sachin Khedkar), who owns a coffee estate and runs an educational institution, is very protective of his granddaughter Vaishnavi. After her mother’s death, the whole family takes care of her. Vaishnavi’s life is in danger due to local MLA Trimurthulu (Ravi Kishan). Maharaj (Balakrishna), who is based in Bhopal, is called in to protect her. He changes his name to Nanaji and enters the fray. As the story unfolds, we learn about Maharaj’s past and his connection to Vaishnavi, as well as his relationship with other key characters like Balwant Thakur (Bobby Deol), Nandini (Shraddha Srinath), and Kaveri (Pragya Jaiswal).
How is the Film?
While the story might seem familiar, director Bobby Kolli gives it a fresh approach. The film is visually stunning, with elements that remind you of Hollywood films. Bobby Kolli introduces a new setting and fresh visuals, which add an exciting touch. The film effectively blends mass elements with Balakrishna’s trademark style, making it feel like a new experience despite the familiar storyline.
The movie begins with strong visuals that immediately engage the audience. Balakrishna sets the tone from the opening scenes with his signature style, saying, “Let’s start the game.” The scenes involving the local MLA and his brother are captivating. Later, the sequence where police officer Stephen (Shine Tom Chacko) searches for the dacoit adds another layer of intrigue.
The first half of the film provides a good balance of action and character development. Balakrishna’s entry as Nanaji brings a breather, but the action scenes that follow pick up the pace again. The second half reveals the transformation of Sitaram (Balakrishna) into Daku Maharaj, and the backstory of Balwant Thakur (Bobby Deol) adds more depth to the film. The action scenes are impactful but not overdone, and the dialogues are sharp and fitting to the scenes.
The second half offers several twists, especially concerning Nandini’s character, which will appeal to family audiences. The backdrop of Chambal and the struggles of its people give the film a unique touch. Overall, the movie is a treat for Balakrishna fans and provides good entertainment for regular audiences too.
Performances:
Balakrishna shines in this film, playing multiple roles as Engineer Sitaram, Nanaji, and Daku Maharaj. His style and action sequences are well executed, and his dialogues add to his character’s power. Shraddha Srinath plays a pivotal role, while Pragya Jaiswal features prominently. Urvashi Rautela brings glamour with her song “Dabidi Dibidi,” while Bobby Deol makes a stylish appearance as Balwant Thakur in the second half. Ravi Kishan impresses as the villain, and the supporting cast, including Makarand Deshpande and others, perform well.
Technical Aspects:
The screenplay and dialogues are the film’s main strengths, with some notable lines like, “A lion cannot fight a war if it attacks a jackal” and “A warning should be given to the one who kills, not to the one who dies.” Vijay Kannan’s cinematography is exceptional, capturing both the lush greenery of the first half and the dry land of the second half with equal finesse. Thaman’s background score elevates the hero’s scenes, making them even more powerful. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the production quality is high.
Tiku Talsania is in critical condition after suffering a heart attack
Strengths:
- Balakrishna’s acting and screen presence
- Mass elements in the story, especially in the second half
- Stylish visuals and impactful action scenes
Weaknesses:
- A predictable story
- Some clichéd scenes
Final Verdict:
Daku Maharaj is a mass entertainer that delivers what Balakrishna’s fans expect – action, style, and powerful dialogues. Though the story might not be entirely new, director Bobby Kolli adds fresh visuals and a new style to make it enjoyable. The film offers good entertainment, especially for fans of Balakrishna, and will also appeal to a broader audience. It’s definitely worth watching for those looking for a high-energy action film.
Disclaimer: This review reflects the personal opinion of the reviewer.
YOU MAY LIKE IT: Akshay Kumar’s niece, Simar Bhatia, is set to make her Bollywood debut ahead of his children