Manchu Manoj’s much-awaited cinematic return through Bhairavam hit the screens on May 30, but the first wave of viewer responses suggests the film may not have delivered the impact fans had hoped for. Social media reactions describe the Telugu action drama as a mixed bag, applauding some performances while flagging issues with the film’s narrative and pacing.
Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, Bhairavam is a Telugu adaptation of the Tamil success Garudan. With its rustic setting and focus on themes such as loyalty, justice, and betrayal, expectations were high. However, initial impressions on X (formerly Twitter) reveal a divided audience.
Viewer reviews highlight predictability and pacing issues
Several early watchers expressed disappointment with the execution, stating that the film fails to sustain emotional depth and loses grip after a promising start. “It begins well but falls flat quickly. Comedy feels forced and the songs break the momentum,” noted one viewer. Aditi Shankar’s appearance was described by some as limited to the musical sequences, with little narrative substance.
Another post highlighted how the film’s heavy action elements took precedence over storytelling, affecting the dramatic arc. “Manoj and Nara Rohit were impressive, but the film drowned in overdone fights,” read one user’s feedback.
On the other hand, some praised Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas’s performance, particularly in the film’s more intense moments. A user remarked, “It starts off with familiar tropes but gets better as it progresses.”
Cast, crew and production details
In Bhairavam, Manchu Manoj plays Gajapathi Varma—a departure from his earlier roles—which marks his re-entry into mainstream cinema. The director commended Manoj’s performance, calling it a standout aspect of the film. Alongside him, Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas appears as Seenu, while Nara Rohith portrays Varada. The ensemble also features Aditi Shankar, Anandhi, and Divya Pillai.
Produced by K.K. Radhamohan under the Sri Sathya Sai Arts banner, and presented by Dr. Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios, the film’s technical team includes Sricharan Pakala as the music director and Hari K. Vedantam handling cinematography.
While the performances have earned some appreciation, the general sentiment online suggests that Bhairavam struggles to balance high-octane action with compelling storytelling.