After a long wait, Akhil Akkineni returns to the big screen with Lenin, an action drama directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, who also penned the story and screenplay. Featuring Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead alongside a strong supporting cast including Sivaji, Sunil, Getup Srinu, Brahmaji, Ramki, Easwari Rao, and Sudharshan, the film boasts music by S. Thaman, cinematography by Leon Britto, and editing by Navin Nooli. Produced by Nagarjuna Akkineni and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under Manam Enterprises LLP and Sithara Entertainments, and presented by Annapurna Studios, Lenin arrived in theatres. Here’s our review.
Story:
Set in the village of Srirampuram, the story follows Lenin(Akhil), an orphaned boy who arrives in the village in 1976 and is adopted by the village head’s family. He shares a deep bond with Vasanth (Pramod Punju), the elder son of the household, while Bharati (Bhagyashri Borse) gradually becomes his love interest. What starts as a rooted village drama filled with friendship, family bonds, and romance takes a dramatic turn with the imprisonment on Lenin. Who is behind all this and how Lenin fights back is the story.
What about on-screen performances?
Akhil delivers a performance that is refreshingly understated. Instead of depending on over-the-top mannerisms or exaggerated hero elevation, he opts for a composed and restrained portrayal that complements the film.
For much of the runtime, his performance is built on subtle expressions and measured body language rather than dramatic outbursts. Akhil capitalizes on these scenes with conviction, displaying improved command over his emotions and dialogue delivery.
Bhagyashri Borse is well cast as the female lead and shares an easy on-screen rapport with Akhil. She possesses an appealing screen presence and fits naturally into the film’s setting, making her character visually and emotionally believable.
The film features an ensemble of experienced actors, including Easwari Rao, Sivaji, Brahmaji, Sunil, Ramki, and several other recognizable faces. Given the strength of this cast, one would expect the supporting characters to enrich the narrative.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. The biggest issue lies in the writing, which fails to develop these characters beyond their functional purpose in the story. Most of them appear only when the plot requires them, without receiving meaningful characterization or memorable arcs.
Among the supporting performers, Easwari Rao is the clear standout. She brings emotional authenticity and dignity to her role, making her presence felt whenever she appears on screen.
Sivaji also gets a few impactful moments during the latter half, where his character becomes more relevant to the unfolding drama and allows him to make a decent impression.
Pramod Panju, who plays Vasanth, delivers a solid and dependable performance. He understands the requirements of the role and portrays the character with confidence, making him a convincing presence in the narrative.
What about off screen talents?
Writer-director Murali Kishor Abburu comes up with a story that is rooted in familiar rural sensibilities but gradually unfolds into something more layered and emotionally involving. As a writer, he deserves credit for crafting a narrative that goes beyond commercial aspects.
As a director, Murali Kishor delivers a reasonably confident effort. He demonstrates a good understanding of the emotional core of the story and succeeds in extracting sincere performances from the cast.
However, there are several instances where the staging of scenes and narrative execution could have been sharper. A few emotional moments don’t achieve the impact they are capable of, largely because the presentation lacks impact.
The opening portions introduce a village backdrop, a temple-related dispute, influential local families, and a budding romance between the lead pair, all elements that audiences have seen countless times before. These familiar ingredients initially create the impression that the film is heading down a predictable path.
However, once the narrative crosses the half-hour mark, the screenplay begins revealing conflicts and emotional complexities that distinguish it from an ordinary village entertainer. The gradual expansion of the story keeps the audience interested, proving that the film has more substance than its conventional opening suggests.
While the storytelling doesn’t reinvent the genre or introduce groundbreaking ideas, it remains consistently engaging because of its ability to maintain curiosity. This quality works particularly well during the pre-interval and interval portions, where the emotional conflicts come together effectively and provide satisfying dramatic payoffs.
The first half also benefits from the placement of the popular song “Etta Etta,” which blends seamlessly into the narrative instead of feeling like a forced commercial addition. The second half largely maintains the momentum established before the interval. The screenplay continues to move at a steady pace, introducing fresh developments at regular intervals that prevent the narrative from becoming repetitive.
S. Thaman’s background score serves as one of the film’s strongest technical assets. In several crucial emotional and dramatic sequences, his music significantly elevates the intensity and enhances the overall impact.
From a technical standpoint, the production values are respectable. Backed by Annapurna Studios in association with Sitara Entertainments, the film doesn’t aim for extravagant visual grandeur or lavish scale.
Ultimately, the film’s greatest strength lies in its emotional drama. Even when certain portions falter in execution, the emotional foundation remains strong enough to hold the audience’s attention for the majority of the film.
What’s good:
Akhil performance
Background Music
Drama
A few twists & turns
What’s bad:
Routine story
Slow take-off
Verdict:
Lenin is a sincere rural drama that rises above its familiar premise through its storytelling and emotionally driven characters. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre or deliver flawless execution, writer-director Murali Kishor Abburu succeeds in crafting a narrative that keeps viewers invested for the most part. If you don’t expect too much, Lenin offers a decent watch.
Telugubulletin Rating – 2.75/5
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