Cast: Akhil Akkineni, Bhagyashri Borse, Eswari Rao, Pramod Panju, Sivaji, Brahmaji, Sunil

Crew:

Music Director: Thaman S

Cinematography: Leon Britto

Writer-Director: Murali Krishna Abburi

Producers: Naga Vamsi, Nagarjuna Akkineni 

Ending the long wait for fans and Telugu cinema lovers, Akhil Akkineni graces the screen today as Lenin. With early morning shows starting at 8 AM, the festive atmosphere among fans is palpable. Let's see how the movie fares.

Plot:

Lenin (Akhil) is a pure-hearted orphan who arrives at Bharathimitta Sreeramapuram in Chittoor district—a village said to have witnessed the teardrop of Goddess Draupadi. Village head Jayanthi (Eswari Rao) and her son Vasanth (Pramod Panju) take him in, treating him like their own. He falls deeply in love with Bharathi (Bhagyashri Borse), a smart and educated young woman, and they get married with the family's blessings. In a story that seemingly has no negative characters, who is the real villain? Does Lenin face a grave injustice, and how does he retaliate? What is the connection to Draupadi's teardrop and Yatiraju (Sivaji)? Watch the movie to find out.

The first fifteen minutes play out normally, but the narrative quickly builds curiosity. The romance between Lenin and Bharathi feels fresh, and the episode featuring Bharathi's sister, Vaidehi, stands out as a major highlight that anchors the first half.

The second half is the film's biggest asset. Shocking character turns from Yatiraju and Vasanth deliver pure goosebumps. Akhil gives a career-best, spectacular performance; you only see the character 'Lenin' on screen, especially during the phenomenal pre-climax and climax. 

Bhagyashri Borse looks gorgeous and performs wonderfully. Sivaji, Brahmaji, and Sunil impress in their respective roles, while Pramod Panju shines in a solid negative role.

Technically, the film is brilliant. Thaman's background score is a massive pillar of strength, creating an intense, euphoric theater experience. Leon Britto's cinematography takes the audience right into the world of the film, supported by great production values. Writer-director Murali Krishna Abburi succeeds immensely; though the first half is just decent, his execution in the second half is outstanding.

Positives:

Engaging story

Performances by Akhil, Bhagyashri Borse, and the entire cast

 Outstanding background score

 Thrilling pre-climax and climax

Negatives:

 Lack of substantial story progression in the first half

Akhil impresses with a spectacular one-man show as Lenin.

Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed in this review are personal views/opinions shared by the writer and organisation does not hold a liability to them. Viewers' discretion is advised before reacting to them.