Chennakeshava Reddy

About the film

Chennakesava Reddy is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language revenge action drama film, produced by Bellamkonda Suresh under the Sri Sai Ganesh Productions banner and directed by V. V. Vinayak. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Tabu, Shriya Saran and music composed by Mani Sharma. The film was dubbed into Tamil as Aadikesavan in 2009. The film was a blockbuster at box office.

Plot

The film opens in Rayalaseema, where followers of the legendary and powerful faction leader Chennakesava Reddy gather before his idol. They eagerly await his return after a 22-year absence. In his absence, the region has fallen under the tyrannical control of the ruthless Dhanunjaya Reddy and his three corrupt brothers: Minister Jai Reddy, Justice Ravi Reddy, and Krishna Reddy. Krishna Reddy is married to Chennakesava's sister, Janaki, whom he constantly abuses. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, DCP Bharath Reddy—who looks exactly like Chennakesava Reddy—is a fearless, uncompromising police officer. After a series of comedic misunderstandings and clashes with Preethi, a medical student and the police commissioner's daughter, the two fall in love.

In Rayalaseema, an upright Superintendent of Police, Ramaraju, tries to put an end to Dhanunjaya Reddy's reign of terror. During his investigation, Ramaraju learns about Chennakesava Reddy’s past glory and influence. However, Dhanunjaya uses his political power to have Ramaraju transferred to Tihar Jail as punishment. While stationed at Tihar, Ramaraju shockingly discovers that Chennakesava Reddy has been secretly imprisoned there under remand for 22 years. Using legal channels, Ramaraju successfully secures Chennakesava's acquittal. Upon his release, Chennakesava immediately assassinates Minister Jai Reddy before returning to a hero's welcome in his hometown.

Chennakesava rapidly reclaims his territory and strikes fear into his enemies. He reunites with his sister, Janaki, and tells her that he must eliminate her abusive husband; she fully supports his decision. Soon after, it is revealed that Bharath is actually Chennakesava’s estranged son. Bharath and his mother, Devi, travel to Rayalaseema to reunite with him. Preethi and her family also arrive, and the elders arrange Bharath and Preethi's marriage. Realizing that Bharath is an unstoppable force of law, the villains manipulate the system to have him stationed in Rayalaseema, hoping he will oppose his father and protect them.

Soundtrack

Music was composed by Mani Sharma. Music was released on Supreme Music Company.

Reception

The Hindu critic Gudipoodi Srihari in his review appreciated Balakrishna's portrayal of dual roles of father and son, in addition to Sharma's music score. However, he added that: "The father-son clash looks routine and dilutes the spirit of the movie." Sify rated 3/5 and criticised the film stating, "It is the same old Rayalaseema faction fight recreated with more sprinkling of blood and gore."

Key details