After delivering blockbuster films like Major and HIT 2, Adivi Sesh returns with Dacoit after a long gap. Directed by his close friend Shaneil Deo, the film stars Mrunal Thakur as the female lead. With decent promotions and Sesh’s strong track record, the film carried good expectations. Let’s see how it turns out.
Story
Hari alias Haridas (Adivi Sesh) is a prisoner in Kadapa Central Jail. Deeply hurt after being betrayed by his lover, Juliet alias Saraswati (Mrunal Thakur), he waits for a chance to take revenge.
With the help of his jailmate, he escapes from prison and sets out to find her. Why did Juliet betray Hari? What really happened between them? Does Hari finally take his revenge, or does the story take a different turn? The film revolves around these questions.
Performance
Adivi Sesh once again delivers a solid performance. He attempts something different with a Rayalaseema accent, which works in parts, though it feels slightly inconsistent at times. His intensity and emotional scenes stand out.
Mrunal Thakur looks convincing and shares good chemistry with Sesh. She delivers a superb performance, especially in the emotional moments.
Supporting actors like Prakash Raj and Anurag Kashyap play their parts effectively and add value to the film.
Analysis
The film begins on a strong and promising note inside the jail, instantly grabbing attention. The first half works quite well, with engaging flashback episodes adding depth to the narrative. The escape sequence featuring the “Kanipetaro” song is well-shot and stands out. The storytelling keeps things interesting with a few twists, and the interval block is decent enough to raise expectations.
However, the second half slows down significantly and turns out to be a major drawback. The pacing drops, making the film feel stretched. At one point, it starts resembling a routine, template-driven Telugu film, becoming predictable and testing the viewer’s patience. The emotional depth the film aims for doesn’t fully connect, and the narrative gradually loses its grip. What could have been a strong emotional payoff ends up feeling dragged and underwhelming.
Another minor issue is that some dialogues are not clearly understandable due to Adivi Sesh’s slang, which slightly affects the overall experience.
Technically, the film is impressive. The visuals, background score, and editing are top-notch, giving the film a rich feel throughout. Director Shaneil Deo handles the presentation well, but the weak second half ultimately brings the film down.
Verdict
A film that starts on a promising note but loses its grip in the second half. Despite a decent first half and strong technical aspects, the slow and predictable latter half turns it into a disappointment, making it one of the weaker films in Adivi Sesh’s career.
Rating : 2.25/5
