Arjun Chakravarthy Movie Review: An Honest Attempt in the Sports Drama Genre
The film “Arjun Chakravarthy” has been released, sparking discussions around its narrative and execution. While the censor certificate listed a runtime of 141 minutes, the Prime Video OTT print runs for 2 hours and 6 minutes, suggesting approximately 15 minutes were trimmed. This film is reportedly based on real incidents, highlighting that “Arjun Chakravarthy” transformed hundreds of players through Rangayya Academy, a detail emphasized at the end of the movie.
Familiar Template, Familiar Story
Upon watching, “Arjun Chakravarthy” often feels akin to other sports dramas. It draws similarities to films like Hrithik Roshan’s “Super 30,” Farhan Akhtar’s boxing film “Toofaan,” “Sarpatta Parambarai,” and “Bibili.” The movie follows a similar template and narrative structure to these titles. For those who have already seen many such sports dramas, including Kabaddi-centric films, “Arjun Chakravarthy” might feel like a one-time watch. However, individuals less familiar with this genre might find it a worthy attempt.
A Predictable Yet Sincere Endeavor
The film is an honest attempt, but its predictability is a recurring theme; viewers can often anticipate what will happen next, leading to a sense of expectedness. For families, the movie is suitable as it contains no adult content. The storyline itself is straightforward: it chronicles how an orphan rises through the ranks in the sport of Kabaddi, achieves success, and deals with his love life.
Strengths of “Arjun Chakravarthy”
Despite its similarities to other sports drama templates, the film shines through its sincere effort. The main protagonist, played by Vijay Ramaraju, is a significant plus. His physical transformation, the emotions he generates in the second half, the games he wins, and his dialogues – especially those asserting that medals alone cannot fill one’s stomach – are highly impactful and arguably the best parts of the movie. The director has handled these elements exceptionally well.
The love story, too, is commendable. The heroine’s entrance, the lamp lighting scene, the first love song, and the accompanying background music are all well-executed. Character artist Dayanand delivers a full-length and strong performance. The cinematography, particularly in the mountain areas during the latter part of the second half, is noteworthy. The recreation of old-era Hyderabad places is also effectively done.
Areas for Improvement
While based on a real story, the film’s predictable nature is a significant drawback. The childhood story at the beginning of the movie feels lengthy, as does the love track. These factors contribute to a feeling of slow pacing and dragged scenes in several places. The Kabaddi sequences, in particular, could have been more exciting and connecting, as exemplified by the Kabaddi scenes in the “Bison” movie. These aspects stand out as major weaknesses.
Final Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Sports Drama Fans
Ultimately, “Arjun Chakravarthy” is recommended for those who appreciate sports dramas and are looking for a film with an emotional touch. While it is an honest attempt, its adherence to a similar cinematic template as other genre films tempers its overall impact. It is considered a one-time watch film. Based on this review, “Arjun Chakravarthy” receives a rating of 2.75 out of 5.
