Laxman Utekar – Rigobertha Reviews

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Hari Hara Veera Mallu ( Part 1 Sword VS Spirit): An overstuffed buffet running out of steam

Both Bobby Deol and Pawan Kalyan deliver spirited performances, but the movie lacks the visual and dramatic flair of Laxman Utekar’s blockbuster Chhaava also set in the same Hindutva space. The terrible CGI of the later portions only makes things worse

Starcast: Pawan Kalyan, Bobby Deol, Niddhi Aggarwal, Nassar, Sunil, Subbaraju and others

Genre: Historical fiction

Directors: Krish Jagarlamudi and A.M Jyothi Krishna

Screenplay and story: Krish Jagarlamudi

Dialogues: Sai Madhav Burra

Producers: A.M Rathnam and A. Dyakar Rao

Production Company: Mega Surya Production

Music: MM Keeravani

Cinematography: Manoj Paramahamsa and Gnana Shekar V.S

Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Hari Hara Veera Mallu (Part 1 Sword VS Spirit) has been in the making for a very long time. There have been numerous reasons for this. Beginning with the COVID affect leading to production delays, on top of that schedule problems with both Krish Jagarlamudi and Pawan Kalyan. The actor political resurgence has only added to the movie’s delay. Meanwhile Krish Jagarlamudi stepped out of direction midway much like his other historical fiction Manikarnika. After a tumultuous journey of 5 years the movie is finally out, the effect of production delays and change of directors is clearly visible specifically in the second half.

Without giving much away the broad storyline of Hari Hara Veera Mallu focuses on a Robinhood like figure played by Pawan Kalyan. He steals from the rich and distributes it among the poor, however there is much more to Veera Mallu. A past connected to the atrocities of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (a regal Bobby Deol) on Hindu deities. Part 1 primarily focuses on how the paths of these two intertwine setting the clash of an epic fight.

The first half of Hari Hara Veera Mallu is fairly engaging. The character establishment of both Bobby and Pawan Kalyan is done well. Specific mention must be made of a sequence involving a feudal lord in which Pawan Kalyan gives a voice to the suppressed who till then don’t even look into the eyes of their ruler directly. The action sequences in the beginning portions have also been staged with skill. These include the port fight in Machilipatnam establishing Veera Mallu’s bravado. The Charminar battle is also good with some neat stunt work and the effective scale.

The love story between Pawan Kalyan and Nidhi Aggarwal playing a supposed damsel in distress also has its moments. Nidhi Aggarwal has a striking presence and the twist around her character sets a good base for the second half.

However, the movie falls significantly short in the second half. The backstory of Pawan Kalyan with emphasis on Santhana Dharma values feels like a tribute to the actor’s personal beliefs, it also doesn’t help that the flashback portion doesn’t have the required emotional gravitas.

Numerous sequences in the second half feel stretched with a deliberate holding back. This makes the viewer restless, the terrible CGI only compound the woes. For a movie which has been in the making for so long the production values are not consistent. There is a dramatic sequence involving a stormy weather and big stones falling from the hills while Pawan and co are on a mission. The portion has enough potential for thrills but the way it has been staged leaves little to no impact.

There is also a CGI sequence involving a pack of animals, this only adds to the length of the movie. The dialogues about human animal conflict are relevant to today’s times but in the context of the film the portion feels like an absolute misfit.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu also suffers from lack of character development with Pawan Kalyan hogging most of the limelight. Pawan Kalyan has stepped into the zone of historical fiction for the first time however the movie presents the actor politician in the same way a people’s leader. There are zero moral complexities keeping in mind the actor’s limited capabilities nevertheless Pawan Kalyan brings in a star aura. In spite of the long delays Pawan Kalyan looks dapper as always. His performance in the dialogues involving Santhana Dharma is noteworthy and would appeal to the die-hard fans.

Bobby Deol as Aurangzeb has a regal presence. The actor disappears for a long period after a solid introduction, still Bobby makes a strong impact getting into the headspace of Aurangzeb’s fanatical ways with ease. He plays the part with subtle menace and the fiery body language definitely helps. Among the rest Nassar, Sunil and Subbaraju as part of Veera Mallu’s team have their moments specifically in the first half, but they are soon relegated to the background.

The music of MM Keeravani is fairly good. The folk number Kollagottinadhiro has an upbeat tune but for a movie of this scale the songs needed to be much better. The background score though uplifts the action episodes.

The cinematography of Manoj Paramahamsa and Gnana Shekhar VS is also mixed, in some sequences standing out, in others an eyesore. The production design of Thota Tharrani has grandeur but suffers on the account of a familiar pallet. Its a massive letdown from the production designer after a solid work in Kuberra.

As far as direction goes its difficult to pin point one in particular but the screenplay’s attempt at juggling nationalism, rebellion etc feels too cluttered.

The cliff hanger does promise an epic fight going forward but chances of part two are very bleak and would be probably best to drop.

Final word: Hari Hara Veera Mallu is worth watching only if you are a die hard Pawan Kalyan fan or just want to see grandness without soul.

February 27, 2025February 28, 2025

The many faces of Vicky Kaushal: A look at his iconic roles

An overview into Vicky Kaushal’s versatile filmography and what makes him a fantastic actor and also a potential superstar.

Starting from his critically acclaimed debut in the very moving Masaan (2015) Vicky Kaushal has done a wide plethora of roles whether it is characters based on history or more contemporary roles.

Son of the well-known action director Shyam Kaushal, Vicky, before making his debut with Masaan, worked as an assistant director on the movie Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).

In fact, Masaan— Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial— was co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane under the banner Phantom Films.

Masaan saw Vicky in the role of a bright student from a marginalized caste. His character Deepak works in the cremation Ghats of the place Varanasi; it isn’t something he likes doing but Deepak has no other option. Vicky made a splendid debut, particularly in the portion where he expresses the centuries of discrimination that the marginalised caste people have been subjected to.

Before tasting huge commercial success with the action drama Uri in 2019, Vicky had a very good 2018 with first-rate performances in Raazi, Sanju and Manmarziyaan.

Playing to the strengths

Vicky Kaushal in Raazi — Vicky Kaushal in ‘Raazi’. (X)

In Raazi, Vicky played a Pakistani soldier contrary to the usual stereotypes. In terms of screen time, Vicky’s role was more of a supporting one, but the actor made his presence amply felt. Vicky has an endearing persona, particularly in the scenes where he romances Alia Bhatt’s Sehmat.

There is a visible sensitivity in the way he treats her. His character Iqbal was written as a sensitive soul and Vicky with his acting made the viewers feel for Iqbal.

A major strength of Vicky is this endearing quality both on and off-screen. He comes across as a very loving person, which explains the female fan following.

Another standout strength of Vicky as an actor is his physicality. To portray a warrior king in Chhaava, having a strong build is crucial; the audience must feel that the hero has the power to cut through countless enemies and become a real threat to the antagonist. Vicky naturally fits this role with his tall stature and solid presence, making him the perfect fit for such characters.

Following are some of Vicky Kaushal’s best performances over the years. This ranges from intense to slightly more comedic parts.

Chhaava

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava has stirred up significant attention for various reasons. While the film has been lauded for its strong performances and its grand cinematic appeal, it has also faced criticism over the accuracy of its historical events.

Regardless of these debates, one thing is undeniable: Vicky’s dedication in embodying the courageous Maratha warrior on screen. He fully embodies the fierce king, presenting a character who is a true menace to Akshay Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb. Beyond his physical transformation, Vicky masterfully conveys the emotional and psychological toll of being a warrior.

Beneath his warrior exterior, there’s a profound vulnerability—whether it’s the longing for his mother’s affection or the haunting nightmares involving his father. In Chhaava, Vicky’s tenderness shines through in the romantic moments with Rashmika Mandanna.

His tender moments, like calling her “Shri Sakhi” and adoring her with such genuine affection, enrich the character, giving it a rare emotional depth.

These layers of complexity add depth to the role, and Vicky Kaushal’s performance brings them to life brilliantly.

Sardar Udham Singh

In Shoojit Sircar’s nuanced biopic of the Punjabi revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh, Vicky Kaushal delivered a stellar performance, conveying the inner rage of a freedom fighter with nothing but his eyes.

Vicky skillfully portrayed the many emotions of Sardar Udham through subtle changes in his body language.

A special mention must be made of his performance during the Jallianwala Bagh sequence. Vicky’s portrayal of Sardar Udham’s anguish gives the audience goosebumps. He truly brought to life the various stages of Udham Singh’s journey.

Sam Bahadur

Meghana Gulzar’s biopic on the dynamic Sam Manekshaw may follow a predictable path, often playing out like a highlight reel, but Vicky Kaushal’s charismatic performance makes the movie worth watching.

He perfectly embodied the fearless attitude and dynamism of Sam Manekshaw.

There’s a Dev Anand-like demeanour to his portrayal, and Vicky was simply superb. He also excelled in the vulnerable moments shared with his wife, played by Sanya Malhotra.

Sanju

Although Ranbir is the main pivot of this Rajkumar Hirani directorial, Vicky Kaushal as Sanju’s best friend Kamlesh was also equally good.

In the initial portions, he brings in a lot of laughs but as the movie progresses, he also provides solid emotional depth.

He is exceptional, particularly in the scene where he encourages Sanju to not succumb to difficult circumstances and reminds him of how his father is facing an equally big battle.

In fact, Vicky Kaushal can be called the second lead of Sanju.

Bad Newz

The best way to describe Anand Tiwari’s Bad Newz is as a showreel of Vicky Kaushal. Apart from his nimble dance moves in “Tauba Tauba,” Vicky was fantastic as a typical happy-go-lucky Punjabi boy undergoing a transformation.

Vicky Kaushal played a major role in lifting the movie’s energy whenever the proceedings started to slow down.

Not only did Vicky bring the house down with his impeccable comic timing, but he also excelled in the emotional scenes. For instance, there’s a moment when his character, Akhil Chaddha, has a breakdown during introspection, and another scene where Vicky reflects on the loss of his late father. In both of these moments, Vicky showcased his versatility and all-around capability.

This is all about Vicky Kaushal’s current filmography. His ability in seamlessly jumping genres is what makes him a potential superstar.

Here’s hoping that Vicky Kaushal continues to entertain the audiences with different roles and genres.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/the-many-faces-of-vicky-kaushal-a-look-at-his-iconic-roles/

February 16, 2025December 6, 2025

Chhaava review: A strong ode to Maratha valour

This Laxman Utekar’s directorial is a delight for admirers of Maratha warriors. Just like the recent historicals, ‘Chhaava’ too has a strong undercurrent of saffronisation. Still the solid technical work coupled with the towering performances makes this a worthy big screen spectacle.

Chhaava (Hindi), 14-02-2025, Historical drama , 2 hours 41 minutes, U/A, Theatre

Main Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh Vijan
Music Director: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami
Rating: 3.5/5

In the last few years, Hindi cinema has seen a huge increase in the Hindutva influx, this doesn’t just pertain to the numerous war dramas, but this list also includes historical fiction based on the wars involving the Hindu kings, particularly the Rajput and Maratha warriors.

Very good examples of these are Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavaat (2018) and Om Raut’s Tanhaji (2020). In these films, the Muslim rulers are presented as merciless invaders from whom the Hindu nation should be saved.

Laxman Utekar’s first attempt at historical fiction also treads on the same path. After directing a slew of feel-good movies like Luka Chuppi (2019) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) the cinematographer turned director takes an extremely different path from his previous works.

Synopsis

Chhaava meaning a lion cub is based on a novel of the same name written by Shivaji Sawant. The book covered the life and times of the very noted Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

It’s hard to say what percentage of Chhaava is based on its original source material and how much fiction Laxman Utekar has added. but the movie does a very fine job of capturing the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji managing to make the viewers feel for the man particularly if you are an admirer of Maratha warriors.

In simple terms, the core plot of Chhaava focuses on the events which transpired from 1680 to 1689, a period marked by the relentless pursuit of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (a fabulous Akshaye Khanna).

The movie celebrates the valour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji (an outstanding Vicky Kaushal) in fighting against the troops of Aurangzeb. Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai— a very important pillar of support for Sambhaji.

Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji

Chhaava is a historical drama — ‘Chhaava’ is a historical drama. (X)

Chhaava works largely due to the emotional depth brought by Laxman Utekar. He and the screenplay writers don’t just depict Sambhaji as a fierce warrior but also reveal a vulnerable side to him.

There is a palpable sense of grief in the way Sambhaji speaks about missing his mother’s love and a recurring nightmare involving his father. Some of the dialogues effectively convey the brutalities of war, where countless lives are lost.

As Sambhaji, Vicky Kaushal fully embodies the role, delivering a top-notch performance. With this role, Vicky once again proves why he is a versatile actor, able to adapt to various genres, whether it’s the light-hearted Bad News or the more emotionally intense roles in Sardar Udham Singh and Chhaava.

Vicky shines the most in scenes where he portrays the psychological toll endured by a warrior king. The torture sequence involving Sambhaji is another standout moment where Vicky excels.

While the historical accuracy of these moments may be debatable, the way Vicky portrays Sambhaji’s fighting spirit, even while being physically tormented by Aurangzeb, creates an emotional connection with the character.

Performances

Akshay Khanna as Aurangzeb makes for more than a worthy tormentor. While there is no denying the amazing prosthetic work Akshay Khanna with his acting also makes the part memorable.

Thankfully there are no unnecessary theatrics; Akshay invokes terror with just his demeanour and piercing gaze. He excels in showcasing Aurangzeb’s huge hunger for power.

Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai plays a strong partner in the same mould as her last outing Pushpa 2. She delivers a fine performance perfectly showcasing the inner strength of a warrior’s wife. A particular mention must be made of her act in the portions following Sambhaji’s capture.

Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash shines the brightest among the supporting cast. He plays his part with a lot of warmth. The friendship between Sambhaji and him gives the movie some of its best moments.

Strong technical aspects

Among the strong aspects of Chhaava, the technical department deserves special mention. The fight sequences in the second half are a delight, especially for those who enjoy rustic action. There are numerous instances of the Marathas outsmarting the Mughals using guerrilla tactics. The way these ambush sequences unfold with surprise attacks resembles a gripping chess game.

Cinematographer Saurabh Goswami delivers high-quality work, successfully capturing both the grand scale and intense action set in the forests. Special mention should also be made of the scenes following the destruction of the war, which are staged realistically.

AR Rahman’s background score and music complement the film well. The tune “Aaye re toofan” serves as a powerful war anthem with a touch of Maharashtrian folk. On the other hand, “Jaane Tu,” a romantic number, perfectly captures the understated romance between Vicky and Rashmika.

A major flaw in Chhaava is its core plot, which suffers from a significant hangover of clichés found in numerous films set in the same historical context.

Additionally, the film doesn’t break new ground in its portrayal of Muslim characters. The heavy emphasis on the concept of Swarajya, along with the lack of subtlety in the dialogues surrounding it, can test the audience’s patience.

Final take

To sum it up Chhaava works as a big-screen spectacle, especially for fans of Vicky Kaushal and those who like stories of brave Maratha warriors.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/chhaava-movie-review/

June 2, 2023November 19, 2024

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke: A Fun Ride While It Lasts

The film benefits from both Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan. Their chemistry is on point and keeps the viewers invested.

Has its moments.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Hindi)

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Neeraj Sood, Rakesh Bedi, and Sharib Hashmi
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh VIjan and Jyoti Deshpande
Music: Sachin Jigar
Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes

Before making his directorial debut with Luka Chuppi (2019), Laxman Utekar was a noted cinematographer who worked on films like English Vinglish (2012) and Dear Zindagi (2016). He was vastly appreciated for his work in these films.

In 2019, Utekar directed the Karthik Aryan and Kriti Sanon-starrer Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that explored the concept of live-in-relationships through the lens of comedy. The film also had some satire about moral policing and communal biases in small towns.

The director used the same formula in 2021 with Mimi, starring Kriti Sanon in the lead.

Mimi was about an aspiring actress who agrees to be a surrogate mother for a rich foreign couple as they promise her a lot of money. It is again a film with a lot of situational humor.

But, in both films, Laxman Utekar wasn’t entirely successful in maintaining the balance between humour and social commentary.

His latest, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is no exception.

The director takes the story of a middle-class couple struggling to find some space for intimacy. The wife tries to find a house of their own. This is a promising premise but the director uses dubious means to achieve this simple desire.

Synopsis

The film begins with a wedding anniversary celebration. Vicky Kaushal plays Kapil Dubey and Sara Ali Khan plays Saumya Chawla Dubey.

Apart from Kapil’s parents, there are also his nosy uncle and aunt in the house. They shift to Kapil’s house due to some personal problems.

The wedding celebration changes into something tragic as Kapil’s aunt smells an egg in the cake. This results in a huge ruckus.

Saumya decides that she and Kapil need a space of their own as their romantic life is frequently interrupted by their relatives. The mama’s son also sleeps between the two.

To achieve her dream, Saumya tries to get a flat under the government programme Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY).

Here, we are introduced to a dubious agent (Inaamulhaq). He tells Saumya that she would be eligible to get the flat under the single woman’s quota. However, for that, she and her husband need to have a fake divorce. They can remarry once the house is allotted.

What follows is your typical comedy of errors where the couple tries to pursue both the families and the judge that they must be divorced.

To make things spicier, there is also a love triangle coupled with a watchful guard Daroga (Sharib Hashmi).

Creates authentic middle-class milieu

There is no denying that Saumya’s step of faking a divorce in order to get a new flat is very drastic, but having said that, Laxman Utekar is successful in creating an authentic middle-class milieu.

A particular mention must also be made of how he portrays the relationship dynamics between Kapil and Saumya. Their romantic scenes have their share of adorable moments that are simple yet impactful.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke also benefits from both Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan. Their chemistry is on point and keeps the viewers invested even when the plot goes off rails.

Vicky Kaushal brings certain reliability to his role as a middle-class husband who would go to any length to make his wife happy.

He particularly stands out in the pre-climax scene in a hospital when Kapil and Saumya have a heart-to-heart talk to iron out their differences.

Sara Ali Khan lends the required fire to her part of a feisty Punjabi Girl. She does go over the top in the emotional bits. But still, she makes an impact.

The film has also got some laugh-out-loud moments.

For example, there is a scene where a government official inspects Saumya’s home to ensure that she is indeed separated from her husband. Kapil is with her at that time. He decides to act like a plumber and that results in some chuckle-worthy moments.

Technical crafts

Sachin Jigar’s music is quite melodious.

Arjit Singh’s “Phir Aur Kya Chahiye” is the number that stands out the most.

Raghav Ramadoss’s cinematography goes well with the mood of the film. He creates some beautiful frames that add a vibrant tone. The art design is also good, particularly in the family’s house.

Derails in second half

However, the big issue with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is how the plot derails in the second half. There are some subplots that the film could have easily done away with.

There are portions where Kapil and Saumya have to act like brother and sister. These scenes come across as unnecessary.

Kapil’s mami has a backstory of suffering from a deadly disease. This comes out of nowhere.

But then, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke ends on a happy note when they realise that their fake divorce is leading to real quarrels. After that, they give up on the new flat and settle in their old house.

Verdict

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is a fun ride. At the end of the day, you take away the performances, music and some delightful moments, particularly in the first half.

(Views expressed are personal.)