Directed by Venky Kudumula, Robinhood is the latest Telugu film to release on March 28, 2025, and promises to be an action-comedy entertainer. Starring Nithiin and Sreeleela as lead characters, the film had a lot of expectations riding on it owing to Kudumula’s previous hit, Bheeshma (2020). Based on the time-honored tale of Robin Hood, the film follows an orphan-turned-vigilante who robs the wealthy to give to the poor. So does Robinhood manage to feel fresh and interesting, or is it falling into predictability? So, let's get into the full review.
Plot Summary
Robinhood deals with Ram (Nithiin), an orphan who was raised in an orphanage, raised brutally. Resolved to write the balance for other disadvantaged children, he turns to crime, robbing the rich and sharing their spoils. However, his actions draw attention from law enforcement, leading him to adopt an alternative identity. He is hired by a security agency in the disguise of John Snow (Rajendra Prasad) and is assigned the job of guarding Neera Vasudev (Sreeleela), the daughter of an influential businessman based in Australia.
Neera gets kidnapped and taken to the mysterious village of Rudrakonda. This forces Ram back to his old ways, where he is on a high-stakes rescue mission. A subplot involving medical marijuana and a cancer cure is a worthwhile storyline, even if it’s very minimally developed.
With a lot of promise, the second half of the film fails, turning into blandness (and, in the end, boredom). The writing, which sparkles with humor and action in the first half, falls flat in the interval leading to a prolonged narrative.
Performances
Nithiin as Ram(Robinhood):
Well for a film that is claimed to be a full commercial entertainer, he did okay to some extent as the first half boasts of comedy timing but he had to struggle in emotional sequences. His action sequences are accomplished but unoriginal.
Sreeleela as Neera:
Pretty in the picture but not so pretty as a character. For most of the movie, she’s the damsel in distress, providing little except for a glamorous presence.
Rajendra Prasad as John Snow:
Provides comic relief with his outrageous mannerisms and outsize humor. His scenes in the first half are some of the best in the film.
Vennela Kishore:
Hilarious in his regular comic character and contributes to some extent to the film’s entertainment factor.
Cameo of David Warner:
The cameo of Australian cricketer David Warner is a surprise package. His scenes inject a fun factor but feel a little shoehorned in.
Dev Carry (Devdatta Nage as Swami):
The villain’s role, while in a pivotal midway position, lacks depth, so the fight is anticlimactic.
Comedy & Action Sequences
The first half is a ton of fun with laughs and fast-paced dialogue. Rajendra Prasad and Vennela Kishore deliver laughs every few scenes, with more than one moment of situational comedy adding to the fun. But the humor recedes into the background in the second half, as the story turns earnest and action-fueled.
The action sequences are sleek and well-executed, especially the chase scenes in city environments. On the other hand, the fight scenes in the village are more fragmentized and generic.
Cinematography & Visual Layout
Sai Sriram’s cinematography is a big strength of the film. The movie is visually colorful — the glitzy cityscapes, crisp action shots, and bright colors. The aerial shots and speeds add vibrant energy to the movie. But, without the same richness in the village portions, the second half becomes visually drab compared to the first.
The VFX, though, is hit-or-miss, especially in cases of flashy action sequences that employ OTT CGI. Certain sections already feel dated and it detracts from the overall experience.
Music & Background Score
A patchy soundtrack from G.V. Prakash Kumar. The songs are catchy but also feel out of place, interrupting the film’s narrative flow. The background score is functional but not memorable. Notable tracks include:
“Adhi Dha Surprise-u” – A catchy piece with mass potential, but the placement in the film seems forced.
“Neera Neera” – A song picturized on Nithiin and Sreeleela, is a visual treat but an unmemorable rom-com number.
“Rudrakonda Roar” – This one is also a very-end high-energy song and is used during the final climax act but seems to be short-lived for the love.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
Funny and action-packed first half.
The production values are high with stylish cinematography.
Rajendra Prasad and Vennela Kishore deliver very good performances.
A cameo by David Warner is a silly treat.
Vigorous action sequences and well-staged chase scenes.
Weaknesses:
Predictable twists, and a weak second half.
Characters's emotional disconnection.
Drowning in CGI and lousy VFX in key scenes.
Weak antagonist and a hurried ending.
Songs that get in the way of the narrative.
Audience & Critical Reception
The movie is having a mixed to negative critical reception:
Indian Express: 2/5, writing that it was a dull film with pathetic VFX and a predictable plot.
The Hindu: Flayed it as a “misfire”, pointing out to its stretched second half and absence of originality.
Times of India (Fan Reviews on X): Some fans liked the comedy and action, calling it a “fun commercial entertainer” while others found it disappointing.
Final Verdict
Robinhood is your standard commercial entertainer and offers great comedy, action, and production value. While the first half more than entertains, it is the second half that loosens the grip and makes it an average watch. If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted action comedy, you could do worse, but this won’t be changing anyone’s lives.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Share Your Thoughts! We’d love to hear what you think about Robinhood! Join the discussion in the comments below:
Did Robinhood meet your expectations, or did you find it lacking in any way?
Which was your favorite scene or performance in the movie, and why?
If you could change one thing about Robinhood, what would it be?
