Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Runtime: 2h 11m

Director: Puri Jagannadh

Writer: Puri Jagannadh

Main Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Sayaji Shinde

Studio: R. R. Movie Makers

Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube (check availability in your region).

“Businessman” is a high-voltage action thriller starring Mahesh Babu in one of his most charismatic roles. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film follows Surya (Mahesh Babu), an ambitious and ruthless man who arrives in Mumbai with a dream of ruling the underworld. With his sharp mind and fearless attitude, he rises to power, challenging both the law and the mafia.

Mahesh Babu delivers a power-packed performance, exuding style, confidence, and intensity in every scene. His dialogues, especially the iconic “Pokka Business,” became instant fan favorites. Kajal Aggarwal plays a conventional love interest but adds charm to the narrative. Prakash Raj is impressive as the antagonist, adding depth to the conflict.

Puri Jagannadh’s screenplay is fast-paced, filled with gripping dialogues and intense confrontations. The film’s action sequences and Thaman’s electrifying background score elevate the cinematic experience. While the plot follows familiar gangster tropes, the film’s execution, Mahesh Babu’s screen presence, and the powerful dialogues keep it engaging.

Final Score: 8.5/10

A stylish and entertaining action film with a magnetic Mahesh Babu, “Businessman” is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and mass entertainers.

The anime adaptation of “Solo Leveling” has rapidly gained traction in India, captivating a growing community of anime enthusiasts. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several key factors:

A significant contributor to the series’ success in India is the high-quality Hindi dubbing, featuring notable actors. Rajesh Shukla lends his voice to the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, bringing depth and relatability to the character. Bollywood actor Ali Fazal voices Song Chiyul, a Korean C-Rank Hunter, adding a familiar touch for Indian audiences. Fazal expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the growing anime culture in India and his excitement to be part of this expanding universe. 

“Solo Leveling” offers a compelling narrative that follows Sung Jinwoo, initially the weakest hunter, who gains the unique ability to “level up” independently. This storyline, combined with top-tier animation, has resonated with Indian viewers, keeping them eagerly anticipating each episode.

The series has fostered a vibrant community in India, with fans actively discussing episodes, sharing fan art, and participating in cosplay events. The inclusion of an Indian character, Sidharth Bachchan, further strengthens the connection with the Indian audience, offering representation that resonates deeply. 

The theatrical release of “Solo Leveling – ReAwakening” in India garnered impressive box office numbers, earning approximately ₹1.6 crore across all languages. This commercial success underscores the series’ widespread appeal and the robust demand for anime content in the Indian market. 

In summary, “Solo Leveling” has successfully captured the imagination of Indian anime fans through strategic localization, engaging storytelling, cultural inclusivity, and strong community engagement. Its rising popularity reflects the expanding appetite for diverse anime content within India.

“Chirutha,” released on September 28, 2007, marks the debut of Ram Charan in Telugu cinema. Directed and written by Puri Jagannadh, the film features Ram Charan as the protagonist, with Neha Sharma playing the female lead. The supporting cast includes Prakash Raj, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Brahmanandam. Produced by Ashwini Dutt under the Vyjayanthi Movies banner, “Chirutha” is an action-drama with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes.

The narrative centers on Charan (Ram Charan), who witnesses the brutal murder of his father by the gangster Mattu Bhai (Ashish Vidyarthi) during his childhood. In a bid to fund his mother’s medical treatment, Charan takes the blame for a crime, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence. Upon his release, he discovers his mother’s demise and relocates to Thailand, where he becomes a tour guide. Here, he encounters Sanjana (Neha Sharma), the spirited daughter of a wealthy businessman (Prakash Raj). As their relationship evolves amidst scenic locales, Charan’s past catches up, leading to a confrontation with Mattu Bhai. The film weaves together themes of vengeance, love, and redemption.

Ram Charan’s inaugural performance is commendable, showcasing his prowess in action sequences and dance routines. His screen presence is notable, reflecting the charisma reminiscent of his father, Chiranjeevi. Neha Sharma adds a touch of glamour, though her character lacks depth. The film’s music, composed by Mani Sharma, complements the narrative, with songs that are both catchy and well-choreographed. Cinematographer Shyam K. Naidu captures the picturesque settings of Thailand, adding a visual appeal to the film.

However, the storyline treads familiar territory, with a predictable revenge arc. The second half of the film experiences a dip in momentum, and certain scenes could have benefited from tighter editing. Despite these shortcomings, Puri Jagannadh succeeds in crafting a commercial entertainer that serves as an effective launchpad for Ram Charan’s career.

As of now, “Chirutha” is available for streaming on ZEE5. Additionally, the film can be found on various online platforms, including YouTube.

Final Score: 7.5 

Taking into account the film’s strengths and weaknesses, I would rate “Chirutha” a 7.5 out of 10. It stands as a solid debut for Ram Charan and offers a blend of action and drama that appeals to fans of mainstream Telugu cinema.