Wild Dog (2021) — Movie Review

Language: Telugu

Genre: Action, Thriller

Release Date: April 2, 2021

Director: Ahishor Solomon

Writer: Ahishor Solomon

Producers/Studio: Niranjan Reddy, Anvesh Reddy | Matinee Entertainment

Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dia Mirza, Saiyami Kher, Atul Kulkarni, Ali Reza, Prakash Sudarshan

Duration: 2 hrs 5 mins

Inspired by real-life terror incidents that rocked India—particularly the 2013 Hyderabad bomb blasts—Wild Dog follows NIA agent Vijay Varma, codenamed “Wild Dog” (Nagarjuna Akkineni). Pulled out of suspension, he is tasked with leading a covert mission to dismantle a dangerous terrorist network operating across the nation.

Director Ahishor Solomon maintains a brisk, realistic tone throughout, steering clear of the exaggerated heroism often found in mainstream action films. The storytelling blends investigative tension with emotional depth, exploring themes of duty, loss, and patriotism without leaning into melodrama.

Nagarjuna Akkineni delivers one of his most measured and compelling performances in recent years. His portrayal of the stoic, mission-driven NIA officer is marked by quiet intensity and commanding restraint.

Dia Mirza brings warmth and emotional grounding in her limited screen time as Vijay’s wife. Saiyami Kher and Atul Kulkarni offer solid support as part of the tactical team, enhancing the film’s sense of realism.

The camaraderie among the team members feels organic, and the well-coordinated action sequences—particularly those set in Nepal and Pune—add credibility to the operation’s authenticity.

Ahishor Solomon deserves credit for marrying documentary-style realism with mainstream cinematic appeal. Cinematographer Shaneil Deo captures the gritty undertones of the mission with atmospheric precision, while S. Thaman’s taut background score heightens the film’s tension without overpowering the visuals.

The editing remains crisp and efficient, sustaining momentum across the narrative’s tightly paced runtime.

Despite favorable critical reviews, Wild Dog had a modest theatrical run, earning approximately ₹7.5 crore worldwide—largely due to the pandemic’s impact on cinemas.

However, the film gained renewed traction upon its release on Netflix, where audiences praised its grounded realism, patriotic spirit, and strong performances, cementing its status as a sleeper success in the Telugu action genre.

Final Verdict

Wild Dog stands out as a taut, engaging action thriller that reaffirms Nagarjuna’s versatility and enduring screen presence. While it didn’t dominate at the box office, its authentic portrayal of counterterrorism operations and its no-frills execution make it one of Telugu cinema’s most credible spy dramas in recent memory.

Rating:  8 / 10 A tense, patriotic action thriller with grit and emotional resonance.

Now Streaming On: Netflix