Lokesh Kanagaraj, who earned a stellar reputation in Kollywood with trendsetting films like Kaithi and Vikram, enjoys a massive fan following in Telugu cinema as well. With DC, Lokesh makes his acting debut as a lead hero. Directed by Arun Matheswaran, the film stars Wamiqa Gabbi as the female lead, while Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music. Produced by Sun Pictures, the action love story released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Read our review here.
Story: Set in Chittoor in 2011, the film follows Devadas (Lokesh Kanagaraj), a member of a gang that steals weapons after attacking a police convoy. The crime escalates when the gang kills the officer investigating the case, prompting the department to assign Bhogaraju to hunt them down. As the manhunt unfolds, Devadas’ life takes unexpected turns with the arrival of Chandra (Wamiqa Gabbi) and Parvathi (Sanjana). What drives Devadas down this path, how do these two women shape his journey, and whether Bhogaraju succeeds in capturing the gang form the crux of the story.
Performances: Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has impressed audiences as a director for years, steps in front of the camera as a lead actor for the first time. He leaves a decent impression with his restrained performance. The character is designed as a serious and intense personality with minimal dialogue, and Lokesh carries it naturally. His performance never feels forced.
Wamiqa Gabbi emerges as one of the film’s biggest strengths. She delivers a deeply emotional and intense performance as Chandra. The sequence where she experiences freedom and sees the outside world after escaping prostitution stands out as one of the film’s most memorable moments.
Sanjana Krishnamoorthy looks glamorous and performs well as Parvathi. Interestingly, she bears a striking resemblance to Wamiqa Gabbi. The character of Bhojraj could have been written with greater depth and power to provide a stronger challenge to the protagonist.
Technical Aspects: Anirudh Ravichander is almost like a second hero of the film. His background score explores a completely different musical space. Instead of loud commercial beats, he uses poetic and classical compositions. A notable example is the classical score used during the sequence where the heroine attacks a police station to rescue the hero.
Mukesh’s cinematography gives the film a convincing period atmosphere. Prasanna’s editing keeps the runtime crisp. Unlike many Sun Pictures productions, the film avoids extravagant sets and flashy visuals, relying instead on natural locations that suit the story well.
Analysis: Director Arun Matheswaran opts for a simple storyline but elevates it through his screenplay. The way he integrates a love story into an action-driven narrative works well. Ignoring conventional commercial formulas, he presents the romance between Devadas and Chandra in a unique manner.
Fans expecting Lokesh Kanagaraj’s trademark style, packed with heroic elevations and high-energy moments, may be surprised. DC takes a different route, focusing on a young man’s struggle against corruption within the police system.
The film explores how two women shape Devadas’ life and how a woman from society’s margins becomes his strongest ally. The relationship between Devadas and Chandra is portrayed with emotional depth and dignity. Rather than relying on lip-locks or intimate scenes, the director chooses to depict a pure and heartfelt connection between a gangster and a $ex worker.
The father-son emotional track is also handled effectively, particularly the scenes where the hero’s father learns about his son’s true character and sacrifices. However, the film is not without flaws.
The narrative becomes predictable at times, and several logical inconsistencies weaken the impact. The ease with which Devadas and his gang move around despite being wanted criminals feels unrealistic. His escape from prison is also difficult to accept.
The Parvathi episode slows down the proceedings, and the climax feels underwhelming. The limited budget is evident in several portions, making certain compromises noticeable on screen.
Verdict: Overall, DC is an emotionally driven action drama that relies more on relationships and atmosphere than commercial heroics. Lokesh Kanagaraj makes a respectable acting debut, while Wamiqa Gabbi and Anirudh Ravichander emerge as the film’s biggest assets. Despite its predictable narrative and logical loopholes, the film offers a refreshing take on love and can be given a shot if you like rustic dramas.
Bottom: Rustic and Intense
DC Rating: 2.5/5
