Senior actor Venkat, well known to Telugu audiences, gained fame as a hero and later as a second lead in many hit films. Now aiming for a strong comeback, he is focusing on his second innings. Though he was part of OG, he didn’t get the expected break. In this situation, his latest film Harudu, where he plays the lead role, has released today. Did it give his career the needed boost? Let’s find out.
Harudu Story: DCP Shankar, known as Encounter Shankar, is a fearless cop transferred from Mumbai to Hyderabad, where he takes on criminals in his own style. He meets MLA Varadarajulu, a powerful leader with a hidden dark side.
Meanwhile, a group of unemployed students get caught in a crime case. As Shankar investigates, he uncovers shocking links between the students, Varadarajulu’s politics, and the mystery behind his wife Priya’s murder.
Performances: Venkat fits the role of Shankar and looks good, but his acting feels outdated. His dialogue delivery is decent, but he struggles in action scenes. Natasha Singh has limited scope but adds glamour.
Hebah Patel’s role feels unnecessary. Srihari Paila’s villainy looks silly, though stylish. Ali’s comedy fails, and Saloni doesn’t impress in the item song.
Technical Aspects: This is a routine cop story with nothing new. Director Raj Talluri repeats a familiar plot seen in many police films. Though the idea of students stealing car engines sounds different, it lacks proper logic and emotion.
The first half gives no clarity on the main point, and the flashback feels like a spoof. The second half drags even more. Technically weak with poor production values, especially in action scenes. The only relief is its short runtime.
Analysis: While other senior actors pick modern, Gen-Z friendly roles, Venkat misses the trend. Choosing an outdated story like Harudu feels like a wasted opportunity.
Verdict: Harudu is an outdated and routine cop drama that fails to engage. Weak writing, poor execution, and lack of fresh elements make it a disappointing comeback attempt for Venkat.
Bottom Line: Predictable and outdated.
Rating: 1/5
