Maharshi

“Maharshi” is a 2019 Telugu action drama film directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, Vyjayanthi Movies, and PVP Cinema. Starring Mahesh Babu, Pooja Hegde, and Allari Naresh, the film features music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. It was released on May 9, 2019.

Receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Maharshi” garnered praise for its cast performances, action sequences, plot, emotional elements, and technical aspects. However, it faced criticism for its predictable and lengthy narrative. Despite this, the film emerged as one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2019, earning a worldwide gross of around ₹175–200 crore. It received accolades at the 67th National Film Awards, winning Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography. “Maharshi” also received recognition at the SIIMA Awards and Zee Cine Awards Telugu, winning multiple categories.

PLOT

K. Rishi Kumar, the newly appointed CEO of Origin, brings his mother from India to stay with him in the United States. His colleague, Priya, plans a surprise party to celebrate his achievement. Among the attendees is Kanna, Rishi’s childhood friend whom he hasn’t seen in years, Professor Chandrashekar, and his college friends. The story takes us back in time.

Seven years ago, Rishi belonged to a middle-class family in Hyderabad. His father, Satyanarayana, a low-earning clerk, incurred debts and had a strained relationship with Rishi. Rishi had to move away to pursue his post-graduation at the esteemed IIET University in Vizag. Rishi became close friends with his roommate, Ravi Shankar and Pooja, his classmate. Ravi, the son of a poor farmer, felt pressure from his father’s expectations and aspired to secure a well-paying job in America. Ajay, another classmate, envied Rishi for his academic success. Pooja, from a traditional Indian joint family, expressed her feelings for Rishi, which he reciprocated. Ravi faced academic setbacks, but Rishi encouraged him to persevere.

During campus placements, Ravi secured a job that delighted his father and girlfriend, Pallavi. Pooja rejected a job offer to be with Rishi in the US, where his AI-operating system idea was accepted by Origin. However, Rishi believed their relationship would hinder his career and ended it. This decision caused a fallout between Rishi and Ravi. Before their final exams, Rishi was falsely accused of stealing question papers by Ajay. However, the truth emerged, and Rishi was exonerated. After completing his exams, Rishi rose through the ranks at Origin. During a presentation, he learned that his father had passed away, and he returned to India. He realized his father loved and missed him, regretting their lack of heartfelt conversations.

Rishi learns from Chandrashekar that Ravi has been expelled from the university for falsely taking the blame for an allegation against Rishi, which led to his father’s suicide. Overwhelmed with guilt, Rishi takes a leave of absence and travels to India with his mother and Kanna to bring Ravi back with him to the US. In Ravi’s hometown of Ramavaram, a pipeline project threatens the village’s demolition, and Ravi is protesting alone. Pallavi’s father, the village representative, negotiates for fair compensation, but Ravi refuses to let the project proceed.

Rishi tries to convince the Chief Minister to exclude Ramavaram from the project, but the powerful businessman Vivek Mittal oversees it, refusing Rishi’s request. Rishi sets up an office in Ramavaram to attract media attention. Pooja, a team leader from a gaming company, is sent to meet Rishi but ends up staying in Ramavaram under pressure. Rishi intends to reconcile with Pooja, but she remains hesitant. When Rishi reveals his intentions to the media, Ravi’s attachment to the village inspires others to join the protest, gaining nationwide attention. Pallavi’s father blames Ravi for his father’s death and opposes their relationship until Rishi reveals Ravi’s sacrifice.

As the protest intensifies, Vivek offers higher compensation but instigates violence. Ravi is stabbed by henchmen hired by a neighbouring village’s leader, but Rishi saves him. Vivek accuses Rishi of ulterior motives, and Pooja begins to doubt Rishi. Rishi contemplates leaving but is encouraged by his mother, who shares his father’s story of fighting for farmers’ rights. Rishi returns to Ramavaram, promoting agriculture and supporting the farmers against Vivek’s project. In a powerful speech, Rishi exposes the mistreatment of farmers and the project’s fraudulent intentions. Realizing his mistake, Ajay exposes Vivek’s fraud, leading to his arrest and the project’s cancellation.

Although Rishi was meant to return to his job in the US, he realizes his true happiness lies in the village and embraces a life in agriculture. Pooja reconciles with him, and Rishi finds fulfilment in his new path.

Friendships, challenges, and sacrifices shaped Rishi’s journey from a middle-class family to CEO. Realizing his true happiness in the village, he embraces agriculture. With Pooja by his side, Rishi finds fulfilment, highlighting the significance of personal growth and pursuing one’s passion.