Waltair Veerayya review: Chiranjeevi-Ravi Teja duo is the only USP of this commercial hotchpotch

Chiranjeevi’s much-anticipated Sankranti festival release, Waltair Veerayya, is finally out in theatres today, 13 January. Ravi Teja, too, is a part of this big-budget action-comedy that piqued the interest of industry circles and the audience alike.

Did director Bobby succeed in impressing the viewers by bringing together two of the most sought-after heroes in Telugu? Let’s check it out in this review:

Veerayya (Chiranjeevi) is an influential figure from the fishermen community in the Waltair area of Visakhapatnam. He is so powerful that even officials from the Navy and the police department approach him for help in times of need.

On the other side, Solomon (Bobby Simha), an international drug peddler and most-wanted criminal, kills cops at Maredumilli Police Station and escapes to Malaysia. He throws a challenge to even intelligence agencies like RAW.

Against this backdrop, a police officer (Rajendra Prasad) approaches Veerayya to kidnap Solomon and bring him back to India. He also offers him ₹25 lakh for the job.

Though Veerayya initially accepts the police officer’s offer for the money, there is more to this deal as he tries to seek revenge on international drug peddler Michael (Prakash Raj).

Watch Waltair Veerayya on the big screen to know the rest of the story.

A hotchpotch of commercial elements

The movie is about the bonding and relationship between two brothers — Veerayya and ACP Vikram (Ravi Teja) — and the challenges they brave for each other.

How they take on dangerous international criminals who are posing a serious threat to people’s lives through drug peddling is the meaningful part of it.

But instead of being honest with the story, director Bobby depends on commercial elements, thus turning the flick into a hotchpotch of action and comedy drama.

The screenplay is so loose that the audience never gets involved in the story. At times, they even wonder if it’s a Chiranjeevi movie or a comedy flick.

Barring scenes featuring Ravi Teja, most of the movie appears flimsy. Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja sharing screen space is the only USP.

Coming to artists’ performances, this is a perfect multi-starrer for Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja fans. Sadly, Bobby could not make use of this great combination aptly.

And here goes …#NeekemoAndamekkuva 🎶https://t.co/7DRbjE19aM#WaltairVeerayya #WaltairVeerayyaOnJan13th https://t.co/90xUMC1kH2

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) January 11, 2023

Roles like these are a cakewalk for Chiranjeevi. But nothing is challenging for him as an actor and there is nothing new for his fans in this flick.

Ravi Teja plays an important role in this action entertainer. He is impressive as a powerful cop. In fact, he is the only saving grace of the movie. It would have been better if he had received more screen space.

Shruthi Haasan plays an important role and impresses us with her acting.

Though Prakash Raj is the main villain, he gets to play a routine role. We have seen him innumerable times in such negative characters.

Bobby Simha gets yet another meaty role to essay.

This big-budget flick features several renowned actors in supporting characters such as Catherine, Nasser, Rajendra Prasad, Vennela Kishore, and Sathyaraj. All these seasoned actors carry their roles with ease.

Ika eeroju nunchi BOX-OFFICE baddalaipoddhi..
Padha Kummeddham @Dirbobby 😎

Emantav annaya @KchiruTweets..#PoonakaaluLoading#WaltairVeerayya https://t.co/O70tFgUAqQ pic.twitter.com/dcUmaPCPma

— Ravi Teja (@RaviTeja_offl) January 12, 2023

Also read: As Pawan cosies up to TDP, brother locks horns with Balayya at box office

Technical craft

Devi Sri Prasad has composed the songs and the background score for Waltair Veerayya. His BGM is just adequate.

A couple of songs are already hits. Coupled with the dance movements of Chiranjeevi, they make for foot-tapping numbers when watched on the big screen.

The movie has enough action episodes. Fight master duo Ram-Lakshman has come up with an impressive action sequence.

Cinematographer Arthur A Wilson deserves a pat.

However, Niranjan Devaramane could have put more effort into editing. With a runtime of 160 minutes and a loose screenplay, the film lags at times.

Also Read: My mirror is my teacher, says Bobby Simha

Final take

Waltair Veerayya has been in the news for Megastar Chiranjeevi and Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja. That’s the only USP of this masala entertainer.

Annayya Arachakam Aarambham 🔥😎#WaltairVeerayya IN CINEMAS NOW WORLDWIDE🔥

Book your tickets now!
– https://t.co/KjX8J7HFFi

MEGASTAR @KChiruTweets MASS MAHARAJA @RaviTeja_offl @dirbobby @shrutihaasan @CatherineTresa1 @ThisIsDSP @konavenkat99 @SonyMusicSouth pic.twitter.com/QUp6Xw8J6I

— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) January 13, 2023