Review: Lenin: Regular But Intense

 

Movie: Lenin
Rating: 2.75/5

Cast: Akhil Akkineni, Bhagyashri Borse, Pramod Panju, Shivaji, Easwari Rao, Brahmaji, Shatru, and others

Director: Murali Kishore Abburu

Produced By: Sithara Entertainments, Annapurna Studios

Release Date: 10-07-2026

Story:

Set in 2001, the story follows Lenin (Akhil Akkineni), who is released from Kurnool Central Jail earlier than expected and returns to his hometown, Sriramapuram. Why was he imprisoned in the first place? What happened to Bharathi (Bhagyashri Borse), the woman he deeply loved, and his closest friend Vasanth (Pramod Panju)? As Lenin begins to uncover the truth behind the betrayal that changed his life, he sets out to find those responsible. The rest of the story unfolds on the big screen.

Performances:

Akhil Akkineni completely immerses himself in the role of Lenin. While maintaining a restrained performance throughout, he delivers the required intensity in the emotional moments. His acting in the pre-climax and climax stands out and leaves a strong impact.

Bhagyashri Borse not only looks charming but also delivers a convincing performance. Pramod Panju, known for Salaar, plays an important role and does a commendable job. Shivaji gets a well-written character and performs effectively. Easwari Rao, Brahmaji, Shatru, and the supporting cast also do justice to their roles.

What Works:

Director Murali Kishor Abburu deserves credit for the way he structures the narrative. Although the film starts on a familiar note, it picks up momentum from the interval block. The second half is particularly engaging, with hardly any unnecessary scenes slowing the pace.

The twists are executed well and keep the audience invested. The emotional payoff in the pre-climax and climax is handled effectively, making the finale satisfying.

What Doesn't Work:

The first half feels fairly routine and lacks the grip needed to keep the audience fully engaged. The love story between Lenin and Bharathi could have been written with more depth, as their scenes feel quite ordinary. Similarly, the friendship between Lenin and Vasanth needed stronger emotional development to make the later conflicts more impactful.

The Mahabharata references are an interesting idea, but they are not seamlessly integrated into the screenplay. On the music front, Thaman's soundtrack is largely forgettable, with only Jaya Mangalam leaving a lasting impression.

Lenin Review And Verdict:

Lenin follows a familiar revenge drama template, and its first half remains fairly ordinary. However, the film finds its footing from the interval onward with an engaging screenplay, effective twists, and an emotionally charged climax. Akhil Akkineni's sincere performance and the well-executed second half make Lenin a decent watch despite its flaws.