‘Robin Hood’ Movie Review

‘Robin Hood’ Movie Review

Actors: Nithiin, Sri Leela, Dev Dutta Nage, Rajendra Prasad, Shine Tom Chacko, Vennela Kishore, Sijju, Shubhalekha Sudhakar and others

Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar

Cinematography: Sai Sriram

Producers: Ravi Shankar Yelamanchili, Naveen Erneni

Written-Directed by: Venky Kudumula

After the success of Bheeshma, Nithiin and Venky Kudumula are back with Robin Hood, produced by Mythri Movie Makers. The film hit theaters today, carrying high expectations. With Venky Kudumula’s signature humor and Nithiin’s charm, will Robin Hood recreate their past magic? Let's see how it is.

Story:

Orphaned at a young age, Ram (Nithiin) finds purpose in stealing after their orphanage needs money. He steals not for himself, but to help other orphans like him. Targeting the wealthy he earns the name Robin Hood. But when a determined cop, Victor (Shine Tom Chacko), begins tracking him, Robin Hood is forced to step back and change his ways as he takes up a new role as a security agent. His latest assignment happens to be protecting Australia-based powerful businessman's daughter Neera Vasudev (Sreeleela), who comes to India for a short visit. However, when she is abducted by a dangerous gang and taken to the mysterious village of Rudrakonda, Robin Hood is pulled into a deeper game. Who are these criminals, and what do they want? Can Robin Hood outsmart them and rescue Neera? The answers unfold on the silver screen as action, thrill, and drama take center stage!

Analysis:

Venky Kudumula gained marks as Trivikram's disciple earlier, known for his signature blend of humor and storytelling in Chalo and Bheeshma. Even with Robin Hood, he promised the same if we have to go by the movie's teasers, trailers and the promotional videos they have come up with. True to his style, the film is packed with witty one-liners and lighthearted comedy. From the promotional content, audiences expected a laugh riot, and while Robin Hood delivers on humor, it doesn't quite hit the mark when it comes to a gripping storyline. The film entertains in parts but leans too much on comedy, following a predictable narrative that struggles to leave a lasting impact.

The story revolves around a billionaire’s daughter who wants to visit India for ten days, prompting her concerned father to seek top-tier security. His assistant amusingly selects a company by simply Googling “Number One Security Agency in India” and transferring them a hefty sum without any background check. The irony? The agency is anything but ‘number one’ except that their name is No.1 Security Agency, and it has four aged security guards led by Rajendra Prasad. While logically absurd, the execution lands well on-screen, providing the kind of humor that makes you laugh despite its silliness. This sums up much of Robin Hood, a film filled with illogical yet entertaining moments that work purely as time-pass comedy.

However, a movie cannot rely on comedy alone. Robin Hood stumbles when it shifts gears towards its main plot. The film follows a tried-and-tested template of a ruthless villain, a heroine caught in his web, and a hero stepping in as her savior. Once the story moves to the villain's village, the narrative loses momentum. The 'ganja' business subplot lacks intrigue, and the villain’s gang, while visually stylized as scary figures, fails to add depth by being silly. The second half struggles to maintain engagement, with predictable hero-villain confrontations that never truly raise the stakes.

Despite its flaws, Robin Hood keeps things afloat with well-placed humor. Rajendra Prasad and Vennela Kishore provide much-needed comic relief, and the peppy Adida Surprise song featuring Kethika Sharma adds youthful energy. The surprise cameo by cricketer David Warner in the climax adds an unexpected twist but it's explosion is limited. Ultimately, Robin Hood works best as a lighthearted entertainer that doesn’t demand much from the audience. In case if you’re in for comedy, it’s worth a watch. But if you’re looking for something more, you might be disappointed.

Performances:

Nithiin slips effortlessly into the role of Robin Hood, bringing his signature charm and ease to the character. Despite the years, he maintains his youthful appeal and delivers a composed performance without overdoing it. Sreeleela, on the other hand, shines in the glamour department and brings decent comedic timing to her role like how those 'unintelligent' heroines of Trivikram always entertain.

Dev Dutta looks menacing as the antagonist, but his performance sticks to the conventional ‘evil villain’ mold without adding much depth. Malayalam actor Lal, however, makes a solid impression in his crucial role. Comedy veterans Vennela Kishore and Rajendra Prasad ensure there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, providing much-needed relief in an otherwise predictable narrative.

A special mention goes to cricketer David Warner’s cameo, which adds a fun surprise for fans. As for the rest of the cast, they do a decent job but without making a lasting impact. While Robin Hood may not boast groundbreaking performances, its mix of humor and familiar faces keeps things engaging.

Technicians:

On the technical front, Robin Hood scores well, delivering a visually appealing and musically engaging experience. GV Prakash Kumar does a good job with an impressive soundtrack, though only a few songs truly stand out. However, his background score kept the energy alive. Sai Sriram’s cinematography adds vibrance, making every frame colorful and rich. The production values remain uncompromised, ensuring a polished look for the film.

Director Venky Kudumula, known for his witty comedic writing, once again delivers with those one-liners and well-timed humor, but in pursuit of laughs, the storytelling takes a backseat. Unlike Chalo and Bheeshma, where he balanced comedy with engaging narratives, Robin Hood lacks a compelling storyline.

While the film entertains in parts, a stronger script with tight screenplay would have elevated it to a much higher level. Venky manages to keep things light and fun, but this time, the impact doesn’t replicate his previous successes.

Verdict: Robin Hood – Comedy Clicks; Story Slips

Rating- 2.5/5