Hi friends! The Sankranti season has begun in full swing, as part of which let's talk today about the trailer of 'Daku Maharaj', which was grandly released on January 5, 2025. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead role, directed by Bobby Kolli, and produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banner of Sitara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, this action drama thriller was released in theaters on January 12, 2025 on the occasion of Sankranti.
Along with Balayya, the film also stars Bobby Deol, Shraddha Srinath, Pragya Jaiswal, Urvashi Rautela, Chandni Chaudhary, Ravi Kishan, Sachin Khedekar, Shine Tom Chacko and others, and was made on a budget of around 140 crores with Vijay Karthik Kannan's cinematography, Thaman S's music, and Niranjan Devaramani's editing. The trailer, which was released with a length of 2 minutes and 43 seconds, shook social media with 12 million views and 200K+ likes in 24 hours. How is this trailer? How did Balayya's mass energy and Bobby Deol's villainy work out? Come on, let's get into the details
About the trailer in a nutshell:
The trailer of 'Daku Maharaj' is a Sankranthi blockbuster with Balayya's signature mass elements, Bobby's stylish direction, Thaman's fiery BGM, and promises to be an emotional action drama!
What does the trailer say?
This 2-minute and 43-second trailer revolves around the riveting journey of Sitaram (Balakrishna), a civil engineer who starts out as Daku Maharaj. The trailer opens with a blazing fire sequence in the forest, an intense action scene where Balayya sustains 16 stab wounds and even kills enemies with a single gunshot, giving goosebumps. Balayya clashes with the Trimurthulu Naidu gang on a mission to save a child named Baby Vaishnavi (child actor). A gangster named Balwant Thakur (Bobby Deol) appears as the villain, tormenting the local people. Shraddha Srinath will be seen as Nandini, Pragya Jaiswal as Kaveri, and Urvashi Rautela as an SI in key roles. “Someone can do masters in reading, but I did it in killing... I do masters in murders!” Balayya's dialogue, "Hum ko dushman kam, jaan denewale fans jada hai" will blow whistles in the punch theatre. Thaman's BGM, 'Dabidi Dibidi' song bit, Adivasi fight scenes, Rayalaseema references make the trailer a mass elevation feast.
Trailer Highlights:
Balayya's mass screen presence: Balakrishna impresses with his signature mass energy in dual roles of Seetharam and Daku Maharaj. The Adivasi fight scene, "Masters in Murders" dialogue, axe action sequence are guaranteed to give Balayya fans goosebumps. Rayalaseema references remind him of his 'Samarasimha Reddy', 'Narasimha Naidu' vibe.
Bobby Deol Villainism: Bobby Deol impresses with his ‘animal’ style of villainy as Balwant Thakur. His entry, “Chup” gesture, confrontation scenes with Balayya are the highlight of the trailer.
Bobby’s Stylish Direction: Bobby Kolli, after ‘Walter Veeraiah’, brings a Hollywood vibe with stylish action and visual grandeur in this film. Jungle scenes, interval block, axe fights show his technical brilliance.
Thaman BGM, Visuals: Thaman’s background score is fiery in the elevation scenes, especially in the interval block, which gives goosebumps. Vijay Karthik Kannan’s cinematography has captured the Chambal, Andhra Pradesh, and jungle locations in a stunning manner.
Emotional Connect: Balayya's bond with Baby Vaishnavi, Shraddha Srinath's emotional scenes, Pragya Jaiswal's role as Kaveri give the trailer an emotional touch that will appeal to the family audience.
What's missing in the trailer:
Story Depth: Although the trailer focuses on action, dialogues, and visuals, it does not clarify the twists or depth in the story. The reason for Sitaram becoming a Daku Maharaj is unclear.
Urvashi Rautela's role: Urvashi's role as an SI is not highlighted much in the trailer, she appears with limited screen time. Some people commented in the ex-posts that her role felt unnecessary.
Song Impact: Although the song 'Dabidi Dibidi' gives a vibe in the trailer, the lack of other songs, and the mixed response to this song (some people felt like they cringe) were disappointing.
Social Media Response:
The trailer garnered 12 million views and 200K likes within 24 hours of its release, and was showered with praises on X platform, saying “Balaiah Blockbuster Loading” and “Taman BGM Fire”. @Telugu360 highlighted “Masters in Murders dialogue, Adivasi fight scene are awesome”. @M9News_ praised the trailer as “Refreshing cut without loudness, Jailor DOP vibe”. However, some criticized it saying “Teaser is bland, trailer is okay but story is routine”. On Reddit, the trailer received positive comments, saying “A real mass masala film, interval black goosebumps”. Overall, the trailer has created huge expectations among Balayya fans and mass action lovers.
How did the trailer work out?
The trailer of ‘Daku Maharaj’ looks like a surefire mass entertainer with Balakrishna’s mass avatar, Bobby Kolli’s stylish direction, and Thaman’s fiery BGM. The film is strong with wild fight scenes, interval block, Bobby Deol’s villainy, and Shraddha Srinath’s emotional touch. Vijay Karthik Kannan’s visuals and Rayalaseema vibe have elevated the trailer. However, it remains to be seen how the novelty in the story, the impact of the songs, and the roles of the supporting characters (Urvashi, Shine Tom Chacko) will work out in the film. This trailer has made its mark in the Sankranthi clash with ‘Game Changer’ and ‘Sankranthikee Yaaaynam’. This film, which will be streaming on Netflix from February 21, 2025, can be enjoyed more with the theater vibe.
Final Word:
The trailer of ‘Daku Maharaj’ is giving hints of setting the Sankranthi box office ablaze with Balakrishna’s screen presence, Bobby’s stylish action, Thaman’s BGM, and emotional drama. The wild fight, “Masters in Murders” dialogue, and interval bang are a feast for the mass audience. However, it is interesting to see how the story seems routine and some songs are soso. For Balayya fans and mass action thriller lovers, this trailer is a whistle-blowing experience in the theater. This film, which is released in theaters on January 12, 2025, has the potential to be a Sankranthi winner!
Recommendation: Those who like Balakrishna’s mass avatar, stylish action sequences, and emotional drama should not miss this trailer. Family audiences beware as there is some violence and mass dialogues. Get ready to enjoy the movie in the theater with friends!