Dharmasthala Niyojakavargam Movie Review
Movie: Dharmasthala Niyojakavargam
Release Date: 05 September 2026
CBFC Rating: UA
Runtime: 2h 6m
Cast: Suman Talwar, Sai Kumar, Nataraj, Vithika Sheru, Rajeev Kanakala, Kasthuri Shankar, Varun Sandesh, Shafi, Raja Ravindra, Nataraj, Rayancha, Prudhviraj
Editor: Sai Babu Talari
Lyricist: Chandra Bose
Action Director: Nandu Master
Art Director: Bhargava Chary Noundla
Music Director: Mahavir Yellandar
Cinematographer: Venkatahanuma K Narisetti
Producer: Merum Bhaskar
Story, Screenplay, Direction: Jai Gnana Prabha Thota
Dharmasthala Niyojakavargam has been in the news for all the right reasons. The film grabbed attention when Oscar winning lyricist Chandrabose himself stated that his lyrics for this film are on par with Rangasthalam and he has been constantly supporting the team, indicating there is strong substance in it. Produced by Merum Bhaskar under Moving Dreams India Pvt Ltd banner with a huge ensemble, the film created solid buzz with its promotions, songs and powerful trailer. Jai Gnana Prabha Directed this film with strong cast. Senior actress Kasthuri playing a villain role for the first time. With a cast including Sai Kumar, Suman, Varun Sandesh, Vithika Sheru and others, the film released on 04-09-2026 with good buzz.
Plot
In Dharmasthala constituency, Bairaaj (Sai Kumar) has been winning unopposed for 7 consecutive years without doing anything for the people. But on his 8th attempt, just like how Lord Krishna, the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva, ended Kamsa, he faces a shocking defeat at the hands of Eshwaraiah, a simple tea shop owner played by Suman.
Why does a tea seller decide to enter politics? What is the reason behind the death of Badri (Nataraj) ? What is college lecturer Arundhati (Vithika Sheru) fighting for? The film answers these questions while blending today’s college education system, the drug menace destroying students’ futures, and how politicians go to any extent for money. It is a story of one constituency but speaks for the entire nation.
Performances
The film is powered by terrific performances across the board. Sai Kumar and Suman deliver a brilliant face off. Sai Kumar as Bairaaj is ferocious, every time he appears, he dominates with powerful dialogues and commanding screen presence. He makes you hate his political arrogance.
Suman as Eshwaraiah is the soul of the film and once again proves his versatility. With subtle emotions, dignity and quiet strength, he portrays the common man’s fight brilliantly. It is a mature and heart touching performance.
Vithika Sheru gets a role with great importance and she delivers. As lecturer Arundhati, who fights for society and students’ future, she connects instantly. Her conviction and emotional depth make her character the moral compass of the film.
Nataraj, son of talented actor Satya Prakash, makes an impressive Telugu debut as Badri. Despite being his first film, he performs like an experienced actor and the twist on him in the first half creates huge interest for the second half. Rayancha Kokkura as his girlfriend looks gorgeous in every frame and brings freshness.
Varun Sandesh as Arun is heartwarming and sincere. Kasthuri in a first time villain role does full justice to her character displaying bold, cunning and impactful nuances. Rajeev Kanakala, Shiva, Raja Ravindra, Shafi, Kalakeya Prabhakar and Prithvi all fit perfectly and contribute effectively.
Highlights
Electrifying Performance
Direction
Cinematography
BGM, Music
Socially Relevant Theme
Drawbacks
Slight Liberties
Limited Scope
Analysis
The first half of the film is engaging and sets up the world of Dharmasthala beautifully. Director Jai Gnana Prabha Thota introduces the unopposed MLA’s arrogance, the innocence of Eshwaraiah, and the college backdrop with clarity. The reason behind Eshwaraiah’s political entry and the twist involving Nataraj is handled with strong emotional depth, raising curiosity. The second half shifts gears to become more intense and message oriented. The fight of Vithika Sheru, the political games of Kasthuri, and Varun Sandesh’s purposeful track are woven together smartly. The director never loses focus on his two core targets, the education system and political corruption.
On the technical front, the film is rich. Director Jai Gnana Prabha Thota deserves huge applause. For a debut film, choosing such a sensitive and bold subject is itself courageous. His screenplay does justice to both themes and he handles a galaxy of star actors with remarkable maturity. He also adds layers like the forces behind Bangladesh and Sri Lanka riots, showing his patriotism and awareness, without hurting anyone and using cinematic liberty wisely. Cameraman Venkat Hanuma is a huge pillar, his visuals are realistic and grand, capturing politics and campus life with equal authenticity. Music Director Mahaveer Ellandhar delivers an excellent album where songs travel with the story and drive it forward, and his background score elevates the drama. Aslam’s dialogues are sharp, Chandrabose’s lyrics have great depth, and art by Bhargavachari Noundla is apt. Producer Merum Bhaskar’s passion is visible, he could have made a youthful love story with this budget, but he chose to tell a message that society needs. Overall, Dharmasthala Niyojakavargam is a clean, meaningful film with no vulgarity that every student, parent and citizen must watch.
Rating: 3.25/5
Bottom-line: A Thought Provoking Political Drama With A Powerful Message
