Sugriva Movie Review
Movie: Sugriva
Release Date: 24 April 2026
CBFC Rating: UA
Runtime: 1h 35m
Cast: Balu Charan, Kajal Tiwari, Sai Krupa, Suman Shetty, Rx100 Karan Vijai, Gagana Geethika, Alpuri Sunil, Vamshi Kodali
Editor: Bobby Kadali
Cinematographer: Lucky Ekari
Music: Ajay Patnaik, Vijay Kurakula
Producer: Mekala Pawankumar
Writer, Director: Nartu Chiranjeevi
Sugriva isn’t your regular gangster drama. Director Cheranjevi Nartu takes a mythological echo and plants it in a contemporary, emotionally charged setting. Starring Balu Charan and Kajal.Tiwari Sugriva hit the screens on April 24.
Plot
Balu is a man content with small joys, a peaceful home, a loving wife Prasanthi, and his little daughter Akshara. Their world is warm, simple, and untouched by chaos. That calm shatters when Akshara meets with a tragic accident and needs an urgent surgery worth 50 lakhs. For a common man, the amount is impossible. With time running out, Balu is forced into the violent, unforgiving lanes of the mafia. What follows is his transformation from an idealistic family man to a man who uses both brawn and brain to survive the underworld.
Performances
Balu Charan is the soul of Sugriva, and he carries the film with remarkable conviction. His transition from a soft-spoken, doting father to a cold, calculated force in the mafia is seamless and believable. It’s a physically demanding and emotionally layered performance that anchors the film.
Kajal Tiwari as Prasanthi brings grace and maturity. She avoids melodrama and plays the character with dignity, especially in moments of sacrifice that could have easily gone overboard. Her chemistry with Charan feels authentic, making the family portions resonate. Karan Vijay is terrific as the antagonist. Suman Shetty, in a well-written supporting role, becomes the emotional bridge in Balu’s journey, adding warmth and narrative momentum. The ensemble of mafia figures, from lieutenants to kingpins, creates a palpable sense of threat. Each actor, even in brief roles, contributes to the film’s dangerous, immersive world.
Highlights
Balu Charan
Gripping Narrative
Intense Background
Emotional Depth
Drawbacks
Average Songs
Predictable Beats
Analysis
The first half of Sugriva is built on contrast and it works beautifully. The non-linear narrative then takes us to Balu’s past, a serene resort, philosophical conversations, and a man who believes love should transcend physicality. These sequences are calm, almost meditative, and they set up the stakes. When the accident occurs, the shift is jarring in the best way. The second half plunges into the underworld, and the pace tightens. The screenplay smartly uses flashbacks not for style, but to explain Balu’s moral code and why his fall hurts so much. The gangster portions are intense, yet the emotional core never gets lost. Prasanthi’s sacrifice adds depth.
Technically, Sugriva is decent. Lucky Ekari’s cinematography deserves special mention. Ajey Patnaik’s background score is a major asset. Bobby Kadali’s editing keeps the non-linear structure crisp, ensuring the film never feels disjointed. While the songs by Vijay Kurakula and Navanith Chari are functional. Director Cheranjevi Nartu shows strong command over tone, balancing mass action with emotional drama and philosophical undertones. Sugriva isn’t flawless, but it’s heartfelt, well-crafted, and impactful. It’s a gripping tale of a father’s love, powered by a standout lead performance and solid storytelling.
Rating: 2.5/5
Bottom-line: A Father’s Relentless Fight Wrapped in Grit and Grace
