Movie Name: Dhandoraa
Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Shivaji, Navdeep, Nandu, Bindu Madhavi, and Others
Director: Murali Kanth Devasoth
Produced By: Ravindra Benerjee Muppaneni
Release Date: 25th December 2025
Small Film Dhandoraa caught everyone’s attention with its intriguing trailer, and it also unexpectedly got involved in a controversy because of actor Shivaji’s statements at the pre-release event. Now, let us check how the film has come out in the following review.
Story:
Dhandoraa revolves around Shivaji, a farmer from an upper caste who is deeply obsessed with caste pride. His beliefs strongly affect the lives of his two children. What finally makes him realize his mistake forms the heart of the story.
Performances:
Shivaji delivers an excellent performance. Though his character begins in a one-dimensional manner, it goes through a strong transformation as the film progresses. He handles this journey perfectly without overdoing it.
Nandu gets a powerful role after a long gap and performs very well. Navdeep does justice to his part, while Ravi Krishna and Manika appear natural in their roles. Mounika Reddy, Bindu Madhavi, Aditi Bhavaraju, and the rest of the cast are well-suited to their characters.
Analysis:
Director Murali Kanth sets the story in Medak, during the period of united Andhra Pradesh, starting in 2004 and moving up to 2019. He clearly portrays how the caste system functioned in village life during these years. Against the backdrop of love and caste discrimination, he presents a simple story and develops it effectively through well-written characters.
Every character in the film is given enough importance. Not only the main leads, but even the supporting characters are closely tied to the core emotion of the story. Connecting each character to Shivaji’s journey feels balanced and thoughtfully handled.
After an engaging beginning, the first half settles into a routine mode with regular love and comedy scenes. But a major turning point near the interval changes the entire tone of the film. The second half features several powerful and impactful scenes with strong dialogues.
The court scene and the episodes involving the caste leaders and Nandu stand out. Although the climax feels slightly convenient, it provides a proper conclusion to the story.
Positives:
- Intriguing Story
- Performances
- Second Half
Negatives:
- Predictable Moments
- A Few Rushed Scenes
Dhandoraa Review and Verdict:
Overall, Dhandoraa is a sincere film that addresses caste discrimination and social inequality. While the first half feels average, the second half delivers strong emotions, better character arcs, and a satisfying ending. Despite a few weaker moments, the film remains engaging.