terrible... so disappointed.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.

Gunashekhar's Rudhramadevi is one such film that desperately tries to be revered as one of Indian cinema's finest and most memorable mythical movies like Maya Bazaar, Pataala Bhairavi (NTR version), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and the recently hyped up Baahubali part 1. It wants to entertain and amaze while providing an engaging story line. Yes, we can see the hard work put forth into this feature and we are intrigued by the main character that is forced to shed her feminine identity and assume a role of a man in a domain ruled by manly men.However, the film does not nearly entertain us as much as we want, nor does the film provide us with spectacular moments of what Rudhramadevi was all about. Instead, it glosses over her conquests and her importance in history and focuses more on her conflicted identity as the female heir to the Kakitiya throne, her so-called rivalry with Gona Ganna Reddy (which may not be true from what I have read) and her love for Chalukya Veerabhadra (which is very weak). We are only given short glimpses narrated by Chiranjeevi of what she accomplished and nothing more, which is disappointing. Perhaps if Gunashekhar split it into 2 films: the first about Rudhramadevi and how she was able to conceal her feminine side from the public, and the second about her conquests, her rule and accomplishments, while stressing the main message that a woman can be equal to a man, this would be his magnum opus and he would be respected as one of the best storytellers in Indian Cinema.Visually, the film is unimpressive. Like Baahubali, it suffers from an overdose of numerous commercial aspects such as high flying stunts, horrid villainy, ostentatious animation and odious VFX that mar the narrative. Its main goal is to culminate into an enormous mind blowing battle sequence towards the end and even that doesn't register. One would be better off reading a comic book as the special effects look no better than a children's animation show.It pains me to say this, but Ilaiyaraja's music is a downer. Though some of his background score is nice, the Midas touch which produced such heartfelt and mind blowing melodies is not there. The songs are unnecessary and hinder the narrative.The dialogues feel as if they have been written in the wrong century. They sound phony and exaggerated. Many scenes are drawn out too long including some of the feminine ones and battle ones. There are too many events happening at once in the climax and the editing makes it excruciatingly worse.There are many worthless characters who do not contribute to the narrative. Most of the supporting characters are awful, especially the females who have nothing to do except look glamorous. The villains are ghastly especially Suman, a talented character actor who is given one of the worst roles of his career. Even a veteran like Krishnamraju is given a weak role as Ganapathydevaraya and cannot summon his acting abilities which were greatly evident during his stardom days. Rana is better in his quieter, love struck moments alongside his horse and convinces as the fierce, dependable Chalukya Veerabhadra, but the movie wastes his screen time by not showing his valor on the battlefield. His chemistry with Anushka is flimsy.Yet, the story and screenplay kept me interested and gets better during the second half when the true identity of Rudramadevi is revealed. And Anushka is the only actress worthy enough to essay the character with a strong performance which will be remembered as one of her most memorable roles. She brilliantly alternates between the tough as nails, sword yielding prince and the vulnerable, but ravishing princess. She does not falter and lets her actions do the talking. Allu Arjun pretty much lives the role of Gona Ganna Reddy. His Telangana accent, poker faced approach and captivating presence successfully shifts the attention from Anushka to himself and he does not let his hero image get in the way of some of the finest acting he has done in his career. Prakash Raj is wonderful as Minister Shivadevaiah and his dialogue delivery is delightful. Nithya Menon is irresistible as the happy go lucky Muktamba and provides great comic relief. Her enchanting eyes and charming character speak volumes and it's impossible not to pay attention to her.History may not be kind to Rudhramadevi because of the many flaws mentioned and it is certainly over-hyped due to its comparison to Baahubali part 1 and its burning desire to be remembered as one of the best Indian mythological films of all time. Don't expect a major history lesson or first-class entertainment as it provides neither. But do watch it for the story line and the fine performances by Anushka, Allu, Prakash Raj and Nithya.6.5 out of 10.

Rudramadevi is a must watch film and an inspiration to all youth especially women.There might be minor pitfalls which can be excused..It proved the forbidden energy and power of women through history..!!The two angles of a person as both male and female very well screened and it is amazing to know that somebody really experienced this in real life. Anushka, Rana, Allu Arjun and Prakash Raj and all other artists did well. Everyone should encourage these kind of movies. It is not about how grand are the VFX however how grand the history presented. Also music is great and It is admirable to watch ancient temples and waterfalls which added more grace to the movie.Jayaho Rudramadevi.!

though Anushka Shetty Allu Arjun Rana Daggubati is in star cast and maestro Illaiyaraja compose the music yet Rudhramadevi is a mediocre cinema .. total waste of time and money...... script is not compact , special effects are very ordinary , direction is messy .. little bit lengthy .. started watching this movie with great exceptions ,, but the movie not only get rid to full fill that but also very irritating .. Marco Polo concept is utter nonsense.. fight scenes are cartoon .. Allu Arjun under used ar Rana is also under used .. but there are some pros also Prakash Raj acted very natural and Anushka also acted very nice .. music is good ..

I did go to the movie with negative reviews from people. However, I ended up loving the movie. It was so great to watch the movie, couldn't believe she was that great. Lot better than other Telugu mass masala movies. Couldn't stop appreciating the bravery , wisdom of Rudramadevi. Only negative is graphics but I can understand that good graphics and good number of human beings instead of graphics will be a 100 cr budget and way too risky. I wish I saw in 3D.Worth watch for every Telugu person Andra or Telangana. Thanks for the director for bringing a subject like this in front of audience. Don't expect like Baahubali - you can never compare any movie now or in the future.Just watch and be proud.