Bheemla Nayak preview: All you need to know about Pawan Kalyan, Rana Daggubati's action entertainer

After a lot of delays, debate, confusion over its release timing in the last few months, Bheemla Nayak is finally hitting theatres across the globe on February 25. The film directed by Saagar K Chandra commenced its filming in January 2021 and was wrapped only a few days ago. Starring Pawan Kalyan, Samyuktha Menon, Rana Daggubati, Nithya Menen and Samuthirakani in the lead, this Telugu remake of Ayyappanum Koshiyum has screenplay and dialogues by noted filmmaker Trivikram.

What's the story of Bheemla Nayak?

Bheemla Nayak is a story revolving around the ego clashes between a suspended cop (the title character played by Pawan Kalyan) and Daniel Shekar (Rana Daggubati), a rich spoilt brat with a political background. In the border region between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Daniel Shekar is caught for illegal possession of liquor beyond permissible limits, gets into a petty fight with cops and creates a ruckus. His ego gets the better of him at the police station where he uses all his influence to suspend Bheemla Nayak. 

Daniel Shekar doesn't know of Bheemla Nayak's dark past and how his position was just a ploy to tame him and not let him go rogue. A matter that could've been conveniently solved in a brief discussion gets complicated and messy over time owing to the giant-sized egos of both the men. The battle gets worse when their families, i.e. Daniel Shekar's father, Bheemla Nayak's wife, are unexpectedly involved in this battle between the men that should've been strictly personal. Is there any room for compromise? Can these wild bulls be tamed after all? Watch Bheemla Nayak to know more.

Is Bheemla Nayak inspired by Ayyappanum Koshiyum?

The action entertainer is the official remake of the Malayalam hit that starred Biju Menon, Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles, directed by Sachy. While Pawan Kalyan steps into the shoes of Biju Menon's role of Ayyappan Nair, his counterpart Rana Daggubati is cast in the role that was originally played by Prithviraj. 

Though the film is more or less loyal to the essence of the original, distinct changes have been made in the police officer's character and the second half of the original to suit the tastes of Telugu audiences. Trivikram has penned a completely different screenplay for Bheemla Nayak where the title character is more heroic and larger than life.  

If Ayyappanum Koshiyum is considered a realistic portrayal of two men from different socio-economic backgrounds pitted against one another, Bheemla Nayak is set in a massier terrain with little scope for subtlety or nuance. Several songs have been added into the film to lend it a more mainstream appeal and the music by S Thaman for Bheemla Nayak has contributed to the buzz among audiences.

Why should you watch Bheemla Nayak?

Besides the fact that it is a remake of a critically acclaimed film like Ayyappanum Koshiyum, the main asset of Bheemla Nayak is its fantastic team. In terms of casting, it features actors who're best in the business, including Pawan Kalyan, Nithya Menen, Rana Daggubati, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma and Samuthirakani. 

The memory of Pawan Kalyan playing a cop in Gabbar Singh is still very much fresh in the minds of audiences and the arrogant, no holds barred characterisation of Bheemla Nayak is a good reason for crowds to be excited about it. Rana Daggubati gets another scope to prove his versatility as a performer in a role with several grey shades and the promos offer great promise.

Saagar K Chandra, who had impressed with Ayyare and Appatlo Okadundevaadu, has always shown promise as a storyteller and it'll be interesting to see how he handles a remake. The music of S Thaman is the lifeline of the film and has created a lot of hype before the release. Trivikram's screenplay, dialogues are expected to be other major factors to convince audiences to watch Bheemla Nayak. 

One also can't wait to see the class that Ravi K Chandran's cinematography lends to the result. The presence of art director AS Prakash, editor Navin Nooli is certain to give a technical edge to the film.

Who is the producer of Bheemla Nayak?

Sithara Entertainments, a banner known for its good quality dramas and comedies in the past, is probably making its first full-fledged mass film with Bheemla Nayak. The banner has also recently tasted success with the crime comedy, DJ Tillu, starring Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Neha Shetty?

When will Bheemla Nayak release on OTT?

Bheemla Nayak will stream on Disney+ Hotstar only after 4-8 weeks of its theatrical release, most likely in April or early May.