Apr. 29, 2022|India|152 Min.|n/A
Genre: Action;Comedy;Drama;South;Indian
Description: “Acharya,” released in 2022, is an Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Koratala Siva. Produced by Konidela Production Company and Matinee Entertainment, the movie features Chiranjeevi in the lead role, alongside Ram Charan and Pooja Hegde. The soundtrack was composed by Mani Sharma, with cinematography handled by Tirru.
The film’s production began in October 2019, with principal photography starting in January 2020. However, delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was finally released on April 29, 2022, but received mostly negative reviews from critics. They highlighted the weak narrative and outdated screenplay as major flaws. Despite high expectations, the film turned out to be a commercial failure, grossing only ₹75.9 crore against a budget of ₹140 crore.
The story is set in the temple towns of Dharmasthali and Padaghattam, surrounded by the Siddhavanam forest. These towns are deeply connected through their devotion to the goddess Gattamma. Dharmasthali is under the oppressive rule of Basava, the local municipal chairman, who plans to hand over the lands of both towns to Rathod and his brother for mining purposes.
Padaghattam’s residents, known for their expertise in Ayurvedic medicine, begin to avoid Dharmasthali due to Basava’s tyranny. Enter Acharya, a naxal who arrives in Dharmasthali disguised as a carpenter. He takes it upon himself to fight against Basava’s atrocities and protect the villagers.
It is revealed that Acharya came to Dharmasthali to fulfill a promise made to his best friend, Siddha. He shares Siddha’s past and origins with the villagers. In the past, Siddha was a dedicated disciple of the local Gurukul and a staunch advocate for Dharma. He studied alongside Basava and other villagers.
Basava, in collusion with Rathod’s brother and his friend, devises a plan to destroy the Gattamma Temple under the guise of flooding caused by heavy rain, paving the way for mining operations. Siddha uncovers the plot and confronts the trio on the night they intend to carry out the destruction.
The film explores themes of resistance, justice, and the fight against tyranny, but its execution fell short of expectations.
Cast director: Koratala Siva
Cast actor: Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Pooja Hegde, Kishore, Jisshu Sengupta, Regina Cassandra, Mahesh Babu, Sonu Sood, Saurav Lokesh, Tanikella Bharani
Original name: ఆచార్య