Annapurna Studios, S.S. Creations and Suniel Narang Production’s Dacoit Ek Prem Katha (UA) is a violent love story. Hari (Adivi Sesh) loves Saraswati (Mrunal Thakur) but the latter’s brother is against the relationship. To ensure that Saraswati doesn’t marry Hari, her brother mercilessly beats up Hari and physically tortures the landlady in whose house Hari stays. However, Hari is accused of killing Saraswati’s brother and is jailed. In fact, Saraswati herself tells the police that Hari had murdered her brother. After spending some years in prison, Hari escapes with a mission to seek revenge. Meanwhile, Saraswati is now married and has a school-going daughter. Her husband is currently in hospital in post-COVID times. There is also talk of a heart transplant.
Is Hari able to seek revenge against Saraswati? If so, how does he teach her a lesson? If not, why isn’t he able to avenge the wrongs done by Saraswati? Why did Saraswati accuse Hari of killing her brother? Did she not know that Hari was the wronged man, not her brother? Why did Hari’s landlady not come to Hari’s rescue when he was accused of cold-blooded murder? Who is Saraswati’s husband? Who needs a heart transplant?
Shaneil Deo and Adivi Sesh have written a long-drawn story which has very few good points but is otherwise boring. The duo’s screenplay, with additional screenplay by Karthikeya, is so lengthy and so long-winding that it tests the audience’s patience. Oftentimes, simple things are explained in such a round-and-about manner that the viewers wonder why such an unusual way has been adopted to tell simple details. The screenplay also has glaring defects and flaws. For instance, in one scene, Hari tells his friend, Ishaq (Atul Kulkarni), that he couldn’t seek revenge against Saraswati because he had loved her. But the audience knows that he couldn’t seek revenge because he realises at the last minute that Saraswati wants to save him from the pack of villains. This dishonest explanation by Hari to Ishaq makes the viewers wonder why the writers had to resort to such incorrect explanations to further the drama. The track of the wrong-doings of the hospital has not been woven convincingly into the main love story. The track of the investigating police officer, inspector Swamy (Anurag Kashyap), is also weak. All in all, the drama bores more than it entertains. Yash Eshwari’s dialogues are ordinary at most of the places.
Adivi Sesh does a fair job as Hari. He delivers a reasonable performance but not a standout one, which is what was needed. Mrunal Thakur shines in dramatic, melodramatic and emotional scenes. Anurag Kashyap is alright as the investigating police officer. In some scenes, his expressions look like those of a villain rather than a police inspector. Prakash Raj provides ordinary support in the role of Solomon Reddy. Sunil makes his mark as police inspector Prasad. Atul Kulkarni makes his presence felt as Ishaq. Zayn Marie Khan is good as Swamy’s deputy, Janaki. Kamakshi Bhaskarla is effective in the role of Hari’s landlady, Malli. Vaibhav Tatwawadi makes his presence felt as Bhaskar. Pawan Singh and Jonita Gandhi are impressive in an item song-dance. Others lend the necessary support.
Shaneil Deo’s direction is not up to the mark. His narration is unable to hold the audience’s attention. Bheems Ceciroleo’s music is melodious but the absence of hit and super-hit songs is felt. Lyrics (by Ritesh Rajwada and Vayu Srivastava) are appropriate. Vijay Polaki Master’s choreography is eye-filling. Gyaani’s background music, with additional background music by S. Anant Srikar, is so-so. Danush Bhaskar’s cinematography is nice. Action scenes (by A. Vijay, Maibam Manikanta, Rabin Subbu, King Solomon, Jeevan Botimala and Naba) are thrilling and exciting. Sri Nagendra Tangala’s production designing, and Bhargava Noundla’s art direction are of a fairly good standard. Kodati Pavan Kalyan’s editing leaves a lot to be desired.
On the whole, Dacoit Ek Prem Katha is a below-average fare. It is too lengthy and boring and will, therefore, flop at the ticket windows.
Released on 10-4-’26 at Inox (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Inox Pictures. Publicity: so-so. Opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak almost everywhere.