Raja Vikramarka is a 2021 Telugu-language action thriller directed by Sri Saripalli. Featuring Kartikeya Gummakonda in the lead role, the film aimed to offer an engaging spy thriller filled with action, suspense, and romance. The movie was released amid decent expectations, primarily due to Kartikeya’s rising popularity after his notable performances in films like RX 100 and Guna 369.
The film was produced by 88 Pictures and Sree Chitra Movie Makers, with high production values and a gripping storyline. However, did Raja Vikramarka succeed in capturing the audience’s attention and delivering an impactful thriller? Let’s analyze the film’s storyline, performances, IMDb rating, budget, and box office performance in this honest review.
Raja Vikramarka – Storyline & Plot Analysis
The movie revolves around Raja Vikramarka (played by Kartikeya Gummakonda), an NIA (National Investigation Agency) officer who is assigned a high-profile mission. His task is to protect the Home Minister (played by Sai Kumar) from a potential terrorist attack. However, things take an unexpected turn when Vikramarka falls in love with the Home Minister’s daughter, Kanthi (played by Tanya Ravichandran).
As the film progresses, Raja Vikramarka’s personal and professional lives collide, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between the hero and the antagonists. The film combines romance, action, and suspense, making it an engaging but slightly predictable narrative.
The first half is filled with lighthearted moments, humor, and romance, while the second half takes a darker turn, focusing on espionage, intense action sequences, and gripping suspense. The twist-filled climax attempts to add depth to the plot, but some elements feel rushed.
While the action sequences are well-executed, the romantic subplot feels forced, making certain parts of the screenplay less engaging.
Raja Vikramarka Cast & Performances
Lead Cast
- Kartikeya Gummakonda as Raja Vikramarka – Kartikeya delivers a solid performance, showcasing his ability to handle both action and emotional scenes. His physical transformation and intense screen presence make him a convincing action hero.
- Tanya Ravichandran as Kanthi – Tanya plays the Home Minister’s daughter but doesn’t have much scope to perform. While she looks elegant on screen, her character is underdeveloped.
Supporting Cast
- Sai Kumar as the Home Minister – A veteran actor, Sai Kumar delivers a powerful performance, adding depth to the film.
- Pasupathy as the Antagonist – Pasupathy plays the main villain, but his character lacks strong development, making the conflict feel predictable.
- Harsha Vardhan and Tanikella Bharani – Both actors provide comic relief and emotional weight, balancing the film’s intense moments.
- Sudhakar Komakula – Plays a key role in adding suspense and intrigue.
Overall, Kartikeya carries the film with his charismatic screen presence, but the supporting characters could have been written with more depth and complexity.
Direction, Screenplay, and Cinematography
Direction
Sri Saripalli’s direction is stylish and engaging, but the film struggles with pacing and depth. While the action sequences are well-choreographed, the film lacks emotional connectivity, making it feel superficial at times.
Screenplay
The screenplay follows a predictable spy-thriller template, with twists and action sequences. The first half is lighthearted, while the second half focuses on suspense and thrills. However, certain plot points feel rushed, leaving loose ends in character development.
Cinematography
Cinematographer P.C. Sreeram elevates the film’s visuals with stunning action sequences and sleek cinematography. The action choreography and chase sequences are well-shot, giving the film a stylish, high-budget look.
Music and Background Score
Music
The film’s music, composed by Prashanth R Vihari, includes decent songs, though they don’t stand out.
Notable Songs
- “Naa Roja Nuvve” – A romantic melody that fits well with the love track.
- “Gola Gola” – A peppy number that adds energy to the film.
Background Score
The background score plays a crucial role in elevating the tension in action sequences. Prashanth R Vihari’s score enhances the suspense and thrill, making the film’s key moments more impactful.
Budget & Box Office Performance
Budget
The estimated budget for Raja Vikramarka was around ₹8-10 crore, considering its high production values, action sequences, and marketing expenses.
Box Office Collection
Despite moderate expectations, the film struggled at the box office, earning below-average collections.
Box Office Breakdown
- Opening Day Collection: ₹1.5 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹5 crore
- Lifetime Gross (India): ₹7-8 crore
- Overseas Collection: ₹1 crore
- Total Worldwide Collection: ₹8-9 crore (approx.)
The film failed to recover its production costs in theaters but managed to gain better traction on OTT platforms.
OTT Release and Digital Reception
After its theatrical run, Raja Vikramarka was released on ZEE5, where it performed better among digital audiences. The OTT platform helped the film reach a wider audience, particularly action and thriller lovers.
On streaming platforms, Raja Vikramarka was better received, with viewers appreciating its slick action and cinematography without the pressure of theatrical expectations.
Conclusion
Raja Vikramarka had the potential to be a gripping spy thriller, but its predictable screenplay and underwhelming supporting characters held it back. While Kartikeya shines as the lead, the film fails to deliver a unique cinematic experience.