Introduction
Ramarao on Duty is a 2022 Telugu-language action thriller directed by Sarath Mandava and starring Ravi Teja in the lead role. The film, inspired by real-life events, aimed to deliver an intense, gripping narrative centered around a government officer’s fight against corruption and injustice. With Ravi Teja’s mass appeal and the promise of a hard-hitting story, expectations were high. However, did Ramarao on Duty succeed in leaving a lasting impact on audiences? In this review, we analyze the storyline, performances, technical aspects, IMDb rating, budget, and box office performance of the film.
Storyline & Honest Review
The film follows B. Ramarao (played by Ravi Teja), a determined and upright Deputy Collector who takes his job seriously and fights for justice. Set in the 1990s, the film revolves around the mysterious disappearances of several people in a village, leading Ramarao to uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy involving corruption, power, and illegal activities. As he digs deeper, he finds himself up against dangerous forces who will do anything to maintain their control. The film showcases Ramarao’s relentless pursuit of justice as he takes on criminals, politicians, and corrupt officials.
While the film’s premise is intriguing, its execution fails to deliver the intensity expected from a gripping action thriller. The first half sets up the story well, creating curiosity about the mystery surrounding the missing people. However, as the film progresses, the screenplay loses momentum due to slow pacing and a lack of engaging moments. The narrative lacks the punch required for an edge-of-the-seat thriller, making certain portions feel predictable and stretched.
The dialogues are decent, but they do not add much impact to key moments. The film attempts to blend action, drama, and investigative elements, but the transitions are not seamless, making the storytelling inconsistent. While the action sequences are well-shot, they lack freshness, following a formulaic approach seen in many commercial films.
One of the film’s strengths is its cinematography. Sathyan Sooryan captures the rustic backdrop effectively, adding a gritty feel to the narrative. The background score by Sam C.S. elevates certain scenes, but the overall impact is weakened by the underwhelming screenplay. The film had potential, but its predictable execution prevents it from being a compelling watch.
Cast & Performances
Ravi Teja delivers a commendable performance as Ramarao, bringing his signature energy and intensity to the role. His screen presence is strong, and he effortlessly portrays the righteous government officer. However, the weak script does not give him enough scope to fully showcase his acting prowess. While he excels in action sequences, his character lacks depth, making it difficult for the audience to connect emotionally.
Divyansha Kaushik and Rajisha Vijayan play the female leads but have limited roles in the story. Their characters do not contribute significantly to the narrative, reducing them to supporting roles rather than integral parts of the plot. Their performances are decent, but the screenplay does not give them enough scope to leave an impact.
Venu Thottempudi makes a return to the big screen with this film, playing a crucial supporting role. His performance is notable, but his character arc could have been developed further. Nassar, Tanikella Bharani, and Pavitra Lokesh play supporting roles and deliver solid performances, but their screen time is limited.
The villain, played by Tottempudi, has an interesting character setup, but the film fails to create a powerful antagonist. The conflict between the hero and the villain lacks the gripping intensity needed for a high-stakes thriller. The performances are overall decent, but they are let down by weak character development.
IMDb Rating & Audience Reception
Ramarao on Duty received mixed to negative reviews from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, the film holds an average rating, reflecting the underwhelming response from viewers. While some appreciated Ravi Teja’s performance and the film’s attempt at an investigative thriller, many criticized its weak screenplay and lack of gripping moments.
Critics pointed out that the film failed to fully utilize its strong premise. The slow pacing, lack of emotional depth, and underdeveloped antagonist were highlighted as major drawbacks. Audiences looking for a high-energy action film were left disappointed by the film’s lack of engaging sequences. Despite Ravi Teja’s strong presence, the film did not manage to sustain interest throughout its runtime.
Budget & Box Office Success
Ramarao on Duty was made on a moderate budget, with strong production values and a well-crafted action setup. Given Ravi Teja’s fan base and the film’s intriguing premise, it was expected to perform well at the box office. However, the film struggled to attract audiences after the initial release.
The film had a decent opening due to Ravi Teja’s popularity, but its collections dropped significantly after mixed reviews and word-of-mouth. Despite decent action sequences and production quality, the film’s weak storytelling prevented it from sustaining momentum at the box office. It managed to recover part of its budget but failed to emerge as a commercial success.
Final Verdict
Overall, Ramarao on Duty is an action thriller that had the potential to be a gripping investigative drama but falls short due to its weak screenplay and inconsistent execution. While Ravi Teja delivers a strong performance, the lack of engaging storytelling and emotional depth makes it an average watch. The film’s cinematography and action sequences are its highlights, but they are not enough to compensate for the predictable narrative.
For fans of Ravi Teja and those who enjoy investigative thrillers, Ramarao on Duty might be a decent one-time watch. However, for audiences looking for a tightly written, edge-of-the-seat action film, the movie does not offer much novelty. It remains a film with a promising premise but lacks the execution needed to make it a memorable thriller.