Paul Nicodemus, TNN, Aug 30, 2025, 11.56 AM ISTCritic's Rating: 3.0Story: Arjun Chakravarthy traces the journey of an orphan from 1968 Hyderabad who rises to become a kabaddi champion, Arjun (Vijaya Rama Raju), under the mentorship of former player Rangaiah (Dayanand Reddy). Along the way, he faces resistance from the system, tough love from coach Kulkarni (Ajay), heartbreak in his personal life with Devika (Sija Rose), and betrayal by the very institutions meant to protect him.
Review: At its core, Arjun Chakravarthy is about resilience, loss, and the forgotten voices of Indian sport. By weaving in the struggles of an orphan boy, his heartbreaks, Rangaiah’s sacrifices, and the betrayal of a champion by the system, the film underlines a larger theme: how talent often slips through the cracks when institutions fail. Directed by Vikrant Rudra, the narrative spans nearly three decades—1968 to 1996—charting Arjun’s meteoric rise, descent into alcoholism, and eventual bid for redemption.
Vijaya Rama Raju shoulders the film with an earnest performance. While he appears straight-faced in the early portions, he grows into the role with conviction, capturing both the physicality of kabaddi and the vulnerability of a man undone by circumstances. Ajay, as Kulkarni, adds grit and engagement, while Durgesh brings warmth as the loyal friend. Sija Rose makes an impression despite a limited role, and Dayanand Reddy’s Rangaiah emerges as the film’s emotional anchor, portraying a mentor whose pain mirrors his protégé’s. Ajay Ghosh, as a crooked official, injects drama into the supporting ensemble.
Technically, the film is assured. Jagadeesh Cheekati’s cinematography captures both the sweaty intensity of kabaddi matches and the muted despair of personal downfall, often rendered in a sepia-toned palette that enhances the period mood. Vignesh Baskaran’s background score heightens the drama, though the songs occasionally disrupt the flow. The production design convincingly recreates the late ’80s and ’90s, grounding the narrative in its era.
Where the film falters is in its writing. The screenplay slips into melodrama, the romantic track feels predictable, and the climax could have been staged with more organic force. The film needed sharper writing and stronger execution to truly elevate its story.
Arjun Chakravarthy may not reinvent the sports drama, but it stands out as an earnest effort backed by committed performances and strong technical values. Ultimately, it resonates as a tribute to the resilience of athletes.