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{{Short description|2023 Indian film by Anil Ravipudi}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Bhagavanth Kesari
| image = Bhagavanth Kesari.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| writer = Anil Ravipudi
| producer = [[Sahu Garapati]] Harish Peddi
| director = [[Anil Ravipudi]]
| starring = [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]] [[Arjun Rampal]] [[Kajal Aggarwal]] [[Sreeleela]]
| music = [[Thaman S]]
| cinematography = [[Ram Prasad (cinematographer)|C. Ramprasad]]
| editing = Tammiraju
| studio = Shine Screens
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2023|10|19}}
| runtime = 163 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2023 |title=''Bhagavanth Kesari'' (15) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/bhagavanth-kesari-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2odcx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018193544/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/bhagavanth-kesari-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde2odcx |archive-date=18 October 2023 |access-date=13 October 2023 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = {{Estimation}} {{INR|65}} crore<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari box office collection day 3: Lukewarm response brings worldwide haul to ₹45 crore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/bhagavanth-kesari-box-office-collection-day-3-lukewarm-response-brings-worldwide-haul-to-rs-45-crore-101697971425684.html |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2023 |title=This Popular OTT Platform Acquires Bhagavanth Kesari Streaming Rights |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/this-popular-ott-platform-acquires-bhagavanth-kesari-streaming-rights-8626735.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030043022/https://www.news18.com/movies/this-popular-ott-platform-acquires-bhagavanth-kesari-streaming-rights-8626735.html |archive-date=30 October 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |website=News18}}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|138}} crore<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 November 2023 |title=Nandamuri Balakrishna's Bhagavanth Kesari Starts Streaming On This OTT Platform |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/nandamuri-balakrishnas-bhagavanth-kesari-starts-streaming-on-this-ott-platform-8675038.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125145648/https://www.news18.com/movies/nandamuri-balakrishnas-bhagavanth-kesari-starts-streaming-on-this-ott-platform-8675038.html |archive-date=25 November 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023 |work=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kashyap |first=Anand |date=30 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari Box Office Collection Day 11: बॉक्स ऑफिस पर तूफान बनी भगवंत केसरी, फिल्म ने 11 दिनों में कमाए 130 करोड़ |trans-title=Bhagavanth Kesari Box Office Collection Day 11: Bhagavanth Kesari became a storm at the box office, the film earned Rs 130 crore in 11 days |url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/bhagavanth-kesari-collection-day-11-nandamuri-balakrishna-movie-bhagavanth-kesari-became-a-storm-at-the-box-office-earned-130-crores-in-11-days-4528140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106130655/https://ndtv.in/bollywood/bhagavanth-kesari-collection-day-11-nandamuri-balakrishna-movie-bhagavanth-kesari-became-a-storm-at-the-box-office-earned-130-crores-in-11-days-4528140 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |access-date=5 November 2023 |work=NDTV |language=hi}}</ref>
}}
'''''Bhagavanth Kesari ''''' is a 2023 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama film]] written and directed by [[Anil Ravipudi]] and produced by [[Sahu Garapati]] and Harish Peddi, under the banner of Shine Screens. This was the last film Harish Peddi produced under the banner of Shine Screens. <ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=8 June 2023 |title=Balakrishna, Anil Ravipudi Telugu film titled 'Bhagavanth Kesari' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/balakrishna-anil-ravipudi-telugu-film-titled-bhagavanth-kesari/article66945308.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614082322/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/balakrishna-anil-ravipudi-telugu-film-titled-bhagavanth-kesari/article66945308.ece |archive-date=14 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> It stars [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]] in the titular role alongside [[Arjun Rampal]] (in his Telugu debut), [[Kajal Aggarwal]], and [[Sreeleela]]. The soundtrack and background score was composed by [[Thaman S]], while [[Ram Prasad (cinematographer)|C. Ramprasad]] and Tammiraju handled the cinematography and editing, respectively.

The film was theatrically released on 19 October 2023, on the occasion of [[Vijayadashami|Dusshera]]. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, praising its women-centric theme, Balakrishna's performance and the action.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title='Bhagavanth Kesari' box office collection Day 5: Balayya's film remains strong |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/bhagavanth-kesari-box-office-collection-day-5-balayyas-film-remains-strong-2452891-2023-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026080352/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/bhagavanth-kesari-box-office-collection-day-5-balayyas-film-remains-strong-2452891-2023-10-24 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title='Bhagavanth Kesari' Twitter review: 'It's a hattrick blockbuster,' say Nandamuri Balakrishna fans |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/bhagavanth-kesari-twitter-review-its-a-hattrick-blockbuster-say-nandamuri-balakrishna-fans-402611-2023-10-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026080350/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/bhagavanth-kesari-twitter-review-its-a-hattrick-blockbuster-say-nandamuri-balakrishna-fans-402611-2023-10-19 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>

Bhagavanth Kesari earned the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu|Best Feature Film in Telugu]] at the [[71st National Film Awards]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bharat |first1=Monali |title=71st National Film Awards 2025 — Complete Winners List |url=https://www.brutimes.com/news/bollywood/national-film-awards-2025-winners |website=Bru Times News |language=en}}</ref> and the Telangana state Gaddar Award for Third Best Feature Film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |title=Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji Win Acting Honors as ‘12th Fail’ Named Best Film at India’s National Awards |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/shah-rukh-khan-vikrant-massey-rani-mukerji-india-national-film-awards-1236476508/ |website=Variety |access-date=1 August 2025 |date=1 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Gaddar Telangana Film Awards: Adivi Sesh Thanks Telangana Government For Honouring Major, Expresses Gratitude To Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/gaddar-telangana-film-awards-adivi-sesh-thanks-telangana-government-for-honouring-major-expresses-gratitude-to-mahesh-babu-article-151755732 |website=Times Now}}</ref> The film was remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Jana Nayagan]]'' (2026).<ref name="remake"/>

==Plot==
Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari is an ex-prisoner who becomes the guardian of Vijayalakshmi "Viji" after the death of his friend and Viji's father, [[Chief inspector|CI]] Srikanth in an accident. Bhagavanth wants her to join the [[Indian Army]] as per her father's wish and seeks the help of psychologist Dr. Kathyayani. However, Vijji is against joining the Army, stemming from a phobia in her childhood; she is keen on marrying her boyfriend, Karthik.

Meanwhile, Rahul Sanghvi is a business magnate who seeks to steal the country's prestigious project-V, but the [[Chief minister (India)|Deputy CM]] accumulates incriminating evidence against him. Rahul assassinates him, but his [[personal assistant|PA]] absconds with the evidence, and Rahul is behind his hunt. Karthik proceeds with his parents with the proposal, but Bhagavanth denies it, for which Viji starts to detest Bhagavanth. While escaping from Rahul's men, the PA fortuitously uses Viji's laptop to secure the data, and Rahul's men target her instead. Bhagavanth learns about this and shields Viji. Rahul is shocked upon seeing Bhagavanth, revealing that the two are past rivals, and Viji soon learns about Bhagavanth's past.

'''Past''': Bhagavanth is a gallant [[Circle Inspector]] at a tribal zone called Nelakonda, where he locks horns with Rahul's politician father Sarath Sanghvi after he massacres the forest department. Bhagavanth outrageously butchers his men and publicly arrests Sarath, who later commits suicide. To exact vengeance, Rahul incriminates Bhagavanth under trumped-up charges and has him sentenced to prison.

'''Present''': After learning this, Viji oaths to fulfill Bhagavanth's ambition. They go to Hyderabad along with Kathyayani and admit Viji to a training academy where the coach disdains the women but later accepts an apology after Bhagavanth glorifies their eminence. Viji cannot climb her last leg because of [[neurosis]], whereas Kathyayani provides insight to raise her mental strength and courage. Rahul intends to kill Bhagavanth and his loved ones whilst also capturing the PA. However, Bhagavanth tarnishes Rahul's plans with the support of Ratan Shukla, whom he befriended in prison, and procures the evidence from the PA. Bhagavanth makes a deal with the politicians to schedule a dual war with Rahul and receives approval. As directed by Kathyayani, Bhagavanth keeps himself at risk, and Viji soon turns violent to safeguard him. Bhagavanth finally kills Rahul and his men, while Viji is selected into the Army, fulfilling her father's and Bhagavanth's dream.

==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]] as Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari, an ex-cop from [[Adilabad]].
* [[Kajal Aggarwal]] as Dr. Kathyayani, Bhagavanth's love interest (voice dubbed by [[Savitha Reddy]])
* [[Arjun Rampal]] as Rahul Sanghavi, businessman and mafia leader
* [[Sreeleela]] as Vijaya Lakshmi "Viji"
** Baby Nainika as Young Viji
* [[R. Sarathkumar]] as [[Inspector|CI]] Srikanth, Viji's late father and Bhagavanth's late friend (guest appearance)
* [[Pallak Lalwani]] as a reporter (Cameo Appearance)
* [[Jayachitra]] as Bhagavanth's mother (Cameo Appearance)
* [[P. Ravi Shankar]] as Umesh Dutt's friend
* [[John Vijay]] as Ratan Shukla, Bhagavanth's friend
* [[Aadukalam Naren]] as Sarath Sanghvi, Rahul's father
* [[Subbaraju]] as [[Superintendent of police|SP]] Ravi Krishna [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
* [[Subhalekha Sudhakar]] as [[List of current Indian deputy chief ministers|Deputy CM]]
* Srinivas Vadlamani as [[Chief Minister of Telangana|CM]]
* [[Brahmaji]] as Deputy CM's [[Personal Assistant|PA]]
* [[Raghu Babu]] as Minister
* [[VTV Ganesh]] as Minister
* [[Rahul Ravi]] as Karthik, Viji's boyfriend
* [[Bharath Reddy (actor)|Bharath Reddy]] as Vijji's trainer
* Sanjay Swaroop as Umesh Dutt
* Raj Tirandasu as Japatri, Bhagavanth's friend
* [[Muralidhar Goud]] as Jogi
* [[Dubbing Janaki]] as Kathyayani's mother
* [[Srikanth Iyengar]] as Karthik's father
* Sravan Raghavendra as Vicky
* Rathika Rose as English-Speaking Party Member
* Racha Ravi as Lorry Driver
* Jeevan Kumar Naidu as Daggad Diwakar
* Danny Kuttappa as Rahul's henchman
* Sasidhar as Police Officer
* Meka Ramakrishna as Sentry Narayana
* Chitti Babu
* Anand Raj
* Krishna Chaitanya
* Brahmayya
* Mayank Parakh
* Alok Jain
* Koya Kishore
* [[Anil Ravipudi]] in a cameo appearance
* Bhanu Master in a cameo appearance
* Pullayya Pantulu Mylavarapu as Navy Officer
}}

==Production==
Filming started on 8 December 2022 in [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 December 2022 |title=#NBK108: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film with Anil Ravipudi launched |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nbk108-nandamuri-balakrishnas-film-with-anil-ravipudi-launched-see-first-pics/articleshow/96077636.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614082323/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nbk108-nandamuri-balakrishnas-film-with-anil-ravipudi-launched-see-first-pics/articleshow/96077636.cms |archive-date=14 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Arjun Rampal completed filming his scenes in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2023 |title=Arjun Rampal poses with Balakrishna on his last day shoot of 'Bhagavanth Kesari' |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/arjun-rampal-poses-with-balakrishna-on-his-last-day-shoot-of-bhagavanth-kesari-815699 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815074518/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/arjun-rampal-poses-with-balakrishna-on-his-last-day-shoot-of-bhagavanth-kesari-815699 |archive-date=15 August 2023 |access-date=15 August 2023}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Bhagavanth Kesari
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Thaman S]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 8 November 2023
| recorded = 2023
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=21|s=22}}
| language = Telugu
| label = [[Times Music|Junglee Music]]
| producer = Thaman S
| prev_title = [[Skanda (film)|Skanda]]
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = [[Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food]]
| next_year = 2023
| misc =
}}
The soundtrack and background score is composed by [[Thaman S]], which marks his fourth collaboration with Balakrishna after ''[[Dictator (2016 film)|Dictator]]'' (2016), ''[[Akhanda]]'' (2021), and ''[[Veera Simha Reddy]]'' (2023); first collaboration with Ravipudi. The first single titled "Ganesh Anthem, was released on 1 September 2023. The second single, "Uyyaalo Uyyaala" was released on 4 October 2023. The third single, "Roar of Kesari" was released on 17 October 2023.{{track listing
| headline =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| all_music = [[Thaman S]]
| title1 = Ganesh Anthem
| length1 = 4:36
| lyrics1 = [[Kasarla Shyam]]
| extra1 = Kareemullah, Maneesha Pandranki
| title2 = Uyyaalo Uyyaala
| length2 = 4:16
| lyrics2 = [[Anantha Sriram]]
| extra2 = [[S. P. Charan]]
| title3 = Roar Of Kesari
| length3 = 3:18
| lyrics3 = [[Kasarla Shyam]]
| extra3 = Chorus
| title4 = Maanu Maaku
| length4 = 2:20
| lyrics4 = Anantha Sriram
| extra4 = Keerthana Srinivas
| title5 = Ichi Pad Ichi Pad
| length5 = 3:42
| lyrics5 = Kaasarla Shyam
| extra5 = [[Anthony Daasan]], [[Geetha Madhuri]], Sahithi Chaganti, Naresh Mamindla
| title6 = Jhagada Jhagada
| length6 = 2:57
| lyrics6 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
| extra6 = [[Nooran Sisters|Jyoti Nooran]]
}}

==Release==
===Theatrical===
The film was theatrically released on 19 October 2023, on the occasion of [[Dussehara|Dasara]].

===Home media===
The film's digital streaming rights were brought by [[Amazon Prime Video]], while the satellite rights were brought by [[Zee Network]] in all languages. The film was premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 24 November 2023 in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], along with dubbed versions in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]], and [[Hindi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2023 |title=Nandamuri Balakrishna's Bhagavanth Kesari Starts Streaming On This OTT Platform |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/nandamuri-balakrishnas-bhagavanth-kesari-starts-streaming-on-this-ott-platform-8675038.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125145648/https://www.news18.com/movies/nandamuri-balakrishnas-bhagavanth-kesari-starts-streaming-on-this-ott-platform-8675038.html |archive-date=25 November 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
=== Critical response ===
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics praising Balakrishna's performance and action sequences.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=21 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari: Where director Anil Ravipudi proves it's possible to make a meaningful massy film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/bhagavanth-kesari-where-director-anil-ravipudi-proves-its-possible-to-do-a-meaningful-massy-film/c65f68de3e184 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023003331/https://www.ottplay.com/news/bhagavanth-kesari-where-director-anil-ravipudi-proves-its-possible-to-do-a-meaningful-massy-film/c65f68de3e184 |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=[[OTTPlay]] |quote=mixed responses from critics.}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Bhagavanth Kesari: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film is GOOD or BAD to watch? Read THIS |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/bhagavanth-kesari-nandamuri-balakrishna-s-film-is-good-or-bad-to-watch-read-this-rba-s2re91 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024181527/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/bhagavanth-kesari-nandamuri-balakrishna-s-film-is-good-or-bad-to-watch-read-this-rba-s2re91 |archive-date=24 October 2023 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=[[Asianet News]] |quote=the film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari box office collection day 3: Lukewarm response brings worldwide haul to ₹45 crore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/bhagavanth-kesari-box-office-collection-day-3-lukewarm-response-brings-worldwide-haul-to-rs-45-crore-101697971425684.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023060452/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/bhagavanth-kesari-box-office-collection-day-3-lukewarm-response-brings-worldwide-haul-to-rs-45-crore-101697971425684.html |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |quote=Bhagavanth Kesari starring Balakrishna, Kajal and Srileela received mixed response}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

Raghu Bandi of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 2.5/5 and wrote "''Bhagavanth Kesari'' tries hard not to be a regular Nandamuri Balakrishna movie, while having all the signature moments die-hard fans will expect from him."<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari movie review: Nandamuri Balakrishna does not disappoint |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhagavanth-kesari-movie-review-nandamuri-balakrishna-does-not-disappoint-8991046/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020022933/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bhagavanth-kesari-movie-review-nandamuri-balakrishna-does-not-disappoint-8991046/ |archive-date=20 October 2023 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Anil Ravipudi's ''Bhagavanth Kesari'' starring Nandamuri Balakrishna oscillates between hypermasculine action and an emotional drama that hammers the message of women empowerment."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=19 October 2023 |title='Bhagavanth Kesari' movie review: Anil Ravipudi, Balakrishna outing is mediocre at its best |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bhagavanth-kesari-telugu-movie-review-anil-ravipudi-balakrishna-film-is-a-mediocre-outing/article67437725.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019095944/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bhagavanth-kesari-telugu-movie-review-anil-ravipudi-balakrishna-film-is-a-mediocre-outing/article67437725.ece |archive-date=19 October 2023 |access-date=19 October 2023 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Janani K of ''[[India Today]]'' gave a rating of 2.5/5 and wrote, "''Bhagavanth Kesari'' is an enjoyable entertainer where you see Balayya teaching a bunch of school children about good touch and bad touch. It's a film that has a mix of everything for the audiences."<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari Review: Balayya has maximum fun in this film on women empowerment |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balayya-has-maximum-fun-in-this-film-on-women-empowerment-2451242-2023-10-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019153301/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balayya-has-maximum-fun-in-this-film-on-women-empowerment-2451242-2023-10-19 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |access-date=20 October 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Jahnavi of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave a rating of 1.5/5 and wrote "But even as a formulaic film hinging on the heroism of the male star, the formula itself is confusing."<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari review: Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi dabble with girlboss feminism |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balakrishna-and-anil-ravipudi-dabble-with-girlboss-feminism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021100819/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balakrishna-and-anil-ravipudi-dabble-with-girlboss-feminism |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=21 October 2023 |website=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref> ''[[Eenadu]]'' reviewed the movie and noted that, aside from a few scenes in the first half, the film is commendable.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: రివ్యూ: భగవంత్‌ కేసరి.. బాలకృష్ణ యాక్షన్‌ డ్రామా ఎలా ఉంది? |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/bhagavanth-kesari-movie-review-in-telugu/0203/123193354 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025102624/https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/bhagavanth-kesari-movie-review-in-telugu/0203/123193354 |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=27 October 2023 |website=EENADU |language=te}}</ref> Ram Venkat Srikar of [[Anupama Chopra|''Film Companion'']] wrote, "''Bhagavanth Kesari'' is a pretty entertaining outing from both Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi. Despite having some issues, it works pretty well to a large extent, offering us an action entertainer with its heart in the right place, which surprises on the emotion and the 'message' front.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srikar |first=Ram Venkat |date=19 October 2023 |title=Bhagavanth Kesari Review: Balayya's Attempt At Women Empowerment Is Both Meaningful And Fun |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/telugu-review/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balayya-attempt-at-women-empowerment-is-both-meaningful-and-fun-anil-ravipudi-sreeleela-nandamuri-balakrishna-kajal-aggarwal-nbk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023101209/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/telugu-review/bhagavanth-kesari-review-balayya-attempt-at-women-empowerment-is-both-meaningful-and-fun-anil-ravipudi-sreeleela-nandamuri-balakrishna-kajal-aggarwal-nbk |archive-date=23 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope="col" |Award{{efn|Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.}}
! scope="col" |Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
! scope="col" |Category
! scope="col" |Recipient(s)
! scope="col" |Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" |[[71st National Film Awards]]
|
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu|Best Feature Film in Telugu]]
|Producers:[[Sahu Garapati]] and Harish Peddi Director: [[Anil Ravipudi]]
|{{won}}
|<ref name="71st National Film Awards complete winners list: Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey share 'Best Actor', Rani Mukerji wins best actress, 'Katthal' wins best Hindi film">{{cite news |title=71st National Film Awards complete winners list: Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey share 'Best Actor', Rani Mukerji wins best actress, 'Katthal' wins best Hindi film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/71st-national-film-awards-complete-winners-list-shah-rukh-khan-vikrant-massey-share-best-actor-katthal-wins-best-hindi-film-vash-is-best-gujarati-film/articleshow/123044344.cms |access-date=1 August 2025 |publisher=The Times of India |date=1 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801133927/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/71st-national-film-awards-complete-winners-list-shah-rukh-khan-vikrant-massey-share-best-actor-katthal-wins-best-hindi-film-vash-is-best-gujarati-film/articleshow/123044344.cms |archive-date=1 August 2025}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |[[Filmfare Awards South]]
| rowspan="3" |[[69th Filmfare Awards South|3 August 2024]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]]
|[[Anil Ravipudi]]
|{{nominated}}
| rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nominations for Filmfare Awards Telugu 2024 are out! |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-filmfare-awards-telugu-2024-are-out-67264.html |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=[[Filmfare]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 20242">{{Cite news |last=Filmfare |date=4 August 2024 |title=Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 2024 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-telugu-2024_-67634.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804051630/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-telugu-2024_-67634.html |archive-date=4 August 2024 |access-date=4 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="69th Sobha Filmfare Awards South 2024: Check out the winners2">{{Cite news |last=The Times of India |date=4 August 2024 |title=69th Sobha Filmfare Awards South 2024: Check out the winners |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-2024-check-out-the-winners/articleshow/112251936.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804052211/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-2024-check-out-the-winners/articleshow/112251936.cms |archive-date=4 August 2024 |access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu|Best Actor – Telugu]]
|[[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu|Best Supporting Actress – Telugu]]
|[[Sreeleela]]
|{{nominated}}
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row" |[[IIFA Utsavam]]
| rowspan="4" |[[3rd IIFA Utsavam|27 September 2024]]
|Best Film {{Ndash}} Telugu
|[[Sahu Garapati]], Harish Peddi
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="4" |{{cn|date=November 2024}}
|-
|[[IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]]
|[[Anil Ravipudi]]
|{{won}}
|-
|[[IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Actor – Telugu|Best Actor – Telugu]]
|[[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Actress – Telugu|Best Actress – Telugu]]
|[[Sreeleela]]
|{{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" |[[Santosham Film Awards]]
|[[22nd Santosham Film Awards|2 December 2023]]
|[[Santosham Best Cinematographer Award|Best Cinematographer]]
|[[Ram Prasad (cinematographer)|Ram Prasad]]
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2023 |title=22వ సంతోషం సౌత్ ఇండియన్ ఫిల్మ్ అవార్డ్స్.. ఈసారి ఘనంగా గోవాలో.. |url=https://10tv.in/telugu-news/movies/suresh-kondeti-santosham-awards-will-held-in-goa-this-time-735660.html |access-date=21 July 2024 |website=10TV Telugu |language=te}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan="5" scope="row" |[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]
| rowspan="5" |[[12th South Indian International Movie Awards|14 September 2024]]
|[[SIIMA Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best Film – Telugu]]
| [[Sahu Garapati]], Harish Peddi
|{{won}}
| rowspan="5" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2024-07-17 |title=SIIMA 2024 Nominations Revealed: Nani's Dasara and Rajinikanth Starrer Jailer Lead with 11 Nominations Each |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/siima-2024-nominations-revealed-nanis-dasara-and-rajinikanth-starrer-jailer-lead-with-11-nominations-each-enn24071700580 |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=SIIMA Awards 2024: Dasara, Hi Nanna, Kaatera and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello win big on Day 1 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/siima-awards-2024-dasara-hi-nanna-kaatera-and-sapta-sagaradaache-ello-win-big-on-day-1-9568720/lite/ |access-date=15 September 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[SIIMA Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]]
|[[Anil Ravipudi]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Santosham Best Actor Award|Best Actor]]
|[[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu|Best Actress – Telugu]]
|[[Sreeleela]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu|Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu]]
|[[Arjun Rampal]]
|{{nom}}
|}

==Remake==
''Bhagavanth Kesari'' was remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Jana Nayagan]]'', directed by [[H. Vinoth]] and starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]. It was first confirmed by producer [[Sahu Garapati]].<ref name="remake">{{cite news |last1=Kavirayani |first1=Suresh |title=Sahu Garapati: Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is a remake of Bhagavanth Kesari |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2026/Jan/07/teluguinterviews2026jan06sahu-garapati-vijays-jana-nayagan-is-a-remake-of-bhagavanth-kesari |access-date=7 January 2026 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=7 January 2026}}</ref>

== Notes ==
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|tt21810110}}
{{Anil Ravipudi}}
{{National Film Award Best Feature Film Telugu}}
{{SIIMA Award for Best Film – Telugu}}

[[Category:2023 Indian films]]
[[Category:2023 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2020s masala films]]
[[Category:2023 action drama films]]
[[Category:Best Telugu Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Films directed by Anil Ravipudi]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films set in Telangana]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films scored by Thaman S]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films set in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films about corruption in India]]
[[Category:Films shot at Ramoji Film City]]
[[Category:Films about social realism]]
[[Category:Fiction about law enforcement]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Telangana Police]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Andhra Pradesh Police]]
[[Category:Films about social issues in India]]
[[Category:Films shot in Telangana]]
[[Category:Films about women in India]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]

Bhagavanth Kesari - Revision history

AryaShah at 04:46, 28 April 2026