Cast
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Mahesh Babu
as Rishi Kumar
Pooja Hegde
as Pooja
Allari Naresh
as Ravi Shankar
Jagapati Babu
as Vivek Mittal
Prakash Raj
as Rishi's Father
Jayasudha
as Rishi's Mother
Meenakshi Dixit
as Nidhi
Ananya
as Pallavi, Ravi's love interest
Sai Kumar
as Pallavi's father
Tanikella Bharani
as Ravi's father
Rao Ramesh
as Professor
Vennela Kishore
as Kanna
Kamal Kamaraju
as Ajay
Mukesh Rishi
as Ajay's father
Nassar
as Chief minister
Crew
Director
- Vamsi Paidipally
Producer
- C. Ashwini Dutt
- Dil Raju
- Kavin Anne
- Param V Potluri
- Pearl V. Potluri
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Maharshi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Vamsi Paidipally brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Maharshi took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 176 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 220 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 252 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Maharshi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Way of the Gun, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Maharshi subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The People vs. Larry Flynt and Last Tango in Paris explore similar territory, Maharshi stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 9, 2019
- Runtime: 2h 56m
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Revenue: $31,562,422
Where to Watch
