Mass Jathara review: Ravi Teja’s energy lost in a recycled script
Review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
Mass Jathara is yet another addition to the long line of Telugu commercial entertainers that promise fireworks but end up as a familiar re-run. Directed by Bhanu Bhogavarapu and headlined by the ever-energetic Ravi Teja, the film tries hard to tick all the boxes of a mass action drama, but sadly, it never manages to rise above its formulaic writing. The result is a film that entertains only in parts but largely feels repetitive, outdated, and uninspired.
The story revolves around Lakshman Bheri (Ravi Teja), a sincere and honest Railway Police Officer known for his integrity and sense of justice. Having lost his parents early, he is raised by his loving grandfather (Rajendra Prasad), who instils in him strong moral values. Lakshman’s latest transfer takes him to the village of Adavivaram, where he encounters Shivudu (Naveen Chandra), a local don who illegally cultivates ganja and rules the area with fear. As Lakshman tries to uphold the law, he finds himself caught in a web of deceit and corruption. The rest of the story follows his struggle to bring Shivudu and his backers to justice, while also balancing a light romantic track with Tulasi (Sreeleela).
At its heart, Mass Jathara aims to be a high-voltage action drama with emotional weight, but the storytelling never quite takes off. The first half has a decent mix of fun, nostalgia, and fan service. The nods to Ravi Teja’s earlier hits like Na Autograph Sweet Memories, and Idiot are well-placed and will certainly please his die-hard fans. The humour lands in parts, and Ravi Teja’s magnetic energy keeps the film watchable.
However, once the second half begins, the narrative starts to lose steam. The screenplay becomes sluggish, predictable, and overly familiar. The supposed battle of wits between Lakshman and Shivudu never truly develops into something thrilling. The tension that should drive the conflict feels watered down. Naveen Chandra’s character, though introduced with style and menace, fails to evolve beyond surface-level villainy. His later reveal as Jalandhar adds some intrigue, but by then, the screenplay has already run out of ideas.
Ravi Teja, as always, gives his 100%. His energy is infectious, and his command over mass scenes remains unmatched. But the real problem lies not in his performance, it’s in his choice of scripts. He seems to be caught in a loop of playing nearly identical characters, with the same emotional beats, the same hero-villain structure, and the same style of storytelling. For an actor of his calibre, it’s disappointing to see him repeating the same formula time and again.
Director Bhanu Bhogavarapu succeeds in presenting a strong hero character but fails to maintain momentum throughout. The screenplay, particularly in the latter half, lacks freshness and imagination. A more gripping narrative and a stronger villain could have elevated the film significantly.
On the technical front, the cinematography is commendable, rural settings and action sequences are shot beautifully, giving the film a polished look. The background score by Bheems Ceciroleo, however, is underwhelming and fails to add intensity to key moments. The songs are fine. The editing by Naveen Nooli could have been sharper; the film drags unnecessarily in several portions. On the bright side, the production values by Sithara Entertainments are excellent, the film looks grand and visually rich.
In conclusion, Mass Jathara is a film that works only in flashes. While Ravi Teja’s performance and a few nostalgic moments make it mildly enjoyable, the weak writing and lack of innovation weigh it down heavily. It’s a reminder that energy alone cannot carry a film, it needs soul, freshness, and strong storytelling.
Mass Jathara review Verdict: A predictable mass entertainer that fails to leave a lasting impression. Ravi Teja deserves better.
Fridaywall Rating: 1.5/5
