‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ Review: Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Fan-Pleasing’ Festive Entertainer Falters With Its Weak Storyline, Say Critics

The highly anticipated Telugu action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan and Sreeleela, arrived in theatres on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festive occasion of Ugadi. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film marks the high-profile reunion of the duo 14 years after their blockbuster Gabbar Singh. While the movie opened to massive fan celebrations and a strong start at the domestic box office, early critical reception remains sharply divided, with praise for Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence clashing against critiques of an "outdated" narrative. ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ Review: Producer Naveen Yerneni Calls Pawan Kalyan’s Film ‘Huge Blockbuster’ Ahead of Ugadi 2026 Release.

‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ Review

The film follows Bhagat Singh (Pawan Kalyan), a fearless police officer with a hidden past rooted in his upbringing by a principled teacher. Tasked with maintaining law and order, he finds himself on a collision course with a powerful antagonist, played by R Parthiban.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’:

Critics have largely praised the "Vintage Kalyan" elements of the film. Reviewers noted that the actor’s energy, dialogue delivery, and stylised action sequences remain the film's backbone.

However, a significant section of critics and regular moviegoers has described the screenplay as formulaic. The primary criticism centres on Harish Shankar’s writing, which some argue relies too heavily on old-school commercial tropes without offering much novelty.

Gulte: "Overall, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has a few moments that are sure be liked by the fans of Pawan Kalyan and the mass audience. But, it is nowhere near in comparison to the hero and the director’s previous film, Gabbar Singh. Pawan Kalyan looked good, danced well in a song and did well as usual during the confrontation sequences with the antagonist. So, the fans of him have enough in the film to watch it without many complaints. Other sections of the audience might try watching it in the theatre only if you’re comfortable with viewing template-driven commercial entertainers that heavily rely on their lead actors’ stardom."

123Telugu.com: "On the whole, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a formula-driven action drama that delivers a few fan-pleasing moments. Pawan Kalyan’s presence and select action sequences work in its favour. However, a predictable storyline, weak first half, and underdeveloped characters hold it back. It may appeal to fans, but for a wider audience, it remains a routine commercial outing."

M9.news: "Overall, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a routine commercial entertainer from Harish Shankar. The concentration on the hero leads to a non-cringy and presentable star, but the narrative relying heavily on the past, reeled with predictability and outdated presentation, gives nothing else. It is a movie strictly for the fans."

More About ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’

Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a high-budget production from Mythri Movie Makers, produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar. The film serves as an adaptation of the 2016 Tamil hit Theri, though director Harish Shankar has noted that the screenplay was significantly reworked to suit the local sensibilities and Pawan Kalyan’s image. Pawan Kalyan Reacts to Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ Censor Row, Says ‘Makers Should Not Have Approached Court’ (Watch Video).

Apart from Pawan Kalyan, the movie also features Sreeleela, R Parthiban, Ashutosh Rana, Gautami, Rao Ramesh, Nawab Shah and KS Ravikumar among others in key roles.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2026 12:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).