Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy

Surender Reddy's 2019 Telugu epic tells the story of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, a Telugu chieftain who rose against British colonial rule in 1846. The film opens with Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi, telling that story to her men during the rebellion of 1857, which is to say its claim is that a resistance beginning eleven years earlier has been forgotten. Chiranjeevi both stars and produces. It is among the most expensive productions in Telugu cinema and shows it in every scene: crowded battle sequences, costume and set design. On historical accuracy, caution is warranted; documentation about Narasimha Reddy is limited and the film fills the gaps with epic invention. Short roles for names like Vijay Sethupathi and Sudeep function as star turns. Who it's for: viewers who like Indian historical epics and large-scale battle films. Who it's not for: anyone wanting historical precision, or who will find a runtime near three hours and the constant slow motion wearing.