Daaku Maharaj gets mixed reviews: A stylish action entertainer or routine execution?

While the movie has managed to create buzz this Sankranthi, it is receiving mixed reviews from critics and audience alike.

Hyderabad: The highly-anticipated film Daaku Maharaj, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath and Urvashi Rautela, directed by Bobby with music by Thaman, hit theaters on January 12.

While the movie has managed to create buzz this Sankranthi, it is receiving mixed reviews from critics and audience alike.

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SIIMA rated the film 3.5 stars, calling it a “stylish action entertainer.”

Daaku Maharaaj, directed by Bobby Kolli, is a stylish action entertainer featuring Balakrishna in a dual role. The story follows Nanaji, a protector of a wealthy family, and Sitaram, an irrigation engineer who becomes the fierce Maharaj to fight the oppressive Thakur family.… pic.twitter.com/vOiCdS3sdS

— SIIMA (@siima) January 12, 2025

Filmy Focus described it as an “unmissable theatrical experience this Sankranthi,” praising its grand visuals and mass appeal.

Blockbuster #DaakuMaharaaj 💥🔥💥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZFy8tQSZfi

— Filmy Focus (@FilmyFocus) January 12, 2025

Meanwhile, Aakasavani termed it a “decently engaging, template-driven commercial mass masala film” with slick visuals and an impressive background score.

#DaakuMaharaaj – A decently engaging template-driven commercial mass masala film with slick visuals and a great background score by Thaman. NBK is superb in a tailor-made role. His dialogues & action sequences will drive the fans into frenzy mode.

Director, Bobby selected a…

— Aakashavaani (@TheAakashavaani) January 11, 2025

However, some reviews have been less favorable.

Buzz Basket referred to the movie as a “Bobby-NBL version of Khaleja” and gave it a 2.25-star rating, criticizing its routine storyline and old-fashioned execution.

#DaakuMaharaaj Movie Review: “BOBBY – NBK VERSION OF KHALEJA” – 2.25/5#NBK #Balayya #NandamuriBalakrishna #DaakuMaharaajReview #Daakumaharajreview #BuzzbasketReviews #PragyaJaiswal #ShradhaSrinath #UrvashiRautela #DakuMaharaaj #daakumaharaj pic.twitter.com/5MbnNfY9FC

— BuzZ Basket (@theBuzZBasket) January 12, 2025

VFX artist Gautam shared a harsh verdict, calling the first half passable but labeling the second half “pathetic,” with loud yet low-quality music. He rated the film 1.75 stars overall.

Balakrishna energy🥵
First half was okay..
Pathetic second half,patience testing😒 🙄
Music was loud but no quality 😕.
Songs 💔
1.75/5#DaakuMaharaajReview pic.twitter.com/atMXyLC3Db

— Gautam㊗️ (@gowthamcinemas) January 12, 2025

With its mix of mass appeal and criticism for its predictable story, Daaku Maharaj offers something for Balakrishna fans but may not impress everyone. It remains to be seen how it renders its box office.