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The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Junior' movie review: Genelia, Kireeti-starrer is a partly-entertaining, albeit dated drama
A protagonist who is almost always cheerful reiterates his desire to make memories — stories he can one day narrate to his children, and look back on fondly when he is 60. But what if this idea of memory, initially lighthearted, later becomes a haunting echo? What if a memory is so deeply hurtful that it renders another character emotionally withdrawn? Director Radhakrishna Reddy's Telugu-Kannada bilingual film Junior explores these possibilities through a drama that nods to the mainstream Telugu cinema of a decade or two ago. Some plot points evoke the emotional world and writing style of Trivikram Srinivas, the veteran of family dramas. While several scenes entertain and build intrigue, the film's contrived moments might also leave seasoned viewers with a nagging sense of déjà vu. Junior (Telugu) Director: Radhakrishna Reddy Cast: Kireeti Reddy, Sreeleela, Genelia Deshmukh, V Ravichandran Run time: 154 minutes Story: A son struggles to deal with the possessiveness of his father, and he has to heal a few emotional scars. Junior ambitiously attempts to tackle ageism, complex family dynamics, girl child empowerment, digital literacy in rural India, and corporate social responsibility, all while doubling as a launchpad for Kireeti Reddy, son of politician Gali Janardhana Reddy. The opening campus scenes are loud and glossy, with composer Devi Sri Prasad setting a high-energy tone. Abhi (Kireeti) quite literally leaps into the frame, sprinting through college corridors in what feels like an action hero entry, minus the actual conflict. He is portrayed as the all-rounder who can ace academics, sports, and even parkour stunts, all while his perfectly gelled hair does not move an inch. A prologue introduces parents who embrace late parenthood and face ageist remarks, setting the stage for a father-son dynamic between Abhi and his doting father (V Ravichandran). Their relationship — marked by the father's overbearing affection and Abhi's growing claustrophobia — is played out with humour and warmth. The light-hearted tone continues into Abhi's courtship of Spoorthi (Sreeleela), which unfolds in formulaic fashion. The comic relief is largely powered by Abhi's gang of friends, especially Harsha, who steals the show in a moment that even sparks Spoorthi's envy. The plot shifts gears with the arrival of Vijaya (Genelia Deshmukh), making a return to Telugu cinema after 13 years. Her character initially teeters on cliché — the stern, unapproachable boss — until her backstory adds emotional depth. These segments echo the tone of a Trivikram Srinivas family drama, and while the writing attempts nuance, the narrative feels too contrived to truly land. Kireeti's breezy presence contrasts sharply with the emotional heft Genelia is tasked with. Known for her bubbly roles in films like Bommarillu, she brings maturity and restraint here. It is a pleasure to watch her on screen, once again. Some of her scenes with Kireeti are thoughtfully written, but both actors are constrained by a plot that becomes increasingly predictable. There are glimmers of smart storytelling, like a moment involving a photograph, but overall, the film misses the opportunity to explore relationships with a fresher lens. Cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad deliver within the constraints of the material. Meanwhile, Sreeleela's character vanishes after the early portions, only to resurface for the 'Viral Vayyari' dance number, featuring a blink-and-miss cameo by Brahmanandam. In the end, Junior plays out like an extended showreel for Kireeti Reddy, highlighting his screen presence, dancing chops, aptitude for action, and ability to well up on cue. All while that gelled hair never falters.
New Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Genelia Deshmukh: When female audience likes you, you have a responsibility
Junior, the upcoming bilingual family drama mounted as a launch pad for Kireeti Reddy, also marks Genelia Deshmukh's return to South Indian cinema after 13 years. An entire generation has grown up watching her films like Bommarillu, Orange, Ready, and Sye among many more. Genelia looks back at those years with a mix of awe and gratitude. Recalling how she occasionally watches some of her songs and clips, Genelia says, 'Sometimes I watch a scene of mine with Prakash Raj or another great actor, and wonder, 'Did I really do that?' (laughs) It's hard to believe I did that work, at times. I see my songs very often, and enjoy it — It was a very special phase of my life.' At the same time, the Bommarillu actor expresses great pride in her Telugu filmography. She explains, 'As an actor, I have been very particular. Even when I was at my peak, I didn't go on to sign countless films. I did only those films I would be proud of, that a whole family could watch without feeling weird. Not many actors took that route at that point in time. I took that trouble, and I hope the risk was worth it.' Genelia also makes an interesting observation about her fanbase while looking back to her work around 2004-2012, before she took a sabbatical from acting. 'The male audience likes me too. But when your female audience likes you, you have a responsibility. That's something I've taken personally. So often I have mothers and grandmothers coming to me, calling me 'Bangaaram' (precious girl), telling me how the enjoyed my film. That means the world to me. I did not do any ultra-glamorous roles. I have a very loyal audience, and I am respecful of it.'
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Kota Srinivasa Rao: The man who made every scene matter
HYDERABAD: He never needed a monologue. Never needed a backstory. All Kota Srinivasa Rao needed was a minute, sometimes just a line, and he'd turn a routine scene into something bordering on the divine. He didn't just act. He inhabited. Like water taking the shape of every vessel, Kota morphed into whatever the story demanded, bringing with him a weight of experience, a smile lined with irony, a glare laced with secrets, and pauses that let the silence throb. Over 750 films. Four languages. Every emotion in the book. But Kota Srinivasa Rao's gift wasn't just volume. It was precision. Where other actors acted at you, Kota acted with you, turning even the most transactional roles into studies of human nature. The father, the fraud, the philosopher To see Kota play a father was to understand that parenting isn't always loud. In Bommarillu (2006), he was a gentle patriarch who knew when to yield. In Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule (2007), he brought a practically tender authority that felt lived-in, never theatrical. In Idiot (2002), his annoyance as Ravi Teja's father crackled with bemused affection. He didn't act fatherhood, he understood it, sculpted it scene by scene. Now pivot to his villains, Kota's baddies were never generic. They were philosophical. See Athadu (2005), where as a corrupt politician, his end feels less like a punishment and more like karma catching its breath. Or in Sarkar (2005), where he delivered the line 'Style South, operation complete North' with a chill so cool, it could freeze lava. His villainy didn't shout. It smirked in ways that a man truly became sinister.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Genelia D'Souza credits South Indian cinema for her most memorable roles ahead of 'Junior' release: "blessed to have received such opportunities"
Picture Credit: Facebook Genelia D'Souza was recently seen in the Aamir Khan starrer 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' and is all set to make her return to Kannada cinema with her upcoming film 'Junior.' Recently, she shared her admiration for the South Indian film industry, calling it a space she feels gave her some of her most defining roles. During an interview with Shemaroo Lifestyle, she addressed the misconception that she may have missed out on substantial roles in South films. Genelia said, "It would be wrong to say that South Indian films didn't offer me meaningful characters." She shared that each regional industry she worked in has given her good roles. "In Hyderabad, I am known as Hasini because of Bommarillu; in Tamil Nadu, I am known as Harini from Boys, and in Kerala, people remember me as Arackal Ayesha from Urumi," she shared, adding, "All the good roles I played are from the South Indian film industry, and I am blessed to have received such opportunities." Genelia has been praised for her work in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada film industries. Despite being less active in recent years, her characters from films like Bommarillu and Santosh Subramaniam continue to have a devoted fan base. The actress also addressed the criticism she sometimes faces for her recent choices. "Some people even judge me for the roles I played in new films," she admitted. Her upcoming film, 'Junior', is touted to be a romantic drama film, directed by Radhakrishna Reddy, starring Kireeti Reddy in his debut as the male lead, alongside Sreeleela as the female lead. The film is scheduled to release on July 18.
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
I owe my best roles to south Indian cinema, says Genelia D'Souza
Actress Genelia D'Souza, who began her film career in Hindi cinema, has expressed her deep appreciation for the South Indian film industry. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan during the promotions of her upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Genelia clarified misconceptions about her association with South Indian films. Responding to a question about whether she missed out on good roles in the South, Genelia said it would be wrong to say that South Indian films did not offer her meaningful characters. "In Hyderabad, I am known as Hasini for my role in Bommarillu. For the Tamil industry, I am known as Harini for my role in Boys, and in Kerala, I am known as Arackal Ayesha for my role in the Malayalam film Urumi,' she said. 'All the good roles I played are from the South Indian film industry, and I am blessed to have received such opportunities. I am thankful to the South Indian film industry for giving me a chance to work with them,' she added. The actress also touched upon the criticism she sometimes faces for her choice of roles in recent films. "Some people even judge me for the roles I played in new films," she said. Genelia, who has built a strong fan base across various film industries, continues to be celebrated for her memorable performances, especially in the South.
