When two of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated creative forces reunite after 14 years, the anticipation alone is enough to fill theatres. But Ustaad Bhagat Singh is not content with just riding that wave of nostalgia — it arrives as a full-blooded, unapologetically massy entertainer that puts Pawan Kalyan front and centre and lets him do what only he can. Director Harish Shankar, who previously teamed with the Power Star for the blockbuster Gabbar Singh in 2012, brings that same crowd-pleasing energy to this cop action drama, layering it with electrifying action, fan-favourite moments, and the kind of screen presence that reminds you why Pawan Kalyan is truly one of a kind. If you are looking for a reason to head to the cinema this week, this is it.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a high-voltage cop action drama that marks the electric reunion of Power Star Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar after 14 long years. Anchored by Pawan Kalyan’s commanding screen presence, a standout Mahankali fight sequence, and a nostalgic recreation of “Ee Manase,” this is a film built to thrill fans and celebrate a star at his most magnetic. A few first-half pacing hiccups aside, this is a crowd-pleasing entertainer that delivers where it counts — in the second half, where it roars.
Language: Telugu
Age Rating: U/A
Genre: Action Drama, Cop Thriller, Mass Entertainer
Director: Harish Shankar
Release Date: 19 March 2026
The Plot: A Cop With a Mission and a Score to Settle
Chadhala Marri Nalla Nagappa (Parthiban), a ruthless politician with his eyes on the Telangana Chief Minister’s seat, sets a dangerous plan in motion — the assassination of the sitting CM Chandrasekhar Rao (KS Ravikumar). When his son vanishes mysteriously in the Nallamalla forest, investigations point to one enigmatic man — Ustaad Bhagat Singh (Pawan Kalyan).
Who is he? What is his true mission? And what personal war is he fighting beneath the badge? The answers unspool across a gripping narrative that builds steadily and pays off in a fiery, entertaining second half. It is a story that keeps things familiar yet engaging, anchored entirely by the force of its leading man.
Performances: Pawan Kalyan Commands Every Frame
Pawan Kalyan — The Undisputed Star of the Show
This is Pawan Kalyan at his most uninhibited and magnetic. After a long gap, watching him return to full-fledged dance numbers, electrifying action sequences, and mass-heavy dialogue delivery is an experience that reminds you exactly why he commands one of the most passionate fanbases in Indian cinema.
His Bhagat Singh is effortlessly cool — a man of few explanations but total conviction. Whether he is decimating opponents in the breathtaking Mahankali fight sequence or delivering a dialogue that lands like a thunderclap, Pawan Kalyan is in complete command. His comedy works in patches, but his action and presence are consistently electric.
Parthiban — A Composed, Effective Antagonist
Parthiban brings quiet menace to his role as the primary villain. His face-off moments with Pawan Kalyan are among the film’s most compelling stretches — two forces of nature occupying the same space, the tension palpable and engaging.
Sreeleela — Sparkle and Energy on Screen
Sreeleela lights up every scene she walks into — vibrant, charming, and a phenomenal dancer. Her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan adds genuine warmth and colour to the film, and her presence in the dance sequences is electric.
The Supporting Cast
KS Ravikumar delivers a neat and emotionally grounded performance as the CM, providing the film’s moral centre. Rao Ramesh and Gowtami offer reliable support, while Raashii Khanna brings grace to her role.
Technical Craft
Music: DSP and Thaman Power the Celebrations
Devi Sri Prasad delivers high-energy dance numbers that are built for the big screen and the dance floor alike. The standout moment is the beautifully crafted recreation of “Ee Manase” from Tholi Prema — a heartwarming, nostalgia-drenched fan-service moment that will move longtime admirers of Pawan Kalyan to their feet.
Thaman’s background score serves its purpose well, amplifying the star’s mass moments with booming effect.
Cinematography
Ayananka Bose frames the film with adequate grandeur. The Nallamalla forest sequences and the Mahankali fight scene receive particularly strong visual treatment, giving the film the large-scale theatrical feel it deserves.
Action
The Mahankali fight sequence is the film’s crown jewel — a viscerally thrilling, brilliantly staged set piece that showcases Pawan Kalyan at his most commanding and powerful. It alone is worth the price of admission.
Editing & Production
Karthika Srinivas keeps the second half crisp and propulsive. Production values are grand and befitting a Pawan Kalyan theatrical event.
Strengths & Weaknesses
What Works Brilliantly
- Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic, effortless screen presence
- The spectacular Mahankali fight sequence — a genuine showstopper
- The nostalgic and moving “Ee Manase” recreation
- Energetic, crowd-pleasing second half
- Sreeleela’s vibrant charm and dancing brilliance
- DSP’s high-energy music
- Strong face-off scenes between Pawan Kalyan and Parthiban
Minor Areas to Note
- First half takes some time to settle into its groove
- A few comedy portions are hit-or-miss
- Some supporting characters could have had more screen time
Final Verdict: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a celebration of Pawan Kalyan — and it delivers that celebration with style, scale, and sincere energy. Harish Shankar channels the spirit of their iconic partnership and wraps it in enough action spectacle, nostalgic warmth, and mass-hero moments to make the reunion feel fully worth the 14-year wait.
The first half may ease in gradually, but once the film finds its rhythm, it does not let go. The Mahankali sequence, the “Ee Manase” recreation, Pawan Kalyan’s unmatched swag in every action scene, and Sreeleela’s dazzling energy all combine into a package that feels tailor-made for the big screen.
For fans, this is a joyous theatrical experience. For the wider Telugu audience, it is a well-crafted, entertaining commercial outing with a star performing at the peak of his powers.
Do not miss it on the big screen.
What is the age rating of Ustaad Bhagat Singh?
Ustaad Bhagat Singh carries a U/A certificate
Can we watch Ustaad Bhagat Singh with kids?
Yes, the film is largely family-friendly and can be enjoyed with older children and teenagers.
Is Ustaad Bhagat Singh based on a true story?
No, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is a fictional cop action drama.
Who plays the lead role in Ustaad Bhagat Singh?
Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan plays the title role of Ustaad Bhagat Singh, a fearless and principled cop on a personal mission.
