Web Series Name : Rana Naidu: Season 2
Streaming Date : June 13, 2025
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Rana Daggubati, Daggubati Venkatesh, Arjun Rampal, Surveen Chawla, Kriti Kharbanda, Sushant Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, and Dino Morea and others
Directors : Suparn Verma, Karan Anshuman
Producers : Sunder Aaron, Sumit Shukla
Music Director : Sangeet-Siddharth
Cinematographer : John Schmidt
Editors : Ninad Khanolkar, Manan Ashwin Mehta
Related Links : Trailer
The gritty crime drama Rana Naidu returns with its much-anticipated second season (Rana Naidu S2), now streaming on Netflix in multiple languages including Telugu. With Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh reprising their central roles, the new chapter steers away from celebrity scandals and dives into personal conflicts. But does it live up to the promise of its predecessor, or is it a missed opportunity? Check out our review.
Story:
Having resolved to leave behind his fixer life, Rana Naidu (Rana Daggubati) dreams of a peaceful existence with his family. That dream is shattered when his son is kidnapped. Enter billionaire Vikram Oberoi (Rajat Kapoor), who helps rescue the child—but demands Rana’s services in return. Rana aligns himself with Vikram and strikes a deal with his daughter, Alia Oberoi (Krithi Kharbanda), to help her acquire her own cricket team. Meanwhile, Rauf Bhai (Arjun Rampal), released from prison through politician OB Mahajan’s (Rajesh Jais) influence, re-enters the picture with vengeance in mind. As Naina (Surveen Chawla) grows emotionally distant from Rana, their daughter Nitya (Afrah Sayed) finds herself in grave danger. What lies behind Vikram’s request? Can Rana repair his fractured family? Will he reconcile with his estranged father, Naga Naidu (Venkatesh)? What is the rift between Rana and Rauf? These threads weave the core of the narrative.
Plus Points:
Rana Daggubati once again anchors the series with a composed and nuanced performance. His shift from professional problem-solver to family man adds depth, and he handles the emotional weight with assurance.
Venkatesh, though limited in screen time, brings levity with his quirky expressions and dry wit. However, the sporadic use of profanity from a star with a traditionally family-friendly image feels off-brand and unnecessary.
Krithi Kharbanda is a surprising standout in a negative role, delivering both style and substance. Rajat Kapoor is adequate as Vikram Oberoi, while Abhishek Banerjee benefits from better screen time and a more defined arc. Sushant Singh is competent as his brother.
Certain action sequences and emotional scenes are effectively executed, maintaining viewer engagement during slower stretches.
Minus Points:
The writing lacks consistency. While the premise holds promise, the execution falters due to underdeveloped subplots and a sagging midsection. The pivot from crime and action to a more family-driven narrative dilutes the tension. The action remains, but its impact is noticeably diminished.
Arjun Rampal is criminally underused. His character, poised to be a formidable antagonist, ends up hollow and directionless.
Despite its family-centric focus, the emotional bond between Rana and Naga Naidu never fully resonates. The father-son dynamic lacks the depth needed to ground the story.
While the makers claimed to have toned down intimacy and language, the sporadic cuss words—especially from Venkatesh—remain jarring, making the show unsuitable for family viewing.
With two fewer episodes than the first season, one would expect tighter pacing. However, extended runtime and sluggish scenes make the show feel longer than it should.
Technical Aspects:
Directed by Karan Anshuman, with Suparn S. Varma and Abhay Chopra also on board, the series shows promise but lacks polish. The direction and writing never quite elevate the material. John Schmidt’s cinematography stands out, capturing the grit and emotional undercurrents effectively. John Stewart Eduri’s background score complements the drama well. However, editing by Ninad Khanolkar and Manan Ashwin Mehta could have been sharper—numerous sequences could have been trimmed to enhance narrative momentum. Production values remain solid, with a slick, cinematic finish. The Telugu dubbing feels good.
Verdict:
On the whole, Rana Naidu Season 2 is a mixed bag. While Rana Daggubati and Venky deliver with conviction and a few sequences shine, the series ultimately suffers from weak storytelling, inconsistent tone, and underwhelming character arcs. The lack of emotional payoff and diluted action reduce its impact. If you enjoyed Season 1, you might find this sequel passable, but it doesn’t offer the same gripping intensity. For newcomers or casual viewers, it’s best approached with tempered expectations.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team