Sreeleela

Movie Name : Junior

Release Date : July 18, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Kireeti Reddy, Sreeleela, Genelia Deshmukh, V. Ravi Chandran, Rao Ramesh, Harsha Chemudu, Satya, Sudharani,
Achyut Rao and Others
Director : Radha Krishna Reddy
Producers : Rajani Korrapati
Music Director : Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematographer : K K Senthil Kumar (ISC)
Editor :  Niranjan Devaramane

Related Links : Trailer

Kireeti Reddy, son of politician and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, makes his acting debut with Junior. Co-starring Sreeleela, the film released in over 1,000 screens worldwide in Kannada and Telugu. Here’s our review to see how it fares.

Story:

Abhi (Kireeti Reddy), a lively college student, dreams of creating unforgettable memories. His father, Kodandapani (V. Ravichandran), longs to live with him and be part of his daily life. Abhi falls for Spoorthi and later begins an internship at a company where he reports to Vijay Soujanya (Genelia Deshmukh), the soon-to-be CEO. Their first interaction starts off tense, but things change when Abhi discovers a shocking truth about her past. As Soujanya reconnects with her roots, Abhi becomes deeply involved in her journey. How does he help her? What did he uncover? The answers unfold on the big screen.

Plus Points:

Kireeti Reddy makes a promising debut. Though new to the screen, he appears confident. His dance moves are sharp, his timing works, and he shows potential for growth if he chooses better scripts moving forward.

V. Ravichandran adds warmth as Abhi’s father, especially in emotional scenes. Sreeleela once again proves she’s a strong dancer, and her performance in “Viral Vayyari” alongside Kireeti is a highlight.

Harsha Chemudu adds occasional comic relief, while Rao Ramesh and others handle their brief roles well.

Minus Points:

The film sticks to a very predictable template often used to launch newcomers. It’s filled with romance, fights, comedy, and drama, all crafted to showcase the lead in every light. While it may appeal to some, it feels outdated and overly safe.

Sreeleela, despite her presence, is underused. She appears in the first half but disappears in the second without explanation. It’s disappointing to see such potential sidelined.

Genelia Deshmukh’s character, although central to the plot, leaves little impact. The role adds neither depth to the film nor anything notable to her filmography. Achyuth Kumar and Satya are also underutilised.

The story feels like a patchwork of scenes from films we’ve already seen. Many moments trigger a sense of déjà vu. While the second half does try to hit emotional beats, it often lacks realism and consistency.

Technical Aspects:

Director Radhakrishna Reddy seems more focused on presenting a polished launch vehicle than telling a gripping story. With a stronger screenplay and better character development, the film could have offered more.

KK Senthil Kumar’s cinematography adds a glossy finish, while Devi Sri Prasad’s music is passable but not memorable. Editing by Niranjan Devaramane feels loose, especially in the second half. However, the production values are impressive and evident on screen.

Verdict:

On the whole, Junior is a youthful and emotional drama that only works in parts. Kireeti Reddy puts in a sincere effort — he dances well, fights convincingly, and delivers his lines with ease. He clearly has potential, but future success depends on choosing stronger scripts. The film struggles with a routine plot, borrowed moments, and inconsistent writing. If you enjoy debut-hero movies and don’t mind the clichés, Junior may be a one-time watch. Just keep expectations in check.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team