Dictator review roundup: Balakrishna's 99th movie bags mixed verdict, good ratings from critics

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 99^thTelugu movie "Dictator", which released on 14 January, has received mixed reviews and good ratings from film critics.

Chandu (Nandamuri Balakrishna) is worker at a supermarket store in Hyderabad. He lands in a big problem when he goes to help a wannabe actress named Indu (Sonal Chauhan). What happens next? How does he get out of the mess? The answers to these questions form the crux of the film.

Kona Venkat and Gopimohan have written the screenplay and story for "Dictator", but the movie is a old wine in a new bottle, say critics. It is a romantic action entertainer with all the commercial elements, and high on the entertainment quotient. Balakrishna's sterling performance is the highlight, say critics.

Anjali and Sonal Chauhan's glamour, S Thaman's music and Shyam K Naidu's cinematography are the other attractions of "Dictator". The routine and predictable story is the biggest drawback of the movie, which has been rated an average of 2.95 out of 5 stars. Here is the critics' verdict and ratings in the "Dictator" review roundup:

Idle Brain Ratings: 3

Dictator is a typical Balakrishna's film in a predictable format. Plus points are Balakrishna's performance and punch dialogues. On the flip side, the story and screenplay are old-fashioned. There are too many action episodes. On a whole, Dictator is meant for masses and Balakrishna's fans.

India Glitz Ratings: 3

A movie for those who want to see Balakrishna delivering punch lines and smashing an empire.

123 Telugu Ratings: 3.25

Dictator is a film which has all the necessary ingredients of a typical commercial entertainer. Balakrishna's thumping performance, mass dialogues, fights and enough glamour elements will keep the fans and B and C center audience happy. If you ignore the routine and predictable story line, this film will be a decent festival outing this weekend. Go watch it.

Great Andhra Ratings: 2.50

"Dictator" is a mess. Except for Balakrishna and Anjali's presence, the movie doesn't have anything to talk about.

Gulte Ratings: 3

One would expect hilarious comedy from the director who has entertained us thoroughly with his Loukyam. Sriwass and the writers team have done an okay job on the comedy front. It is surprising to see such ordinary stuff from the ace writers who were on a successful streak for a very long time. Balakrishna's ferocious performance in some powerful mass scenes will enthrall fans.