Lenin: A Watchable Comeback for Akhil. The film Lenin marks a significant return for star Akhil Akkineni after a three-year break. Directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, this commercial revenge drama arrived in theaters on July 10, 2026, with decent expectations. Set in 1989 in Sri Ramapuram, Chittoor, the story follows Lenin, an orphan raised by Jayanthi. Lenin falls in love with Bharathi, but his life takes a turn when he uncovers shocking truths about those close to him.
Akhil delivers one of his finest performances in Lenin, showcasing confidence in both emotional and action scenes. Bhagyashri Borse plays a pivotal role as Bharathi, and her chemistry with Akhil makes the romantic track enjoyable. Pramod Panju emerges as a surprising villain, while Eashwari Rao and Sivaji provide solid support. Thaman’s background score elevates key moments, especially the pre-interval and climax sequences. The film’s biggest highlights include well-executed twists and strong production values.
However, Lenin faces some shortcomings. The narrative becomes predictable as characters reveal their true intentions. A tighter screenplay and sharper pacing would have improved engagement. The film includes unnecessary songs that slow the pace, and characters like the MLA and Brahmaji need more screen time. Akhil shows improvement as an actor but can still refine his emotional scenes. Thaman’s music and Leon Britto’s cinematography are decent, but Navin Nooli’s editing could be crisper.
Overall, Lenin is a decent commercial entertainer. It gives Akhil the comeback vehicle he needed, with his performance, Bhagyashri’s screen presence, and Thaman’s score working in its favor. While underdeveloped characters, a lengthy runtime, and a predictable plot hold it back, Lenin remains a passable watch for the weekend. 123telugu.com rates it 3/5.