Vidyapati Movie Review: A Comedic Redemption Tale That Lands on Its Feet

Directed by the Khan brothers, Esham and Haseen, Vidyapati is a quirky yet heartfelt coming-of-age drama that finds humour in desperation and strength in unexpected vulnerability. Much like their breakout 2021 hit Ikkat, the duo continues to explore how ordinary people deal with extraordinary situations. But this time, instead of a pandemic-trapped couple, we follow the fall and rise of a flashy, self-centred man who’s forced to confront his own inadequacies.

At the heart of the story is Siddu, played with surprising depth by Nagabhushana. Siddu is a man who has built his identity on a carefully curated lie. He pretends to be the ideal partner—caring, confident, macho—to win over Vidya (Malaika Vasupal), a successful actor. But when Vidya is assaulted and humiliated by goons working for the terrifying Jaggu (Garuda Ram), Siddu’s cowardice is exposed. Unable to protect her and unwilling to stand up for her, he’s left ashamed and abandoned. The marriage collapses, and Siddu, who once thrived off Vidya’s earnings, ends up homeless and penniless.

Esham and Haseen bring their signature brand of physical comedy to Siddu’s misadventures. Much like a Mr Bean figure, Siddu is clumsy and delusional, yet oddly endearing in his efforts to reclaim his self-worth. His bizarre training montages, attempts at looking tough, and encounters with shady mentors will leave children and adults alike in splits—especially because the humour stays clean and family-friendly.

However, the film isn’t without its pacing issues. The first half, while filled with zany set-pieces, lacks brevity. Scenes tend to linger longer than necessary, causing the narrative to lose some of its comic punch. The writing, especially around Vidya’s character, feels undercooked—her emotional journey post-breakup is almost entirely overlooked, making her role feel more functional than layered.

But Vidyapati redeems itself in the latter half. As themes of pride, redemption, and masculinity begin to unfold organically, the film finds its rhythm. It asks: What happens when someone who’s always had it easy is suddenly brought to his knees? What happens when a man with nothing left to lose decides to take control of his life? The film doesn’t offer answers in grand heroic gestures but in small, emotionally resonant moments.

Nagabhushana delivers what could be considered his best performance to date. Known for lighthearted roles, he initially seems miscast as the vain, cocky Siddu. But as the character’s arc progresses, Nagabhushana reveals a depth and seriousness that makes Siddu’s transformation feel earned. By the end, you’re not just laughing with Siddu—you’re rooting for him.

The film’s standout sequence is an action scene inside a Karate school—both tightly choreographed and emotionally stirring. The training montage that leads to it, backed by Dossmode’s rousing music, gives Vidyapati its cinematic high. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, in walks Dhananjaya in a memorable cameo, echoing the energy of Bheedi Thatha from Sarpatta Parambarai. He becomes the philosophical mentor Siddu never knew he needed, urging him to rise above pain and fight with purpose.

In spirit, Vidyapati evokes Maheshinte Prathikaaram—a revenge drama where machismo is replaced by emotional clarity and self-discovery. It avoids overindulgence in heavy themes, yet touches on enough to keep things engaging for all audiences.

A clean, emotionally fulfilling film with enough laughter, drama, and action, Vidyapati is a refreshing summer release tailor-made for families. It may not be perfect, but it’s sincere, entertaining, and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Vidyapati is now playing in theatres.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐★ ★ (3/5)