Agent (2023) Movie Review: A Stylish Yet Flawed Telugu Spy Thriller

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Release Date: April 28, 2023 | Director: Surender Reddy | Cast: Akhil Akkineni, Mammootty, Sakshi Vaidya, Dino Morea | Genre: Action, Thriller | Rating: 2.5/5

If you’re searching for an in-depth Agent (2023) movie review in English, you’ve landed in the right place! Agent, a 2023 Telugu-language spy action thriller directed by Surender Reddy, promised high-octane action and a gripping espionage tale. Starring Akhil Akkineni, Mammootty, and Dino Morea, this film aimed to captivate audiences with its slick visuals and ambitious storyline. But does it deliver? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, direction, music, and more to help you decide whether Agent is worth your time. Let’s break it down!


Agent (2023) Plot Summary: A Spy Tale with Untapped Potential

Agent follows Ramakrishna, aka Ricky (Akhil Akkineni), a rebellious and quirky young man with dreams of becoming a secret agent. His life takes a thrilling turn when he’s recruited by RAW chief Mahadev (Mammootty) for an unofficial mission to take down an international criminal mastermind known as “The God” (Dino Morea). As Ricky dives into the dangerous world of espionage, he uncovers secrets, faces betrayals, and battles high-stakes action sequences. The premise sounds exciting, but the execution falters, leaving viewers with a mix of adrenaline and disappointment.

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Performances: Akhil Shines, Supporting Cast Underwhelms

Akhil Akkineni as Ricky

Akhil Akkineni brings energy and dedication to his role as the wild and unpredictable Ricky. His physical transformation—long hair, chiseled physique—and commitment to the action scenes are commendable. However, the over-the-top characterization and cringe-worthy dialogues often make his performance feel forced, overshadowing his efforts.

Mammootty as Mahadev

Veteran actor Mammootty delivers a solid performance as the stern RAW chief Mahadev. His screen presence is magnetic, but the script doesn’t give him enough depth to truly shine. Fans expecting a meaty role might feel shortchanged.

Dino Morea as The God

Dino Morea marks his Tollywood debut as the antagonist, “The God.” While he looks the part and performs decently, his character lacks a compelling backstory or menace, making the villain forgettable.

Sakshi Vaidya and Others

Sakshi Vaidya’s role as the female lead is limited to a few romantic scenes and songs, adding little to the narrative. Other supporting actors, like Sampath Raj, are underutilized, fading into the background.

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Direction and Screenplay: Style Over Substance

Surender Reddy, known for his flair in action films like Kick and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, brings his signature style to Agent. The movie boasts visually striking sequences, especially the pre-interval action scene at Visakhapatnam Port. However, the screenplay by Vakkantham Vamsi feels outdated and generic, relying on tired spy movie tropes. The pacing drags in parts, and the narrative fails to balance action with emotional depth, resulting in a disjointed experience.

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Cinematography and Action: The Saving Grace

Rasamathi’s cinematography is a standout, capturing exotic locations like Hyderabad, Budapest, and Manali with vibrant colors and dynamic framing. The action choreography, especially the high-speed chases and hand-to-hand combat, keeps you engaged. Akhil’s stunt work adds authenticity, making these sequences the film’s highlight. However, subpar CGI in some scenes detracts from the overall impact.

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Music and Background Score: A Mixed Bag

Hiphop Tamizha’s soundtrack for Agent is underwhelming, with songs like “Malli Malli” and “Wild Saala” failing to leave a lasting impression. The background score is functional but lacks the punch needed to elevate the tension in key moments. Compared to the duo’s previous work, this feels like a letdown.

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Agent (2023)

Strengths

  • Stylish action sequences and cinematography
  • Akhil Akkineni’s physical transformation and stunt work
  • Mammootty’s commanding presence

Weaknesses

  • Weak script and predictable plot
  • Poor character development
  • Lackluster music and editing

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Box Office and Reception: A Commercial Disappointment

Released on April 28, 2023, Agent faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and production setbacks. Despite the hype, it received negative reviews from critics and bombed at the box office. Producer Anil Sunkara and Akhil Akkineni even issued public apologies, admitting the film started without a finalized script—a rare move that reflects its troubled journey.

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Should You Watch Agent (2023)?

Agent is a film for die-hard Akhil Akkineni fans or action junkies who don’t mind a shaky plot. If you’re looking for a fresh, well-crafted spy thriller, this might not hit the mark. It’s available on SonyLIV for streaming, so you can give it a shot from the comfort of home—but don’t expect a Pathaan or Mission Impossible-level experience.

Final Verdict: 2.5/5 – A visually appealing misfire that struggles to rise above its flaws.

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Conclusion: Agent (2023) – A Missed Opportunity

Agent (2023) had all the ingredients for a blockbuster Telugu spy thriller—big stars, stunning locations, and ambitious action. Yet, it stumbles with a weak story, uneven execution, and forgettable characters. While Akhil Akkineni and Mammootty offer glimpses of brilliance, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Have you watched Agent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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