Junior, the much-anticipated debut film of Kireeti Reddy, has hit theatres and is already generating considerable buzz.
The romantic family entertainer also marks the Telugu comeback of Genelia Deshmukh and features the ever-popular Sreeleela.
Directed by Radha Krishna, the film has received mixed responses from audiences, with particular praise for Kireeti’s energetic screen presence and impressive dance skills.
Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. Many drew comparisons between Kireeti’s dance moves and those of Jr NTR, noting the newcomer’s agility and rhythm.
Interestingly, Kireeti — who is a real-life fan of Jr NTR — also plays an on-screen admirer of the RRR star.
One user wrote, “Kireeti as a debutant is a showstopper! His electrifying dance moves lit up the screen with unmatched energy and grace. His precision in fight sequences was thrilling, and his ease on screen is captivating. With this stellar start, he has a bright future.”
Not all reviews were glowing, though. Another viewer noted, “When launching a debutant, simplicity and clarity work best. Junior tries too hard to project Kireeti as a star with a mashup of ideas from several films, but lacks proper character building and emotional connection. It ends up feeling like a tiresome watch.”
Despite the mixed feedback on the narrative, the film’s technical aspects have been well-received. Devi Sri Prasad’s high-energy soundtrack — featuring dynamic electronic elements — amplifies the film’s vibrant tone.
Choreographer Vijay Polaki’s stylish dance sequences, shot on grand and colorful sets, stand out for their visual appeal.
Kireeti Reddy is the son of former Karnataka minister and prominent industrialist Gali Janardhan Reddy. Junior is produced by Rajani Korrapati and is set for a wide Pan-India release on June 18 in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.
The film also features Kannada icon Crazy Star Dr. Ravichandran in a key role, alongside Genelia, who returns to Telugu screens in a significant character.
Backed by a strong technical crew, Junior benefits from KK Senthil Kumar’s striking cinematography, DSP’s lively music, and Peter Hein’s adrenaline-fueled stunt choreography.
The production design is helmed by Raveendar, with dialogues penned by Kalyan Chakravarthy Tripuraneni and editing by Niranjan Devaramane.
With a promising debut and a well-crafted technical team, Junior positions Kireeti Reddy as a name to watch in the industry.
