Dacoit First Report: Good Craft, But Missing the Punch

April 10, 2026 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

Dacoit arrives with an interesting premise, but as the makers themselves clarified, this isn’t a typical dacoit tale – it leans more towards a love story. That tonal choice sets the stage for what unfolds on screen.

As expected from Adivi Sesh, the film attempts to incorporate twists and narrative turns. While his script choices are usually distinct, this time the surprises don’t land with the same effectiveness or leave a lasting impact.

The first half works in the film’s favor, backed by neat execution and controlled storytelling. However, the interval block feels fairly routine and doesn’t quite justify the buildup. The second half takes a simpler route, where the screenplay gradually loses grip and struggles to stay fully convincing. That said, the climax manages to recover to an extent and leaves a passable impression.

On the performance front, Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Zaya Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla deliver commendable performances. Sunil also does well, though his dubbing slightly affects the natural feel of his role.

Musically, Bheems Ceciroleo provides a decent soundtrack, while Gyaani stands out with an effective background score. His work, along with solid sound design, elevates several key moments and adds depth to the narrative.

Verdict:

More than its story, Dacoit works as a technically sound film. However, this time, Adivi Sesh’s trademark magic feels missing.