Hey Balwanth Movie Review (2026): Directed by Gopi Atchara, the Telugu comedy drama ‘Hey Balwanth‘ has been released in theatres on February 20, 2026, and it marks a fresh big-screen outing for Suhas after a string of underperforming films. The film is designed as a family-friendly Telugu comedy-drama, and it tries to blend humour with an emotionally driven father–son narrative. The film succeeds in creating a sincere emotional core, but inconsistent writing keeps it from reaching its full potential.
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Hey Balwanth Movie Rating and Movie Details
Rating: 3/5
- Release Date: February 20, 2026
- Writer & Director: Gopi Atchara
- Cast: Suhas, Shivani Nagaram, Naresh Vijaya Krishna, Sudarshan, and others
- Music Director: Vivek Sagar
- DOP: Mahi Reddy Pandugula
- Editor: Viplav Nyshadam
- Runtime: 134 Minutes (2hr 13min)
‘Hey Balwanth’ Story and Core Plot
The story takes us to Krishna Balwanth (Suhas), a young man who dreams of taking over his father Rao Balwanth’s (Naresh) business. However, at this point, he has little understanding of what that business actually involves. Finally, Krishna uncovers the uncomfortable truth behind his father’s profession and the moral complications attached to it, and his life changes dramatically.
Along with his lover Mithra, Krishna finds himself caught in unexpected political and personal situations that involve two local politicians. The central hook of the film is very tempting, as it highlights the emotional question of why Krishna’s father continued the business despite knowing its consequences, which adds a meaningful twist to an otherwise simple narrative.
Direction and Writing
‘Hey Balwanth’ was written and directed by Gopi Atchara, and the film was originally titled ‘Hey Bhagawan’ but had to be renamed after a directive from the Central Board of Film Certification.
The first half sets the tone well. The first half works well to introduce the characters with light humour and emotional warmth. However, the screenplay gradually loses its grip in the second half. There are several scenes in the film that feel stretched, and the narrative relies too heavily on convenient situations rather than sharp writing. The emotional moments are genuine. However, their impact is eventually reduced by rushed transitions and predictable confrontations.
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Performances That Carry the Film
Suhas has done an amazing job to deliver a heartfelt and controlled performance as Krishna Balwanth. His emotional scenes are convincing. His natural comic timing keeps the character relatable. Shivani Nagaram plays Mithra with grace. However, the role remains underwritten and does not receive enough screen space to develop fully.
The biggest surprise and consistent strength of the film is V. K. Naresh. His comic presence and expressive reactions work very well to rescue several flat sequences and provide genuine laughs.
What’s Good in Hey Balwanth
The strongest aspect of ‘Hey Balwanth’ is its emotional sincerity. The father–son relationship is well written, and it forms the backbone of the story. Suhas’ performance is good, and it brings credibility to Krishna’s inner conflict. Not to forget VK Naresh’s comedy timing that lifts the film whenever the pacing slows down. The core idea that surrounds the moral dilemma of continuing a questionable business works well to add depth, and it makes the narrative more than just a routine comedy drama.
Negative Sides in Hey Balwanth
The film’s biggest drawback is its inconsistent screenplay in the second half. There are several scenes that feel repetitive, and the humour loses momentum just when the narrative should have become sharper. The political subplot is underdeveloped. It feels more like a narrative convenience than a meaningful layer. The final hour appears forced, and the emotional resolutions arrive too quickly and without enough dramatic build-up.
Box Office Start and Release Details
According to the makers, Atharvana BhadraKali Pictures, Hey Balwanth has done very well, as it opened well overseas with the collection of $71,777 in its overseas preview. The film has been released in over 307 locations worldwide, and tickets in India are available through Book My Show and several other ticket booking platforms.
Baap Of Movies Final Verdict – Is ‘Hey Balwanth’ Worth Watching?
‘Hey Balwanth’ is driven by honest performances and a warm emotional concept. Suhas and VK Naresh ensure that the film remains engaging in parts. However, a weak second half, lack of strong punchlines, and a hurried climax prevent it from becoming a memorable comedy-drama.
If you are someone who is looking for a soft, family-orientated Telugu film that has emotional depth and mild humour, then Hey Balwanth works very well as a decent one-time watch.
Watch Hey Balwanth Trailer
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