Dacoit Review: Adivi Sesh & Mrunal Thakur’s Love Story Packs Twists, Action… But Does It Fully Deliver?

Movie Name: Dacoit

Release Date: April 10, 2026
Starring: Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, Kamakshi Bhaskarla
Director: Shaneil Deo
Producer: Supriya Yarlagadda
Music Director: Bheems Ceciroleo
Cinematographer: Danush Bhaskar
Editor: Kodati Pavan Kalyan

Related Links: Trailer

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur team up for Dacoit, a romantic action drama that also marks Shaneil Deo’s directorial debut. With decent pre-release buzz, the film has finally hit theatres. So, does it live up to expectations? Let’s break it down.

Story:

Haridas, aka Hari (Adivi Sesh), and Juliet, aka Saraswati (Mrunal Thakur), are deeply in love and dream of standing by each other no matter what life throws at them. But fate has different plans. Hari ends up in jail, while Saraswati moves on and gets married.

Years later, their paths cross again under unexpected circumstances. What follows is a story of love, separation, and how they become crucial parts of each other’s lives once more. That’s the core of Dacoit.

Plus Points:

Unlike Adivi Sesh’s usual films that revolve around complex thrillers, Dacoit keeps things simple and straightforward. However, the screenplay ensures the narrative doesn’t feel dull, thanks to several engaging moments spread across both halves.

The second half is where the film truly shines. Two major twists come in at the right time and genuinely catch you off guard, especially when the story seems to be heading in a predictable direction.

Action lovers will enjoy the well-executed chase sequences and emotionally driven moments in the latter half. The remix of the Kannepettaro song, paired with the title card sequence, is a definite highlight and gives you goosebumps.

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur are the backbone of the film. Their chemistry, emotional confrontations, and individual performances keep you invested. Sesh shows clear improvement in emotional scenes while maintaining his signature screen presence.

Mrunal Thakur once again proves her acting strength with a role that evolves across different situations. She balances grace and intensity with ease. Among the supporting cast, Anurag Kashyap and Kamakshi Bhaskarla make a strong impression.

Minus Points:

While the film has twists—something Adivi Sesh is known for—the freshness in storytelling that usually defines his films feels missing this time. At its core, Dacoit sticks to a familiar theme of estranged lovers reuniting for a common goal.

The pacing isn’t consistent throughout. The first half, in particular, feels a bit stretched as it takes time to establish characters and conflict. Tighter editing could have made a noticeable difference.

The much-hyped special song featuring Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh and singer Jonita Gandhi doesn’t quite hit the mark. It feels underwhelming compared to expectations.

Sesh’s attempt at the Rayalaseema slang isn’t entirely convincing, and a few dialogues don’t land as effectively as they should, slightly affecting the overall experience.

Technical Aspects:

Bheems Ceciroleo’s songs are decent, while Gyaan’s background score works well, especially during action sequences. Danush Bhaskar’s cinematography stands out, capturing the action and chase sequences in a visually appealing way.

The film scores high on production values, giving it a polished and grand look.

Director Shaneil Deo does a fair job for his debut. His collaboration with Adivi Sesh on the screenplay keeps the film engaging despite its familiar plot. However, a few scenes lack clarity and feel somewhat incomplete.

Verdict:

Overall, Dacoit is a decent romantic action drama that offers a mix of emotions, action, and twists. Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur deliver strong performances and carry the film on their shoulders.

While the story doesn’t break new ground, the screenplay and second-half twists keep things interesting. Some slow moments and minor dubbing issues hold it back from being a complete winner.

If you’re in the mood for an intense action drama with a love story at its core, Dacoit is worth a watch.