Ruler (film)

The film begins in 1987 when the crime rate at Uttar Pradesh peaks. So, Agricultural Minister Veerandranath Tagore (Prakash Raj) brings out a resolution to develop farming, as crime can be reduced by eradicating hunger. So, he gives a call for 500 farmers from Combined Andhra Pradesh headed by a wise person Seetaramaiah (Nagineedu). The Govt allocates them 5000 acres of land on lease for 30 years, thereafter, it will be their own.

Years roll by, Sarojini Naidu (Jayasudha) a business tycoon moves towards Uttar Pradesh to start her new plant. On the way, she spots a stranger (Nandamuri Balakrishna) with multiple stab wounds. Sarojini Naidu admits him into the hospital, in the next minute she accompanies him in ICU due to a heart attack. Here, Sarojini Naidu is facing a serious threat from her brother-in-law Durga Prasad (Sayaji Shinde) when the stranger miraculously wakes up from the coma and saves her. Learning that the person has completely lost his memory, Sarojini Naidu adopts him by providing a new identity of her deceased son Arjun Prasad. After 2 years, Arjun Prasad is a famous IT magnate. Harika (Sonal Chauhan) the chairman of a rival company tries to overpower Arjun Prasad when she falls for him. Meanwhile, the Telugu farmers at Uttar Pradesh are under severe hardship from local politician Bhavaninath Tagore (Shataf Figar).

So, the resident Sandhya (Vedhika), who is shown as the love interest of Arjun Prasad in the past, files a complaint when the Govt appoints a special judiciary committee. But unfortunately, when they walk in, Bhavaninath Tagore falsifies by intimidating the villagers and also claims Sandhya as insane. At the same time, Arjun Prasad smokes out that the Uttar Pradesh project has been jeopardized by Bhavaninath Tagore, who also humiliated Sarojini Naidu very badly. Now, enraged Arjun Prasad speaks against Bhavaninath Tagore and restarts his plant. At that moment, the henchmen of Bhavaninath Tagore attack Arjun Prasad whose blood runs cold after seeing him. Simultaneously, the entire Telugu village eagerly approaches and claims him as Dharma.

Thereupon the villagers start narrating the past, Dharma is a powerful police officer, son of Seetaramaiah who stands for justice. Aside, Niranjana Prasad (Bhumika Chawla) daughter of Veerandranath Tagore loves and marries a lower caste guy which her father heartily welcomes. During the time of their reception, Bhavaninath Tagore, the younger brother of Veerandranath Tagore slaughters the bridegroom and also attempts to kill pregnant Niranjana Prasad by means of his racism and vote bank. All at once, Dharma alights, rescues and shields them in the village through Telugu farmers as gratitude. Meanwhile, avenged Bhavaninath Tagore clouts and issues a G.O to repeal the lease agreement. Veerandranath Tagore abides the farmers' agony, so, they leave the village. First, he asks Niranjana Prasad to stand by at the railway station and proceeds towards Bhavaninath Tagore with an appeal for the cancellation of the G.O.

But malicious Bhavaninath Tagore kills him and passes an ordinance to his henchmen to eliminate Niranjana Prasad too. Tracing her whereabouts, Dharma lands into a train on time. In the fight, he is severely injured, wiped out and at this juncture, he is witnessed by Sarojini Naidu. In a flash, the story turns to present when Sarojini Naidu also affirms him as Dharma but he is unable to recall his memory. Nevertheless, he decides to encounter Bhavaninath Tagore when his heart is felt with joy knowing that Niranjana Prasad is safeguarded by the villagers and she has given birth to a baby boy named Dharma. At last, Dharma / Arjun Prasad knocks out Bhavaninath Tagore, permanently allots the lands to the farmers and declares Niranjana Prasad as the original heir of the Tagore dynasty. Finally, Sarojini Naidu departs with Harika bequeathing Dharma / Arjun Prasad as his necessity is more to the public than her business empire.

Music was composed by Chirantan Bhatt. Music released by Aditya Music Company.

The principal photography of the film started in July in Bangkok.[10][11] The second schedule was completed in Ramoji Film City in October 2019.[12][13] A melody Song is picturized on Balakrishna & Vedhika in November at Munnar.[14]

The film released on 20 December 2019.[15][16] The first look teaser on 21 November 2019 and trailer on 8 December 2019.[17][18] The first single song Adugadugo Action Hero is released on 1 December 2019.[19] Accordingly, the pre-release event held on 14 December 2019, at the MGM Grounds, VUDA Park, Visakhapatnam.[20]

The movie generally received negative reviews.The Hindu declares The film ‘Ruler’: Purely for the fans by Y. Sunita Chowdary, Balakrishna fans will like him in any form and indeed made some effort to look different, gives Vedhika returns after a long time to perform in a better role. The hero gets elevated at each level and it becomes a tale of heroic exploits and nothing else.[21] The Times of India gives 1.5/5 rating, saying A disappointing fare: A non-existent plot, poor characterization, and amateurish filmmaking ensures this film is a big miss.[22] 123telugu.com provides 1.5/5 rating, announcing Ruler – Old School Action Drama: The concept is old school and unnecessary scenes, the second half could be avoided totally. The director KS Ravikumar has been stuck in a time warp being unable to move on from his outdated concepts. Although Balayya impresses with his posh look, the angry cop look is very underwhelming with the horrible wig which disappoints the general audience.[23] Whereas Mirchi-9 grants 1/5 stating Ruler is a Outdated Mass Entertainer[24] The HANS INDIA affirms that the movie doesn't have a proper storyline, director KS Ravikumar used the same commercial formula for this movie and even the story and screenplay are also not that gripping.[25]

• Ruler at IMDb