Khaleja" is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language action-comedy film, directed by Trivikram Srinivas and starring Mahesh Babu and Anushka Shetty in the lead roles. The film was produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under the banner of Vyjayanthi Movies.

Plot:

The story of Khaleja revolves around a carefree and humble man named Raghuram (played by Mahesh Babu), who is called to a village where a mysterious cult and a powerful politician are causing harm to the people. Raghuram's character is initially unaware of the significance of his presence in the village, but soon, he discovers that he is the key to saving the villagers from the evil forces.

Anushka Shetty plays the role of Subhashini, a woman with a strong sense of justice who also gets involved in the events surrounding the village's troubles. The movie mixes action, comedy, and drama, with themes of heroism and the battle between good and evil.

Key Themes:

  • Action and Comedy: The film balances intense action sequences with light-hearted humor, showcasing Mahesh Babu in a role that blends toughness with wit.
  • Spiritual Elements: The film involves themes of destiny and a higher purpose, with Mahesh Babu's character seemingly possessing divine qualities that make him a hero in the eyes of the villagers.
  • Heroism: Raghuram becomes the unexpected hero who takes on powerful villains to protect the innocent.

Performances:

  • Mahesh Babu was praised for his charismatic and versatile performance, with his portrayal of Raghuram being a major highlight of the film.
  • Anushka Shetty received positive reviews for her performance as Subhashini, bringing both strength and warmth to her role.

Music:

The music for Khaleja was composed by Mani Sharma, with notable tracks such as "Jaamu Raatiri" and "Padaleva" becoming quite popular. The music complements the tone of the movie, enhancing both its dramatic and lighter moments.

Reception:

Khaleja received a mixed-to-positive reception upon its release. While the film was appreciated for Mahesh Babu's performance and Trivikram's screenplay, it struggled with pacing issues at times. Despite these challenges, the movie did well at the box office and has since garnered a cult following due to its unique story and Mahesh Babu’s star power.

Legacy:

Khaleja remains one of the distinctive films in Mahesh Babu's career, as it stands out for its blend of spirituality, action, and humor, which is somewhat unusual in Telugu cinema. It also marked a successful collaboration between Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas, who later teamed up again for films like Athadu and Khaleja.