Sai Dharam Tej and Rakul Preet Singh’s most awaited ‘Winner’ released worldwide on Friday as Maha Shivratri festival special to Telugu audience. The sports drama, directed by Gopichand Malineni and jointly produced by Nallamalupu Bujji, Tagore Madhu on Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Productions and Leo Productions banner.

With Sai Dharam Tej and Rakul Preet Singh in lead roles, the film also features Thakur Anoop Singh, Jagapati Babu, Mukesh Rishi, Ali, Pruthvi and Vennela Kishore in other major roles. S. Thaman has composed the music, Chota K. Naidu did cinematography and it is edited by Prawin Pudi. Winner has been given U/A certificate without cuts.

Here's a review of Winner:

Director: Gopichand Malineni

Producers: Nallamalupu Bujji, Tagore Madhu

Music Director: S. Thaman

Cast: Sai Dharam Tej, Rakul Preet Singh, Jagapati Babu

The story revolves around Ram an individual who was separated from his father due to some conspiracy at the age of 5. Journalist Ram (Sai Dharam Tej) falls in love with Sitara (Rakul Preet Singh), a professional athlete in their very first meet. But both have their own life goals - Ram wants to go back to his father who won't accept him that easily. Here has to make him believe and accept him as his son.

Sitara sets a goal for herself to become an athlete. And they are connected with another track in which Sitara's grandfather plants a fake Ram in the original's place. He strikes a deal with Yuva to act as Ram, and Ram finally proves himself to be true and genuine. This is basically the plot.

The trailer and songs of Winner already got good response from audience. Anchor turned actress Anasuya appears in a special song 'Suya Suya Anasuya' in a pub which also trending social media.

The first day's audience response was overwhelming. Sai Dharam Tej has delivered an extraordinary performance in Winner and he impresses the audience with his action, dance and dialogue delivery. As an athlete, Rakul Preet Singh has done a good job and her glamour is one of the highlights of the film. Ali, Prudhvi and Vennela Kishore’s hilarious comedy is a big asset to the film. Thakur Anoop Singh, Jagapati Babu, Mukesh Rishi have done great job, the audience said.

Positive Points

Sai Dharam Tej’s performance, Rakul Preet Singh glamour

Hilarious scenes between Vennela Kishor, Prudhvi

Music and background score

Smart direction

Prudhvi's comedy, commercial elements in first half

Negative Points

Pace of the story is sagging in some stages

Just like any other commercial movie, heroine's role is confined only to songs and glamor

Verdict: Winner is a movie which engrosses you throughout the film with action, comedy and entertainment. The comedy track is seamlessly designed and all the comedians have done fabulous job. The most surprising special attraction is Bithiri Satti.

Overall rating of the movie is: 3.5/5