Ekka (film)

A. Sharadhaa of Cinema Express rated the film 3/5 stars and wrote, "Director Rohit Padaki presents a story that doesn’t shout but simmers, drawing you into a transformation that feels as painful as it is inevitable. [...] Ekka may not rewrite gangster cinema, but it reshuffles the deck with meaning."^[18] India Today wrote "Ekka's first half is emotionally gripping and well-built further praising Director Rohit Padaki displays strong storytelling potential and actor Yuva Rajkumar shows marked improvement and leads strongly."^[19]

Susmita Sameera of The Times of India rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "Despite a strong ensemble, the film’s writing doesn’t always do justice to its characters or storyline. While each twist and character shows potential, the narrative often leans on familiar patterns, offering little that feels fresh or new."^[20] Swaroop Kodur of The News Minute wrote, "Despite its strong intent to tell an epic tale, the film leaves behind a murky picture that’s barely noticeable, and not enough to be remembered."^[21]

Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote, "The screenplay keeps going around in circles, promising a surprise at every turn but settling for low-hanging fruit. Themes of betrayal, vengeance, and transformation are dealt with superficially, with the antagonists nowhere close to being convincing."^[22] Sruthi Ganapathy Raman of The Hollywood Reporter India wrote, "Yuva Rajkumar’s film is a coming-of-age story of a gangster, which works when it's treated with emotion and not convention."^[23] Pranati A. S. of Deccan Herald gave the film 2/5 stars and wrote, "Many elements can make one feel disconnected from the occurrences in the film. [...] By the end of the film, you’re no longer curious to know what happens to the hero. Just like him, you want to go back home, and get some sleep."^[24]

• Ekka at IMDb