Auto Driver (1998) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
Auto Driver (1998) Review
Directed by Suresh Krissna, Auto Driver (1998) is a Telugu romance film starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Simran, Deepti Bhatnagar. Credited cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni ... Jagan Mahesh Anand Babu Mohan Dipti Bhatnagar Brahmanandam Ashok Kumar K. Srinivasa Rao Kota Simran Dara Singh Sudhakar Sujatha Vijayakumar Our Rating: 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 24 Apr 1998. Runtime: 2h 25m.
Auto Driver(1998)
Telugu · Romance
2h 25m · 24 Apr 1998
Writer: Bhupati Raja, Suresh Krishna, Krishna Murali Posani
Ratings
Our Rating
2
📖 Story
Auto Driver follows the life of a humble auto rickshaw driver who navigates the challenges of urban life, love, and social injustice. The story delves into his relationships and the struggles he faces while trying to uphold his dignity and fight against corruption.
Nagarjuna Akkineni: Charismatic and convincing portrayal of the protagonist, bringing depth to the role of an auto driver.
Simran: Strong and engaging performance as the female lead, complementing the hero well.
Deepti Bhatnagar: Supportive role with adequate screen presence.
Suresh Krissna: Effective as the antagonist, adding tension to the narrative.
Nagarjuna Akkineni: Solid supporting role contributing to the story's progression.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Nagarjuna's performance and screen presence
- ✓Engaging storyline with social themes
- ✓Effective direction by Suresh Krissna
- ✓Good chemistry between lead actors
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in the second half
- ✕Some predictable plot elements
- ✕Lack of innovation in technical aspects
🎬 Direction & Writing
Suresh Krissna delivers a commercially appealing film with a blend of action, drama, and social message. The narrative is straightforward, focusing on the protagonist's journey with adequate emotional depth but limited novelty.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.5 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 20 | |
| 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics appreciated Nagarjuna's performance and the film's social message but noted the conventional storyline and pacing issues. The film received mixed to positive reviews overall.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Auto Driver release in theatres?▾
Auto Driver released on 24 April 1998 (1998).
Is Auto Driver a hit or flop?▾
Auto Driver is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Auto Driver online? OTT release date?▾
Auto Driver is available on Sun NXT, Vi Movies and TV, MX Player from 13 May 2017.
Who directed Auto Driver?▾
Auto Driver directed by Suresh Krissna.
Who are the main cast members of Auto Driver?▾
Auto Driver stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Simran, Deepti Bhatnagar.
What is the Tollybo rating for Auto Driver?▾
Tollybo rates Auto Driver 2/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Auto Driver?▾
Auto Driver — Genre: Romance, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Telugu.