Johaar (2020) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026
Johaar (2020) Review
Johaar (2020) (Telugu drama) — directed by Teja Marni. Starring Naina Ganguly, Esther Anil, Chaitanya Krishna. An anthology of 4 stories of people struggling to make their lives better and how those plans are thrown into disarray when a politician decides to divert welfare funds to satiate his ego. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE. Released: 14 Aug 2020. Runtime: 2h 2m.
Johaar(2020)
History is a set of lies agreed upon.
Telugu · Drama
2h 2m · 14 Aug 2020
Music: Priyadarshan Balasubramanian | DOP: Jagadish Cheekati
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Johaar is a Telugu anthology drama that explores the socio-political issues faced by different individuals in society. The film interweaves multiple narratives focusing on themes such as corruption, social injustice, and the struggles of the marginalized, highlighting the impact of systemic failures on ordinary lives.
Naina Ganguly: Strong and impactful portrayal with emotional depth
Esther Anil: Natural and convincing, effectively conveying innocence and resilience
Chaitanya Krishna: Solid performance with nuanced expressions
Teja Marni: Good screen presence and earnest acting
Naina Ganguly: Experienced and compelling in her role
Esther Anil: Effective and supportive performance
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong socially relevant themes
- ✓Good performances by ensemble cast
- ✓Realistic portrayal of societal issues
- ✓Engaging narrative structure
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing issues in parts of the film
- ✕Some storylines less developed
- ✕Occasional melodramatic moments
🎬 Direction & Writing
Teja Marni's direction is focused on delivering a socially conscious message through an anthology format. The writing attempts to balance multiple narratives, though some segments could have been tighter. Overall, the direction is earnest and highlights important issues effectively.
- - Cinematography by Jagadish Cheekati capturing raw and realistic visuals
- - Music by Priyadarshan Balasubramanian complementing the emotional tone
- - Editing that attempts to weave multiple stories cohesively
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
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 Johaar for its socially relevant themes and performances but noted flaws in pacing and uneven storytelling. The film was seen as a sincere attempt to address important issues, though it lacked polish in execution.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Johaar release in theatres?▾
Johaar released on 14 August 2020 (2020).
Is Johaar a hit or flop?▾
Johaar is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Johaar online? OTT release date?▾
Johaar is available on aha from 14 August 2020.
Who directed Johaar?▾
Johaar directed by Teja Marni. Produced by Bhanu Sandeep Marni.
Who are the main cast members of Johaar?▾
Johaar stars Naina Ganguly, Esther Anil, Chaitanya Krishna.
What is the Tollybo rating for Johaar?▾
Tollybo rates Johaar 2.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Who composed the music for Johaar?▾
Music for Johaar composed by Priyadarshan Balasubramanian.
What is the genre and runtime of Johaar?▾
Johaar — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 122 minutes, Language: Telugu.