Baanam (2009): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2009, Baanam is an action and drama film directed by Chaitanya Dantuluri, running about 115 minutes.

What it’s about. The story is set in the town of Ranasthali, in year 1989. Bhagat Panigrahi (Nara Rohit) is preparing to become a police officer. His father Chandrasekhar Panigrahi (Sayaji Shinde), a former Naxalite returns after 20 years before giving up his fight for the society for the reasons only known to him. He comes back home and questions his son's ambition of becoming a Police Officer. Meanwhile a local don, Shakti Patnaik (Randhir Gatla) is slowly building his empire, terrorizing police and anyone who opposes him. One day, Bhagat meets Subbalaxmi (Vedhicka) at the railway station and rescues her from the tragedy of her life. When her ex-husband involves Shakti's gang to abduct her, it triggers a series of consequences between Bhagat and Shakti. The rest is about how Bhagat never gives anything for his ambition, which inspires others to stand up for the fight against the tyranny of Shakti.

Who’s in it. Baanam stars Nara Rohith as Bhagat Panigrahi, Randhir Gatla as Sakthi Patnaik, Akurati Ramhith as Bhagat Panigrahi (childhood) and Sayaji Shinde as Chandrasekar Panigrahi, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.8/10, Baanam has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Baanam page.

If you liked it. Fans of Baanam tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.