Secret Soldier is the title of the latest Telugu movie release at the box office. A spy thriller directed and produced by Akki Vishwanadha Reddy, the film was previously titled China Piece. Due to certain objections raised by the CBFC, the title was altered, some names were changed (RAW became TAW), and many dialogues were altered. Since the plot involves a Muslim youth whose loyalty is questioned by everyone from a random movie-goer to others, and the subject deals with a national security operation, the authorities didn't let go of creative liberties easily.
The story revolves around two close friends from Nellore: Meera Vali (played by Nihal Kodhaty) and Prithvi (played by Surya Srinivas). Prithvi comes from a wealthy background, whereas Meera Vali is a deeply patriotic young Muslim man whose life dream is to join the Indian Army and serve the nation. Prithvi constantly encourages and supports Vali’s ambition. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vali’s dream of joining the Army falls apart, leaving him deeply disappointed. However, unexpectedly, an opportunity arises for him to work as a secret agent (spy) in an intelligence mission.
The story focuses on a friendship in a very vague manner. Patriotic devotion and the emotional reality of a spy's life are dialogue-based rather than visual-oriented. Some of the lines are thought-provoking, but the actors delivering them feel like good short-film performers. Vamshi Nekkanti, who plays Bhaktal, looks grave. Nihal has got the potential, while Surya Srinivas deserves to land well-written roles. The rest of the cast (Harshitha Bandlamuri, Sreesha Nulu, Kamal Kamaraju, Srikanth Iyenger, Srinivas Vadlamani, Vinod Sagar, and others) give a strong indie vibe unworthy of a big-screen release. Karthik Rodriguez's music and the cinematography feel amateurish.
