Drive (2025) Review: A Hacker Thriller That Runs Out of Gas

This drive review looks at a Telugu-language cyber thriller that promises a tense duel between a powerful man and an unseen enemy. Directed and written by Jenuse Mohamed, the film arrived on 12 December 2025 with Aadhi Pinisetty in the lead. The idea is strong, but the execution is less certain.

Drive Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Drive plot centres on Jayadev Reddy, a media tycoon who has made a secret deal with a nationalist group. He is preparing to relocate abroad with his family and leave his troubles behind. Then an anonymous hacker strikes.

What begins as a cyberattack quickly becomes a mind game. The hacker issues dangerous orders, and Jayadev must follow them while trying to work out who is behind the campaign. His reputation, his wealth and the people he loves are all on the line.

That setup suits the action and thriller genres well. A rich man who controls the headlines suddenly loses control of his own life, which is a neat reversal. The film's first act sets this up clearly and without much fuss.

What Works in Drive

The premise is the film's best asset. A faceless tormentor, a man with plenty to hide and a ticking sense of exposure give the story a solid frame. Even when the script wobbles, you can see why the idea appealed.

Reviewers also singled out the cinematography. The visual work gives the digital cat-and-mouse game a polished look, and it keeps the film watchable in its slower stretches. At roughly 105 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome either.

The lead performance is the other clear plus:

• Aadhi Pinisetty plays the pressured tycoon with commitment.

• The film's best moments rest on his reactions to unseen threats.

• The visuals add gloss to scenes that could have felt flat.

Drive Cast and Performances

The Drive cast is led by Aadhi Pinisetty as Jayadev Reddy. Critics consistently describe his work as committed, and he gives the film a steady centre even when the writing lets him down. He sells the panic of a man who has always held the power.

Madonna Sebastian also stars, but reviewers flag her role as one of the weaker points. The part feels thinly drawn, which limits what she can do. The supporting cast includes Raja Chembolu, Kamal Kamaraju and Anish Kuruvilla.

Supporting players get modest room to register. The film is essentially a one-man show, and it depends heavily on its lead to hold your attention.

Where Drive Stumbles

The biggest complaint is tension. One review says the film never builds real suspense, and that is the fatal flaw for a thriller. A hacker story needs escalating stakes, and here the pressure stays oddly flat.

Pacing and script are the next problems. Critics point to uneven pacing and an underdeveloped screenplay. Several also found the hacker's motive unconvincing, which weakens the payoff of the central mystery.

Critical scores reflect this. Reviews we found range from 2 to 2.75 out of 5, including 123Telugu at 2/5 and Morningshow at 2.75/5. Audience ratings on nettv4u are somewhat kinder, at 3.56 out of 5.

Is Drive Worth Watching?

Drive is worth watching only if you are a fan of Aadhi Pinisetty or enjoy modest Telugu thrillers. The performance and the visuals give you something to hold on to. The weak tension and thin script keep it from being a must-see.

If you want a tightly wound cyber thriller, there are better options. If you are curious about the premise and can forgive some slack pacing, it is a passable watch. Our rating reflects a film with a good idea that never quite pays it off.

For more in the genre, browse our thriller movie reviews or try The Ride (2025) Review: A Late-Night Cab Ride Turns Tense for another tense, single-setting story. You can also check the film's details on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Drive

• Fans of Aadhi Pinisetty who want to see him carry a film.

• Viewers who like hacker and cyber-thriller premises and don't mind uneven execution.

• Casual Telugu cinema watchers looking for a short, straightforward thriller.

If you prefer more action, our action movie reviews have other picks.