The film begins in 1987 when the crime rate at Uttar Pradesh summits. In that quandary, Agricultural Minister Veerandranath Tagore brings out a resolution to develop farming as crime can be reduced by eradicating hunger. So, he gives a call for 500 farmers from Combined Andhra Pradesh headed by a wise person Seetaramaiah. The Govt allocates them 5000 acres of land on lease for 30 years, thereafter, it will be their own. Years roll by, Sarojini Naidu a business tycoon moves towards Uttar Pradesh to start her new plant. On the way, she spots a stranger with multiple stab wounds. Sarojini Naidu admits him in the hospital, in the next minute she accompanies him in ICU due to a heart attack. Here, Sarojini Naidu facing a serious life threat from her brother-in-law Durga Prasad when the stranger miraculously wakes up from the coma and saves her. Learning that the person has completely lost his memory Sarojini Naidu adopts him by providing a new identity of her deceased son Arjun Prasad. After 2 years, Arjun Prasad is a famous IT magnet. Harika the chairman of a rival company tries to overpower Arjun Prasad when she falls for him. Parallelly, the Telugu farmers at Uttar Pradesh are under the severe hardship of local politician Bhavaninath Tagore. Looking at it, the resident Sandhya who is shown as the love interest of Arjun Prasad in the past, files a complaint when Govt appoints a special judiciary committee. But unfortunately, when they walk in, Bhavaninath Tagore falsifies by affrighting the villagers and also poses Sandhya as insane. At the same time, Arjun Prasad smokes out that the Uttar Pradesh project has been jeopardized by Bhavaninath Tagore only, who also humiliated Sarojini Naidu very badly. Right now, enraged Arjun Prasad voices against Bhavaninath Tagore and restarts his plant. At that moment, the henchmen of Bhavaninath Tagore attack Arjun Prasad whose blood runs cold after seeing him. Simultaneously, as a flabbergast, the entire Telugu village eagerly approaches and claims him as Dharma.
Thereupon the villagers start narrating the past, Dharma is a powerful Police officer, son of Seetaramaiah who stands for justice. Aside, Niranjana Prasad daughter of Veerandranath Tagore loves & marries a lower caste guy which her father heartily welcomes. During the time of their reception, Bhavaninath Tagore the younger brother of Veerandranath Tagore slaughters the bridegroom and also attempts to kill pregnant Niranjana Prasad by means of his racism & vote bank. All at once, Dharma alights, rescues and shield them in the village through Telugu farmers as gratitude. Meanwhile, avenged Bhavaninath Tagore clouts and issues a G.O to repeal the lease agreement. Veerandranath Tagore abides the farmers' agony, so, they leave the village. Just before, he asks Niranjana Prasad to stand by at the railway station and proceeds towards Bhavaninath Tagore with an appeal for the cancellation of the G.O. But malicious Bhavaninath Tagore kills him and passes an ordinance to his henchmen to eliminate Niranjana Prasad too. Tracing her whereabouts, Dharma lands into a train on time. In the combat, he is severely injured, wiped out and at this juncture, he is witnessed by Sarojini Naidu. In a flash, the story turns to present when Sarojini Naidu also affirms him as Dharma but he is unable to recall his memory. Nevertheless, he decides to encounter Bhavaninath Tagore when his heart is felt with joy knowing that Niranjana Prasad is safeguarded by the villagers and she has given birth to a baby boy named Dharma. At last, Dharma / Arjun Prasad knocks out Bhavaninath Tagore, permanently allots the lands to the farmers and declares Niranjana Prasad as the original heir of the Tagore dynasty. Finally, Sarojini Naidu departs with Harika bequeathing Dharma / Arjun Prasad as his necessity is more to the public than her business empire.
Music was composed by Chirantan Bhatt. Music released by Aditya Music Company.
Production
The principal photography of the film started in July in Bangkok. The second schedule was completed in Ramoji Film City in October 2019. A melody Song is picturized on Balakrishna & Vedhika in November at Munnar.
Release
The film released on 20 December 2019. The first look teaser on 21 November 2019 and trailer on 8 December 2019. The first single song Adugadugo Action Hero is released on 1 December 2019. Accordingly, the pre-release event held on 14 December 2019, at the MGM Grounds, VUDA Park, Visakhapatnam.
Marketing
The first look of Nandamuri Balakrishna in the first of dual role as mafia don supporting beard was released in August 2019. For his role in the film, Balakrishna sported a look that was inspired from Tony Stark. The official motion poster and still image was released by C. K. Entertainments on 26 October 2019. In the second role of the dual role, Nandamuri Balakrishna is seen in police uniform with a big hammer.
Reception
The movie generally received negative reviews.The Hindu declares The film ‘Ruler’: Purely for the fans by Y. Sunita Chowdary, Balakrishna fans will like him in any form and indeed made some effort to look different, gives Vedhika returns after a long time to perform in a better role. The hero gets elevated at each level and it becomes a tale of heroic exploits and nothing else. The Times of India gives 1.5/5 rating, saying A disappointing fare: A non-existent plot, poor characterization, and amateurish filmmaking ensures this film is a big miss. 123telugu.com provides 1.5/5 rating, announcing Ruler – Old School Action Drama: The concept is old school and unnecessary scenes, the second half could be avoided totally. The director KS Ravikumar has been stuck in a time warp being unable to move on from his outdated concepts. Although Balayya impresses with his posh look, the angry cop look is very underwhelming with the horrible wig which disappoints the general audience. Whereas Mirchi-9 grants 1/5 stating Ruler is a Outdated Mass Entertainer The HANS INDIA affirms that the movie doesn't have a proper storyline, director KS Ravikumar used the same commercial formula for this movie and even the story and screenplay are also not that gripping.
