Set in Yanam, A1 Express revolves around a historic hockey ground that faces the threat of being sold to a greedy corporate entity. The local minister (Rao Ramesh) is eager to hand over the land for personal gain, while the hockey team, led by coach Murali (Murali Sharma), fights to protect their pride and legacy.

Into this mix arrives Sanju (Sundeep Kishan), an ostensibly carefree youth from Vizag with his own past traumas. Initially drawn to Lavanya Rao (Lavanya Tripathi), a talented hockey player, Sanju gradually becomes the beacon of hope for the team. The story follows their struggle to save the ground, the emotional battles of friendship, love, and ambition, and culminates in a climactic hockey match that decides their fate.

Highlights
Sports theme combined with emotional drama makes the film engaging.
Sundeep Kishan’s performance is a highlight and visually convincing as a hockey player.
Rao Ramesh’s satirical political humor adds a sharp edge.
Authentic depiction of hockey matches and local cultural elements.
Lavanya Tripathi shines in her role, adding charm and confidence to the sports sequences.

Drawbacks
First half is slow, with the main plot taking time to unfold.
Some supporting characters (like the opposing team coach) lack screen presence, weakening certain match sequences.
Predictable storyline and convenient plot twists reduce the impact of emotional beats.
Overuse of background score and tilt-shift cinematography can be distracting.
Certain social-political subplots feel forced or underdeveloped.

Verdict
A1 Express is a mixed bag — a sports drama that entertains while highlighting the challenges faced by athletes in India. It blends comedy, romance, and action with sports, but uneven pacing and predictability slightly mar the overall experience.