Review: “Asalu” – A Crime Thriller with Mixed Results
Featuring: Ravi Babu, Poorna, Surya, Satya Krishnan, Pranavi Manukonda, and others
Directed by: Uday and Suresh
Produced by: Ravi Babu
Music by: SS Rajesh
Cinematography by: Charan Madhavaneni
Edited by: Satyanarayana Balla
The crime thriller “Asalu,” starring Poorna and Ravi Babu in pivotal roles, is now available for streaming on ETV Win. Ravi Babu not only stars in the film but also serves as its producer, writer, and supervising director, while the direction is credited to Uday and Suresh. Here’s an overview of the film:
Plot:
Venkatesh Chakravarthy (Surya) is a respected forensic pathology professor, with Vandhana (Poorna) serving as his assistant professor. However, tragedy strikes when Chakravarthy is murdered during an online class, leaving Vandhana and the students in shock. CID cop Ranjith Rao (Ravi Babu) is tasked with solving the case, which involves a visit from four individuals and an unidentified masked person on the day of the murder. The film delves into the mystery of the professor’s death, the motive behind it, and Vandhana’s role in assisting Ranjith Rao.
Highlights:
The film wastes no time in diving into its central plot, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention with the murder and its aftermath. Ravi Babu’s portrayal of CID cop Ranjith Rao is compelling, drawing viewers into the investigation. The setup is well-executed, maintaining intrigue and suspense throughout the investigation as suspects are introduced and motives explored. Ravi Babu delivers a standout performance, supported by Poorna in a significant role, while the runtime of around 100 minutes works in favor of the crime thriller.
Drawbacks:
Despite a promising start, the film’s momentum falters once the identity of the killer is revealed. The plot becomes predictable, and the emotional depth and tension diminish significantly. The backstory of the killer feels clichéd, and the cat-and-mouse game between the killer and the police lacks intensity. Additionally, certain plot elements, such as Ravi Babu’s family angle, feel unnecessary, and the film’s portrayal of police procedures may strain credibility.
Technical Aspects:
The background score by SS Rajesh complements the suspenseful atmosphere, while Charan Madhavaneni’s cinematography effectively sets the tone for a crime thriller. The production values are commendable, and the editing maintains a crisp pace. However, despite glimpses of Ravi Babu’s directorial style, the overall execution by Uday and Suresh falls short, particularly in the second half and climax.
Verdict:
“Asalu” offers a partially satisfying experience as a crime thriller. While Ravi Babu’s performance, Poorna’s contribution, and certain sequences elevate the film, its shortcomings in pacing and execution, especially post-reveal, detract from its overall impact. Nevertheless, it may still be worth a watch for fans of the genre, albeit with tempered expectations.