“Butterfly: A Crime Thriller Review”
Featuring: Anupama Parameswaran, Nihal Kodhaty, Bhumika Chawla, Rao Ramesh, Praveen
Directed by: Ghanta Satish Babu
Produced by: Ravi Prakash Bodapati, Prasad Tiruvalluri, Pradeep Nallimelli
Music by: Arviz & Gideon Katta
Cinematography: Sameer Reddy
Editing: Madhu
Another addition to the digital release trend, “Butterfly” stars Anupama Parameswaran, Bhumika Chawla, and Nihal Kodhaty and is currently available for streaming on Hotstar. Here’s a breakdown of the film:
Plot:
“Butterfly” follows Geetha (Anupama Parameswaran), a Chartered Accountant residing in Hyderabad with her sister Vyjayanthi (Bhumika Chawla), a renowned criminal lawyer. When Vyjayanthi leaves for Delhi, entrusting Geetha with her children, they suddenly disappear, prompting Geetha and her boyfriend Viswa (Nihal Kodhaty) to embark on a search. The film delves into their quest to find the missing children.
Pros:
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a compelling performance, anchoring the film with her portrayal of a distressed sister. Her nuanced acting, especially during the climax, adds depth to the character and keeps the audience engaged. The mid-sections of the film offer intrigue, complemented by a commendable background score that heightens the tension. Additionally, the climax delivers intense moments and clever twists, contributing to the overall appeal.
The film subtly addresses issues faced by women, with Bhumika Chawla’s character highlighting these challenges early on, adding thematic depth to the narrative.
Cons:
Despite its strengths, “Butterfly” falls short in terms of screenplay, lacking innovation and failing to offer a fresh perspective on the kidnapping theme. The narrative loses momentum, bogged down by repetitive scenes that prolong the runtime unnecessarily. Character development is inadequate, with talented actors like Rao Ramesh and Bhumika Chawla underutilized. The presence of recurring songs further detracts from the viewing experience.
Technical Review:
While the production values are commendable, with solid background score and decent cinematography, the editing could have been tighter to eliminate redundancy. Director Ghanta Satish Babu’s execution falls flat, with a lackluster screenplay and pacing issues hindering the film’s impact.
Verdict:
“Butterfly” is a passable crime thriller primarily elevated by Anupama Parameswaran’s performance. Despite sporadic moments of intrigue, the film fails to offer anything substantial, ultimately rendering it a mediocre watch.