“Hidimbha,” featuring Ashwin Babu and Nandita Sweta in leading roles, has garnered significant attention with its captivating trailer. Directed by Aneel Kanneganti, this action thriller promises an intriguing ride. Having attended the special premiere, let’s delve into the movie’s essence.
Plot Summary:
In the city of Hyderabad, numerous women mysteriously vanish, posing a challenge for the police force. Special officer Aadya (Nandita Sweta) takes charge of the case, with ACP Abhay (Ashwin Babu) joining the investigation team. What fate awaits the missing women? Why are only women targeted? Can Aadya and Abhay unravel the enigma behind the abductions? These questions form the core of the narrative.
Highlights:
The film’s second hour holds the key, delving deep into the central plot. The introduction of flashback sequences adds depth, albeit bearing a resemblance to elements from Karthi’s “Khakee.” Nevertheless, the captivating visuals maintain audience engagement.
A pivotal twist in the pre-climax adds intrigue, complemented by Ashwin Babu’s commendable portrayal in an action-packed avatar. His dedication to the role of a cop is evident. Nandita Sweta delivers a compelling performance in a substantial role, transcending beyond conventional song sequences.
Makarand Deshpande excels in his antagonistic role, dominating the latter half of the film. His portrayal of malevolence is a standout element, driving the narrative forward.
Drawbacks:
While the backdrop is compelling, the initial establishment of characters and situations lacks impact. The first hour fails to sustain interest, with investigative sequences feeling clichéd and uninspired. The narrative gains momentum only towards the pre-interval phase.
Despite intriguing flashback sequences and a decent twist, the antagonist’s character could benefit from further development. Certain aspects remain unexplored, leaving gaps in the storytelling.
Logical inconsistencies and contrived investigative scenes detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the excessive violence and gore may limit the film’s appeal to wider audiences, particularly families.
Technical Aspects:
Vikas Badisa’s background score adds to the film’s suspense, while B. Rajasekhar’s cinematography elevates key sequences. The editing, though lacking in the first half, improves in the latter portion. Admirable production values contribute to the film’s visual appeal.
Director Aneel Kanneganti demonstrates competence despite budget constraints, delivering a technically proficient product. While the concept shows promise, the slow pacing and lack of clarity hinder its full potential. However, the film concludes with a commendable message.
Verdict:
“Hidimbha” offers moments of thrill within its action-packed narrative. Despite an intriguing backdrop, the film falters in execution, particularly in the first half. However, engaging sequences in the latter portion redeem its shortcomings. While not without flaws, it provides a satisfactory viewing experience for enthusiasts of the genre.