Review: Virupaksha – A Mystical Thriller
Cast:
Starring Sai Dharam Tej, Samyukta Menon, Ajay, Sai Chand, Brahmaji, Sunil, Rajiv Kanakala, Soniya Singh, and others.
Crew:
Directed by Karthik Dandu
Produced by BVSN Prasad
Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen
Edited by Navin Nooli
Supreme hero Sai Dharam Tej returns to the screen with the enigmatic thriller “Virupaksha,” helmed by director Karthik Dandu and featuring Samyukta Menon as the female lead. Set in the 1990s village of Rudravanam, the film unfolds a tale of mystery amidst a series of unexplained deaths. Let’s delve into the cinematic experience.
Plot:
Surya (Sai Dharam Tej) revisits his native village, where he encounters Nandini (Samyukta Menon), the daughter of the village sarpanch, and a romance ensues. However, Rudravanam is plagued by mysterious deaths, leading Surya to uncover the truth behind the sinister occurrences.
Highlights:
The film captivates from the outset, with a well-paced first half that seamlessly sets up the narrative. Director Karthik Dandu’s adept storytelling, complemented by Sukumar’s engaging screenplay, immerses viewers into the world of Rudravanam. The production design intricately crafts the village ambiance, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Noteworthy sound effects add depth and tension to pivotal scenes, effectively augmenting the thrill factor. Sai Dharam Tej delivers a mature performance, shedding his mass image to portray Surya’s quest for truth convincingly. Samyukta Menon shines in her substantial role, infusing authenticity into her portrayal of the village belle.
The script’s sharp writing ensures robust characterizations, with even minor roles contributing meaningfully to the plot progression. Supporting actors, including Ajay, Sai Chand, Shymala, Soniya Singh, and Brahmaji, deliver commendable performances, further enriching the narrative.
Drawbacks:
While the first half maintains momentum, the pacing falters slightly in the latter part, diminishing the impact. Although punctuated with well-executed twists, the second half lacks the intensity of its predecessor. Additionally, the romantic subplot feels formulaic, detracting from the film’s overall flow. Notably, the movie features graphic sequences unsuitable for sensitive audiences.
Technical Excellence:
“Virupaksha” excels in technical aspects, with Ajaneesh Loknath’s haunting background score emerging as a standout element. The cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen effectively captures the atmospheric essence of Rudravanam, while the production values are commendable. However, the editing could have been more polished to enhance coherence.
Director Karthik Dandu exhibits skillful storytelling, leveraging technical prowess to amplify the narrative impact. Sukumar’s collaboration adds further depth to the film, although the second half and climax fall short of expectations.
Verdict:
In summary, “Virupaksha” delivers an engaging mystical thriller elevated by its technical finesse. With a compelling storyline, strong performances, and gripping sound design, the film offers a captivating cinematic experience. Despite minor pacing issues, it warrants a theatrical viewing for its immersive storytelling and impressive technical achievements. Highly recommended.