Cast – Sai Dharam Tej, Samyukta Menon, Soniya Singh, Ravikrishna, Sunil, Ajay, and Others
Director – Karthik Varma Dandu
Producer – BVSN Prasad
Banner – Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra
Music – Ajneesh Loknath
After a gap of two years, Sai Dharam Tej makes a comeback on the big screen with a spooky thriller, “Virupaksha,” directed by debutant Karthik Varma Dandu. The film’s trailer created a buzz among fans and genre lovers. Now, let’s see if the movie lives up to the expectations.
Story: The story revolves around a village named Rudravaram where the villagers accuse Venkata Chalapathy of causing deaths and burn his family alive. Before dying, his wife curses the village. Twelve years later, deaths begin to occur again, and Surya (Sai Dharam Tej), who falls in love with Nandini (Samyuktha Menon), stays in the village to investigate. Will he uncover the truth? Who is responsible for the deaths? The movie follows Surya’s quest to unravel the mystery.
Performances: Sai Dharam Tej delivers an impressive performance in his first attempt at a thriller. Samyuktha Menon gets a meaty role and does justice to it. Rajeev Kanakala, Ajay, Sai Chand, Abhinav Gomatam, Soniya Singh, Ravikrishna also performed well in their respective roles. Kamal Kamaraju, who makes an appearance on the big screen after a long time, plays his part convincingly.
Technicalities: “Virupaksha” is a well-crafted thriller with an excellent screenplay by Sukumar. The technical aspects of the movie are noteworthy, with captivating cinematography and an apt background score by Ajneesh Loknath. The director, Karthik Varma Dandu, makes an impressive debut, keeping the pace and intensity of the movie intact.
Pros: Impressive performances by the cast, especially Sai Dharam Tej and Samyuktha Menon. The screenplay and background score add to the gripping nature of the movie. The twists and unpredictability keep the audience engaged throughout the movie.
Cons: The first half of the movie could have been paced better, with a slower love track. There are a few loose ends in the story, leaving some questions unanswered.
Analysis: “Virupaksha” is a well-crafted supernatural thriller with a predictable plot. However, the intriguing treatment of the story keeps the audience engaged. The director’s attention to detail is commendable, and the suspense elements are well-executed. The gruesome deaths and scenes throughout the movie create a spine-chilling effect. The second half picks up pace, making it an engaging watch. The twists towards the pre-climax and climax work well in keeping the suspense alive.
Verdict: Overall, “Virupaksha” is a must-watch for thriller genre lovers. The movie has all the right elements, and the fresh twists and horror elements make it worth watching. The movie had a solo release, and its run is expected to be strong until next week.
Rating: 3/5