Cast: Aadi Saikumar, Archana Iyer, Ravi Varma, Swasika Vijay, Shiju, Harshavardhan, Madhunandan, Laxman Meesala, Chaitra, Annapoorna
Crew:
Written by Ugandhar Muni, Suresh Kothapalli
Music by Srichard
Cinematography by Praveen K. Bangarri
Edited by Shravan Katikaneni
Directed by Ugandhar Muni
Aadi Saikumar has been trying his level best with different scripts to entertain audiences and establish himself as a leading hero. Now, his new film, Shambhala, with huge expectations and good buzz released on Christmas Eve. The movie teasers and trailers have created positive buzz prior to the release and the theme interested many. Let’s discuss about the film in detail.
Plot:
Scientist Vikram (Aadi Saikumar) is appointed by central government to check the areas and research about the meteorite that fell in the village Shambhala. The locals believe that the celestial object is going to create bad omens in the village and will destroy them. Vikram starts to live alone near the “Banda Bhootham” – as the villagers give it the name – ignoring threats of villagers and Swamiji. He states that it is just a stone and he needs to investigate it. Only a Police Constable (Madhunandan) starts to mingle with him and his child Chitra, who has autism, only befriends Virkam.
On contrary, in the village, a demonic force starts to create hovoc as it enters into Ramulu (Ravi Varma). Villagers do not understand its effects and decides to kill Ramulu’s cow as it gives blood instead of milk. Vikram stops it and Devi (Archana Iyer) starts to help him. Ramulu kills six people in a rage of anger and then he too kills himself. Similarly, people who have extreme evil traits are targeted by this demonic force. Can Vikram use sciene to stop it or will he change from an atheist? Will Swamiji allow Vikram to take over? Who is Devi? What is demonic forces connection with Lord Shiva’s Devasura Sangrama? Watch the movie to know more.
Analysis:
Aadi Saikumar has decided to give script more priority than showcasing him and his skills. This works like a magic for him as he fits the character perfectly. His performance is measured and he is able to handle varied emotions with ease. His performance is the key to this high-content film and he delivers big time. This is a very good film after a long time, we have to mention that.
Archana Iyer doesn’t really have much to do and she is okay. Ravi Varma, young actress, Swasika Vijay, Madhunandan, Laxman Meesala are good in their performances. They handle the portions given to them very aptly. But some portions seem to have been over-dragged at places while they are still engaging, the makers could have trimmed them down for better impact.
Technically, movie is good as the production values shine in this limited budget film. VFX at places seems to have been under done and such things could have been improved. The film core strength lies in maintaining believability of 1980’s. Costume, make-up and location recce have helped it to achieve such finesse. Ugandar Muni showcases that he has skill in engaging audiences with his execution.
But writing wise, he depends on the cliches to engage audiences and feels like he followed some of the previous films that came in this genre. Few scenes seem to have been dragged a lot while some seem to have been winded up to cut things short. His victory lies in engaging audiences throughout while there is a too much a wow factor there is no cringe or headache portions that make this film a good watch.
Bottomline:
A Good Film that engages throughout and could’ve been better with even sharper writing.
Rating: 2.75/5
Disclaimer: The views/opinions expressed in this review are personal views/opinions shared by the writer and organisation does not hold a liability to them. Viewers’ discretion is advised before reacting to them.
