"Virupaksha" is a well-crafted horror film that manages to deliver an effective and chilling tale. Directed by Karthik Varma Dandu and penned by Sukumar, the movie wastes no time in establishing the tone and mood of the film. From the opening scene, the audience is made aware that this will be a hard tale to sit through, thanks to ample gore and violence.
Set in the 1990s, the movie revolves around Surya (Sai Dharam Tej) who returns to his mother's village, Rudravanam, where the villagers are preparing for the Modamamba Thalli jatara. However, amidst the romance brewing between Surya and the village sarpanch's daughter Nandini (Samyuktha), a chain of events leads to multiple deaths, and Surya sets out to uncover the root cause of it all.
The film starts off strong, showcasing how superstitions and fear can lead to heinous decisions. The first half of the movie is racy and engaging, punctuated with moments of romance between the lead characters. While the dialogue might make it sound more emotional than it actually is, it all pays off in the end.
The second half of the film takes a darker turn, and while it might seem draggy at times, the movie manages to keep the audience engaged with the story. Paying close attention to the clues sprinkled throughout the film helps connect the dots, making the climax seem like a logical conclusion to the events unfolding on-screen.
What sets "Virupaksha" apart is the suffocating atmosphere that draws the audience in, making them look beyond the actors and delve into the characters' motivations. The sound design is stellar, and the background score by Ajaneesh Loknath sets the mood for most of the scenes. The cinematography by Shamdat is also noteworthy, as is Karthik's direction. The film manages to evoke a sense of dread and unease without relying solely on jump scares.
Sai Dharam Tej delivers a commendable performance as Surya, a character that requires him to be laid back for the most part. Even in the midst of all the chaos, Sai manages to hold his own, keeping the audience invested in his journey. Samyuktha also shines in her role, delivering a nuanced performance that showcases her range as an actor. Supporting actors like Sai Chand, Brahmaji, Ajay, Rajeev Kanakala, and Syamala all pull off their roles quite effectively, with each character adding depth and dimension to the film.
However, Sunil's character seems inconsistent and unnecessary in the grand scheme of things, detracting from the overall narrative.
One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to straddle the thin line between promoting superstition and narrating a story of people drowning in superstition. While there may be moments that make the audience question the filmmakers' intentions, "Virupaksha" manages to stay true to its vision, immersing the audience in its world and holding their attention till the very end.
In conclusion, "Virupaksha" is a well-crafted horror film that delivers on its promises. With its strong performances, atmospheric setting, and effective storytelling, the movie manages to leave a lasting impact on the audience. While there are some portions that might seem draggy, the film more than makes up for it with its overall execution.
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