Eesha Review: Slow-Burn Horror with a Meaningful Twist
Sarkar Rating : 2.75/5 Release Date : Dec 25, 2025
Cast
Thrigun, Hebah Patel, Akhil Raj, Siri Hanmanth, Prithveeraj and others
Crew
Story, Screenplay, Direction: Srinivas Manne
Produced by: Pothula Hema Venkateswara Rao
Presented by: KL Damodar Prasad
Banner: HVR Productions
Music: RR Dhruvan
DOP: Santosh Sanamoni
Editor: Vinai Ramasamy V
PRO: Maduri Madhu
Story
Naina (Hebah Patel), deeply affected by the tragic death of her maid’s daughter caused by a fake Swami, sets out to expose fraudulent godmen across religions who exploit people’s fears. During her journey, she encounters Dr. Adidev (Prithveeraj), a reputed neurologist who has transformed into a spiritual Swami. Skeptical about the existence of ghosts, Naina and her friends accept Adidev’s challenge to stay in a haunted house for three days. What unfolds inside the haunted house forms the crux of Eesha.
Performances
Hebah Patel makes a comeback to the big screen with Eesha and delivers a restrained performance that gradually grows as the narrative progresses. While her role is subtle in the first half, the second half gives her emotional moments that add weight to the story. Thrigun plays his part convincingly as one of the friends, supporting the narrative wherever required. Akhil Raj and Siri Hanmanth lend decent support to the group, with Siri’s character carrying comparatively stronger emotional undertones.
Prithveeraj, as Dr. Adidev, stands out among the cast. His character plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s mystery, and his presence adds intrigue to the narrative, especially during key turning points.
Analysis
Written and directed by Srinivas Manne, Eesha is a straightforward horror thriller that sticks to the genre without unnecessary commercial distractions. The film opens with an engaging setup revolving around superstition, fake godmen, and the fear of the unknown, which establishes the theme effectively. The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Dr. Adidev and the haunted house sequence, where the film truly embraces its horror elements.
Once the story enters the haunted house, the movie relies on classic horror tropes, eerie atmospherics, and suspense-driven storytelling. While the approach is familiar, the makers manage to create several tense moments that keep viewers invested. The slow-burn pacing works in parts, especially for audiences who enjoy atmospheric horror over constant jump scares.
The climax introduces a twist that adds emotional depth to the story. Though genre followers may find it predictable, the emotional intent behind the revelation gives the film a sense of closure and leaves an impact towards the end.
Music and Technical Aspects
RR Dhruva’s background score is one of the film’s strengths, effectively enhancing the tension and fear factor. The sound design plays a crucial role in building suspense inside the haunted house. Cinematography captures the dark and eerie mood well, while the haunted location adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Editing could have been crisper in parts, but it doesn’t significantly hamper the overall experience.
Verdict
Eesha is a sincere attempt at a pure horror thriller that focuses on mood, suspense, and emotional payoff rather than commercial gimmicks. While it follows familiar genre patterns, its core idea, atmospheric treatment, and engaging climax make it a decent watch for horror lovers. Best experienced in theatres, Eesha offers chills, intrigue, and an emotional undertone that stays with the audience after the film ends.