Tantra Movie Review: Disjointed Attempt at a horror-thriller narrative.
Reviewed By: Kausalya Suharika R
Sarkar Rating: 1.5/5 Release Date : March 15, 2024
Cast:
Ananya Nagalla, Dhanush Raghumudri, Saloni, Temper Vamsi, Meesala Lakshman, Kushalini, Manoj Muthyam, and others
Crew:
Director: Srinivas Gopisetti
Producers: Naresh Babu P, Ravi Chaitanya
Music Director: RR Dhruvan
Cinematographer: Sai Ram Uday, Vijay Bhaskar Uddala
Editor: SB Uddhav
Story:
Rekha, a timid girl from a rural village, harbors a deep fear of venturing out after dark. Despite facing disdain from her father, she finds solace in her grandmother’s unwavering support. However, Rekha bears an extraordinary gift – the ability to perceive spirits and apparitions, a trait that complicates her life. When a malevolent tantrik attempts to exploit her unique ability for his sinister gain, Rekha bravely confronts him, thwarting his nefarious plans. The narrative unfolds as Rekha strives to overcome her challenges and achieve her aspirations.
Performances:
Ananya Nagalla effortlessly embodies the role of a vulnerable girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Her portrayal stands out as the highlight of the film. Dhanush Raghumudri, Temper Vamsi, Meesala Laxman, and Saloni deliver commendable performances, contributing to the overall ensemble.
Analysis:
Director Srinivas Gopisetti endeavors to craft a gripping horror-thriller set against the rustic backdrop of a village. While the core premise holds promise, the execution falls short, primarily due to inconsistencies in the screenplay. The first half lacks coherence, and although the latter half shows some improvement, it fails to sustain momentum consistently.
Positives:
Ananya Nagalla’s compelling performance anchors the film, drawing viewers into the narrative. Certain plot twists, such as the revelations surrounding Saloni’s backstory, add depth to the storyline. Additionally, the buildup towards the pre-climax generates palpable anticipation.
Negatives:
Despite adhering to a familiar narrative structure, the film suffers from numerous logical inconsistencies that confuse the audience. The portrayal of secondary characters lacks depth, leaving their intentions ambiguous. Notably, the neglect of the protagonist’s father’s character in the resolution further detracts from the coherence of the storyline.
Verdict: A flawed and disjointed attempt at a horror-thriller narrative.