Veteran filmmaker M.S. Raju returns with Agadha, featuring Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijay Kumar, Sijju, Roshan, and Shreya Rani Reddy in key roles. Produced by Kashi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Aadi Varaha Productions banner and presented by Ajay KR, the film has hit the screens today. Read our review here.
Story: Mahima (Ulka Gupta), who is heavily pregnant, shocks everyone by taking her own life. However, her spirit refuses to leave the mortal world and continues to wander. Meanwhile, Mahadevi (Kamakshi Bhaskarla) begins investigating the mysterious deaths that have been haunting her uncle’s (Bhanu Chander) family. As she searches for answers, she discovers the presence of dark supernatural forces threatening her loved ones. How all this is unleashed in a mystic thriller is the basic story of the film.
Performances: Kamakshi Bhaskarla carries the film on her shoulders with a committed and emotionally charged performance. She fully immerses herself in the role of Mahadevi, portraying both vulnerability and strength with conviction. Her expressive eyes communicate emotions effectively, while her action sequences showcase a powerful screen presence.
Shravan Reddy delivers one of his finest performances as Simha. Playing a complex character with shades of darkness, he matches Kamakshi’s intensity and leaves a strong impact. Jovika Vijay Kumar emerges as a pleasant surprise and performs her role with confidence and maturity. Bhanu Chander, Vanitha Vijay Kumar, and Ulka Gupta perform their parts sincerely and contribute meaningfully to the narrative.
Technical Aspects: The technical departments are among the film’s biggest strengths. Rakesh Venkatapuram’s background score acts as the backbone of the film, particularly during the second half, where it significantly enhances the tension and suspense.
Nani Chamidishetty’s cinematography is another major highlight. The visual design, color palette, and atmospheric framing perfectly complement the film’s mystical and horror-driven narrative. The art department deserves appreciation for creating an immersive world, while the production values remain rich and impressive throughout.
Analysis: Director M.S. Raju begins the film on an intriguing note and quickly draws the audience into its mysterious world. The screenplay effectively builds curiosity after Mahima’s death and maintains interest through supernatural elements, family drama, and mythology-inspired storytelling.
While portions of the first half feel slightly slow and stretched, the film gains momentum in the latter half. The second half is packed with engaging action sequences, thrilling moments, and several well-executed twists. The pre-climax and climax portions are particularly effective and provide the film with a strong finish.
The way M.S. Raju develops the characters of Mahadevi, Simha, and Harini adds emotional depth to the narrative. His ability to extract solid performances from the cast further strengthens the film. There are a few thrills in the second half that have been handled well. But apart from that, the jump scares do not hit the mark.
Verdict: Overall, Agadha is a passable blend of horror, thriller, mythology, and psychological mystery. Despite a slightly slow first half, the second half more than compensates with suspense and a few thrills. Watch it if you have ample time on your hands and keep your expectations low.
Bottom Line: Could have been better
Rating: 2.75/5
