Gunasekhar, known for grand films, earlier proved his strength with sensible cinema. After a long gap, he returns with “Euphoria,” a simple, new-age story without stars or big sets. Though it had little initial buzz, Sara Arjun’s blockbuster “Dhurandhar” helped the film gain attention ahead of its release.
Euphoria Story: 17 year old Chaithra (Sara Arjun) is assaulted by five young men who befriend her and trick her into a small party. Brave and determined, she takes the legal route and ensures they are punished with life imprisonment. Years later, Vindhya, the mother of the main accused Vikas (Vignesh), approaches the court seeking punishment for herself. The reason behind her shocking decision forms the story of “Euphoria.”
Performances: Vignesh Gavireddy delivers a powerful performance, first evoking anger and later sympathy, proving how well he owned the character and hinting at a strong future. Though Sara Arjun has limited screen time, her impact is a major highlight, especially in the father-rejection scene and the climax.
Bhumika fails to add depth to her role and struggles with lip sync. Gautham Menon stands out as a ruthless police officer, particularly in the intense biryani scene. The remaining cast performs adequately.
Technical Aspects: The film has clear production issues, especially in coloring and DI, though the camera work is decent and the editing feels fresh. The background score lifts the thrill, but better songs could have improved reach. Gunasekhar impresses more as a writer in the crisp, lag-free first half.
However, the second half falters in handling mother sentiment and the “Operation Euphoria” track, which lacks logic. The climax partially saves the film. While some scenes feel disturbing, they reflect harsh social realities, making the film thought-provoking but uneven overall.
Analysis: Euphoria is thought-provoking, though the second half weakens the story. The climax, however, delivers a strong message, reminding parents about the care and responsibility needed while raising children in today’s generation.
Verdict: Euphoria delivers powerful performances and a meaningful climax, yet its weak second half and production issues keep it from being fully impactful.
Bottom Line: Powerful idea, average overall execution.
Rating: 2.5/5
