“Hatya” directed by Srividya Basawa is based on a dramatic political death in Andhra Pradesh. Since the release of its trailer, the film has created a sensation. Some claimed that the movie targets a recently defeated political party, causing controversy. However, Srividya has consistently denied these allegations. So, what does “Hatya” showcase? How does it conclude the story of that dramatic death? Let’s find out now!
Hatya Movie Story: In the area of Illandula, a well-known politician, Dharmendra Reddy (Ravi Varma), dies under dramatic circumstances. Initially, his death is portrayed as a heart attack, but it quickly turns into a murder investigation. However, by the time the case is looked into, the household staff has already cleaned up the crime scene thoroughly, leaving no substantial evidence for the police. A Special Investigation Team is brought in to investigate the case.
Sudha (Dhanya Balakrishna), leading the Special Investigation Team, begins her investigation, uncovering multiple versions of events. Who really killed Dharmendra Reddy? What was the motive? How does Saleema (Pooja Ramachandran) become a key piece of evidence in the case? To find all the answers watch the film.
Performances: In most films, lady police officers are often portrayed with a masculine touch. However, in this movie, Dhanya Balakrishna’s portrayal of a police officer felt very natural and realistic. Her performance in the role is commendable. Another key character, played by Pooja Ramachandran, added depth to the story with her impactful acting.
Among the rest of the cast, Ravi Varma stands out. As a politician, he fit perfectly into the role. As he mentioned in an interview, he didn’t try to mimic anyone, which made his performance even more authentic. Bharat as Kiran Reddy and Bindu Chandramouli as Anitha, along with the rest of the cast, did justice to their respective roles.
Technical Aspects: Director Srividya Basawa stated during the trailer launch event, “We are not providing any conclusions in this movie”. However, this statement seems inconsistent with the way the film ended, presenting the incident as something that could have happened.
When making a movie based on a realistic incident, there’s nothing wrong with taking a clear stance and saying, “This is how it might have happened”. However, making definitive statements about an ongoing court case could be seen as a drawback for the film. While the director has taken technical care, attempting to whitewash a sensitive event by favoring one side isn’t justifiable.
Naresh Kumaran’s music, Abhiraj Nair’s cinematography, color grading, and art direction were all executed within the budget limitations. Anil Kumar’s editing also stands out. The production team ensured the film’s technical aspects were polished without drawing unnecessary attention to flaws.
Analysis: It is well known that several films have come out during times when the ruling government was in power, aiming to criticize or belittle them. Some films supported the past government, while others criticized them. However, “Hatya” stands out as a film that subtly supports without attacking or damaging anyone’s image. The political angle in the film is quite evident. Therefore, those with an understanding of current political affairs might notice certain flaws in the storyline. Nonetheless, if the film is viewed not from a political perspective but as a documentary drama, it can be considered a technically impressive movie.
Verdict: “Hatya” delivers an intriguing and intense narrative with a clear political undertone. While the film excels in its technical aspects like cinematography, music, and acting, it falters in its approach to the political angle, which may leave politically aware viewers questioning its accuracy. The movie is a well-crafted drama, but its attempt at blending political commentary with a suspense thriller may not appeal to everyone. It’s a solid choice for those interested in technical execution and documentary-style storytelling but may not resonate as well for those seeking a clearer stance on the political issues it portrays.
Bottom Line: Hatya is a good watch for those who appreciate suspense and documentary films
Rating: 2.5/5
Home
