Movie Name : Aghathiyaa
Release Date : February 28, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Jiiva, Raashii Khanna, Arjun Sarja,Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley, Datho Radha Ravi, Edward Sonnenblick , Matylda
Director : Pa.Vijay
Producers : Ishari K. Ganesh, Aneesh Arjun Dev
Music Director : Yuvan Shanker Raja
Cinematographer : Dipak Kumar Padhy
Editor : San Lokesh
Related Links : Trailer
The Telugu dubbed version of the Tamil movie Aghathiyaa, starring Jiiva, Arjun Sarja, and Raashi Khanna, was released in theaters today. How the actors performed and to what extent the period horror thriller managed to captivate the audience is explained in the following review. Check it out.
Story:
Jiiva (Aghathiyaa), an art director working in Edwin Duplex during the 18th century, collaborates with his friends Veena (Raashi Khanna) and others to transform an old bungalow into a haunted house for financial gain. However, they soon realise that supernatural forces inhabit the mansion. What happened in this bungalow? What is the connection between Siddharth (Arjun Sarja), a master of Siddha medicine, and Edwin (Edward Sonnenblick)? What revolutionary medicine did Siddharth discover, and what became of it? How is all of this linked to a rare planetary alignment that occurs once every 85 years? These mysteries unravel as the story progresses.
Plus Points:
The film effectively incorporates elements of India’s traditional medicine and history, presenting them in a compelling manner. Alongside strong emotional moments, it blends horror and comedy. Notably, a few comedy sequences featuring Yogi Babu in the first half work well.
Some horror elements are executed decently, and the flashback sequences featuring Arjun Sarja are well-crafted. Arjun fits his role perfectly and delivers a strong performance. Jiiva also excels in his role, convincingly handling emotional and action-packed moments. Raashi Khanna looks elegant and plays her part well.
Supporting actors like Redin Kingsley and Edward Sonnenblick contribute effectively to the film. Actress Rohini undergoes a striking transformation for her role and delivers a commendable performance. The inclusion of patriotic elements may also strike a chord with the audience.
Minus Points:
The core storyline feels familiar, as similar concepts have been explored in many films before. While certain aspects related to Siddha medicine are intriguing, the overall narrative lacks the excitement needed to sustain engagement. The pacing is inconsistent, leading to a flat progression.
The songs feel unnecessary, and the romantic tracks in the second half slow down the film. Had these portions been trimmed, the storytelling could have been more gripping. Additionally, the film’s central theme is not entirely convincing, which affects its overall impact.
The horror elements fail to generate the intended fear factor, and as the film progresses, they seem repetitive. The climax, which features an action sequence created entirely through animation, appears forced and may remind viewers of various Hollywood films, reducing its originality.
Technical Aspects:
The film boasts good production values, with well-designed period sets and decent visual effects that enhance the fantasy elements. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s songs are average, though his background score is effective in places. The cinematography is impressive, capturing the historical and supernatural elements well. However, the editing could have been sharper to enhance the film’s flow. The Telugu dubbing is decent.
Director Pa Vijay picks an interesting subject centered around Siddha medicine, but the execution, especially concerning the horror and fantasy elements, falls short. While the emotional and patriotic moments are handled well, the horror elements lack impact.
Verdict:
On the whole, Aghathiyaa is a period horror thriller that benefits from strong performances, a few engaging emotional moments, and intriguing historical references. However, it struggles with a routine narrative, inconsistent pacing, and underwhelming horror elements. While it may appeal to those interested in its subject matter, it remains a film that works only in parts. Keep your expectations in check if you plan to watch it.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team