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Rakshasudu is a 2019 Telugu-language psychological thriller directed by Ramesh Varma. The film stars Bellamkonda Sreenivas in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast including Anupama Parameswaran. It is a remake of the Tamil film Ratsasan and falls under the genres of thriller, mystery, and crime drama. The movie’s gripping storyline, combined with strong performances, has made it stand out as a solid thriller in the Telugu film industry.
Upon release, Rakshasudu quickly captured the attention of thriller lovers and fans of intense crime dramas. It deals with themes of psychological trauma, crime investigation, and the cat-and-mouse chase between a police officer and a brutal killer. In this review, we will dive deep into the various aspects of the film, discussing what works well and where it could have been better.
Plot Summary
The plot of Rakshasudu revolves around Arun (Bellamkonda Sreenivas), a police officer with aspirations of making it big in the force. He is haunted by the memory of a traumatic incident from his past and is placed in charge of a high-profile case involving a brutal serial killer who targets young women. As Arun investigates the case, he realizes that the killer is more methodical and dangerous than he initially thought. The investigation takes an unexpected turn, leading Arun into a complex web of secrets, disturbing discoveries, and dangerous confrontations.
The movie’s story focuses on Arun’s efforts to track down the killer while also trying to overcome his own personal demons. The suspense builds as Arun uncovers clues and tries to stay one step ahead of the killer, but the more he learns, the more complicated things become. The cat-and-mouse game between Arun and the killer creates an atmosphere of tension, making the film engaging for viewers who enjoy mysteries and intense crime thrillers.
What’s Good?
Acting:
Bellamkonda Sreenivas delivers a powerful performance as the determined and emotionally troubled Arun. He manages to portray the emotional depth of his character while maintaining the intensity required for a thriller. His struggle with his past, combined with his obsession to catch the killer, is convincingly portrayed. Sreenivas’s performance is one of the strongest aspects of the film and keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Anupama Parameswaran, though not in the lead role, provides a strong supporting performance. She plays the role of a police officer’s wife who gets caught in the midst of the investigation. Her presence adds emotional weight to the film, and her acting adds authenticity to the overall narrative.
Direction:
Ramesh Varma’s direction is effective in building suspense and keeping the viewers hooked. His ability to create tension, while slowly unveiling the mystery behind the killer’s motives, is impressive. The pacing of the film is spot-on, with each scene gradually ramping up the stakes and pushing the narrative forward. Varma also does a great job of maintaining an ominous and unsettling atmosphere that is perfect for a psychological thriller.
The film’s direction shines particularly in its handling of suspense. The cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonist and the antagonist is well-executed, with several edge-of-the-seat moments. The climax, in particular, is a nail-biting sequence that ties together the emotional stakes and the thrilling elements of the story.
Cinematography:
Cinematography by Sai Sriram is another highlight of the film. The dark, gritty visuals enhance the thriller aspect of the film. The color palette and lighting choices create a tense, suspenseful mood, which is essential in a crime thriller. The camera work during the investigation scenes and action sequences is dynamic, keeping the audience engaged and involved in the story. The cinematography complements the director’s vision and plays a key role in making the film feel intense and immersive.
Music:
The background score by Ghibran plays a crucial role in maintaining the film’s suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere. The music is subtle yet effective, with eerie sounds and tension-building scores that enhance the emotional stakes of the film. The background score works in perfect harmony with the narrative, making the film’s moments of tension and action feel even more impactful.
The songs in the movie, while not many, blend well with the overall tone of the film. However, it is the background music that leaves a lasting impression, contributing significantly to the film’s gripping nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
One of the biggest strengths of Rakshasudu is its ability to maintain tension throughout the film. The story is full of suspense, and the unpredictable twists keep the audience guessing. The pacing of the movie is excellent, with the tension building gradually but surely as the investigation progresses. The performances, particularly that of Bellamkonda Sreenivas, are strong and engaging. The film keeps you invested in the protagonist’s journey, making you root for him even as he faces immense challenges.
Another strength of the film is its compelling portrayal of a police officer’s emotional and psychological struggles. Arun is not just chasing a criminal, but he is also dealing with his own demons, and this complexity adds depth to his character. The movie skillfully combines action with emotional drama, allowing the audience to connect with the character beyond the surface level.
Weaknesses:
Despite its strengths, the film does have a few weaknesses. While the story is engaging, it sometimes relies on familiar tropes and clichés common in the crime thriller genre. The villain’s backstory, though crucial to the plot, feels somewhat underdeveloped, and the motivations behind some of the characters’ actions are not always clear. This lack of depth in certain areas can make the narrative feel predictable at times, especially for those familiar with the thriller genre.
The pacing, though mostly steady, tends to slow down in the middle of the film. Some of the investigative sequences could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative flow. Additionally, a few scenes, particularly those that delve into the protagonist’s personal life, might feel a bit too melodramatic for viewers who prefer a more straightforward approach to thriller films.
Target Audience
Rakshasudu will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas. If you enjoy films that focus on investigations, suspense, and a gripping cat-and-mouse chase, this movie is a must-watch. It also appeals to those who appreciate character-driven stories that delve into personal struggles and emotional depth. Thriller enthusiasts, especially those who like fast-paced crime dramas with unpredictable twists, will enjoy this film. Fans of Bellamkonda Sreenivas will also find his performance to be a highlight.
However, people who are not fond of intense psychological thrillers or those who prefer light-hearted films might not enjoy this movie as much.
Box Office Details
Total Budget:
The total budget of Rakshasudu was approximately ₹25 crore. This budget allowed for a strong focus on the film’s technical aspects, including the direction, cinematography, and music, which are key to the film’s atmosphere.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
The movie performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing approximately ₹40 crore worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its engaging thriller storyline and the star power of Bellamkonda Sreenivas.
Day-wise Earnings:
- Day 1 (India): ₹3.5 crore
- Day 1 (Overseas): ₹0.8 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹2.8 crore
- Day 2 (Overseas): ₹0.7 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹2.5 crore
- Day 3 (Overseas): ₹0.6 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹2 crore
- Day 4 (Overseas): ₹0.5 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹1.7 crore
- Day 5 (Overseas): ₹0.4 crore
The film showed consistent growth at the box office, especially during the first few days of release. It resonated with audiences looking for an intense thriller and managed to keep them engaged, resulting in strong box-office performance.
Recommendation
Rakshasudu is a gripping psychological thriller that blends suspense with emotional drama. Bellamkonda Sreenivas’s performance, combined with strong direction, cinematography, and music, makes the film an engaging watch for thriller enthusiasts. While it does have its flaws, especially with pacing and character depth, the film’s tense atmosphere and well-executed suspense make it worth watching. Recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas, Rakshasudu offers a solid cinematic experience.
Genres:
Crime, Thriller, Action
Rating:
7.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Bellamkonda Srinivas | |
| Anupama Parameswaran | |
| Rajiv Kanakala | |
| Y. Kasi Viswanath | |
| Suzane George | |
| Ravi Prakash | |
| Shivaji Raja | |
| Vinod Sagar | |
| Keshav Deepak | |
| Saravanan | Christopher/Mary Fernandez/Annabella George |
| Surya Bhagawan Das | Doctor |
| Raveena Daha | |
| Ammu Abhirami | Ammu |
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