Virupaksha review: Samyuktha leaves a mark as village belle in this mystical thriller

Sai Dharam Tej’s much-awaited Virupaksha released in the theatres on Friday, 21 April, amid much fanfare. This occult-based horror thriller also features Samyuktha in a key role.

Read on to know if it impresses audiences or falls flat.

Synopsis

Virupaksha starts with a heart-wrenching incident that occurred in 1979.

A young couple — Krishna Murthy (Kamal Kamaraj) and his wife — are burnt alive by the villagers of Rudravanam, suspecting that they are performing black magic that was leading to a series of deaths of children in the village.

While dying, Krishna Murthy’s wife curses that the whole village will be destroyed after 12 years.

Twelve years later, in 1991, Surya (Sai Dharam Tej) along with his aunt visits Rudravanam to donate their land for a school building. He meets Nandini (Samyuktha) and love blossoms between them immediately.

But the 12-year-old curse comes true and the village witnesses mysterious deaths again. Also, a mystical spell is cast on Nandini, putting her life in danger.

How Surya unravels the reason behind the supernatural occurrences and whether he saves Nandini from the spell form the main plot of Virupaksha.

Related: Director Karthik Varma Dandu shares his thoughts about Virupaksha

Loose ends amid interesting backdrop

Director Karthik Varma Dandu chooses an interesting and challenging story for his debut. He also ensures that the narration is fast-paced with enough twists and turns.

Senior director Sukumar wrote the screenplay. But too many loose ends and unrealistic premises spoil the intensity of the story.

While the first half is gripping and entertaining, the second half veers towards unrealistic scenarios. As a result, audiences will find this occult-based movie thrilling, but only in parts.

#Virupaksha is now #BlockBusterVirupaksha 🤗

Only possible with your Love & Prayers.
Thank you each & everyone ❤️

Watch in your nearest theatres 👇https://t.co/Ytgn5yEDGS pic.twitter.com/vXU0o5mtzd

— Sai Dharam Tej (@IamSaiDharamTej) April 21, 2023

Samyuktha puts up a good show

While Virupaksha has been publicised as a Sai Dharam Tej-starrer with him playing the lead role, it is actually Samyuktha who gets the most screen space and importance.

Samyuktha dazzles in this supernatural thriller. From a simple and cute village belle to a woman possessed by an evil spirit, she brings different hues and variations in her performance.

Sai Dharam Tej is fine as her lover.

Rajiv Kanakala, Yashoda, Sunil, and Sonia Singh play important supporting roles and are good.

Technical crafts elevate the plot

Virupaksha is an intense mystical thriller relying heavily on fine technicalities.

Cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen does an impressive job.

Also Read: Sulaikha Manzil is a daring take on big fat weddings and couple issues

Art director Sri Nagendra Tangala deserves praise for creating rustic and horror settings with equal finesse.

Visual effects are partly impressive.

Editor Navin Nooli should have trimmed the movie further.

Ajneesh Loknath’s background score is engrossing. There are just a couple of passable songs but are all part of the flow.

Those Cheerful faces and Energetic Celebrations say it all!!!

Spine-Chilling Blockbuster #Virupaksha 💥NOW IN CINEMAS 🎫https://t.co/HzG8SAAGh7@IamSaiDharamTej @karthikdandu86@iamsamyuktha_ @BvsnP @SVCCofficial @SukumarWritings pic.twitter.com/nEFg9x4Z7E

— SVCC (@SVCCofficial) April 21, 2023

Final take

Virupaksha is a mystical supernatural thriller that banks heavily on occult practices. It has both its merits and shortcomings.

(Views expressed are personal.)