Atharva Review: A riveting tale with nuanced performances

Hyderabad: The rising interest in crime thriller suspense genre particularly post-COVID finds a unique perspective in `Atharva’. Directed by Mahesh Reddy and featuring Karthik Raju, Simran Chaudhary, and Aira, the film introduces the Clues team, diverging from conventional police investigations. Set to release on December 1, the film, produced by Peggo Entertainments, sparks anticipation and conversations about premieres.

Unraveling the Plot:

Dev Atharva Karna (Karthik Raju), determined to join the police despite battling asthma, finds an alternative path by joining the Clues team. Displaying remarkable intelligence, he swiftly solves a theft case. As the narrative unfolds, his past intertwines with crime reporter Nitya (Simran Chaudhary), reigniting emotions during an investigation into the mysterious deaths of Joshni (Aira) and her boyfriend Shiva. Questioning the official verdict, both Karna and Nitya embark on a quest for the truth, unraveling unexpected revelations and lingering questions.

Performances and Technicalities

Karthik Raju's portrayal captivates, seamlessly navigating comedy, seriousness, and romance with natural emotion. Simran Chaudhary shines on screen, complemented by Aira's role as Joshni. The police characters add depth to the narrative. The film's technical finesse, including captivating visuals, Sri Charan Pakala's compelling music, and meticulous editing, enhances the storytelling, resulting in a well-crafted and engaging production.

Critical Analysis:

Director Mahesh Reddy's storyline, while following familiar crime thriller tropes, stands out with its focus on a Clues team investigator. Despite minor flaws, `Atharva’ captivates with its engaging narrative.

The pacing experiences fluctuations, with a slow start in the first half, gaining momentum around the robbery case. Heightened intrigue accompanies Joshni's murder. Although the second half initially lags, the film picks up pace, leading to a riveting pre-climax and climax. The resolution ties up loose ends, leaving room for anticipation of a potential sequel.

In conclusion, `Atharva' provides a captivating cinematic experience, offering an engaging narrative, commendable performances, and technical finesse, despite minor pacing issues.

Rating: 3 Stars