Movie Review: Shanmukha (2025)
Rating: 2.25/5
Cast: Aadi Sai Kumar, Avika Gor, Aditya Om, Chirag Jani, Shanmugam Sappani, Master Manu Sappani, Manoj Aadi, Veera Shankar, Krishnudu
Director: Shanmugam Sappani
Producers: Tulasi Ram Sappani, Shanmugam Sappani, Ramesh Yadav
Music Director: Ravi Basrur
Cinematographer: R.R. Vishnu
Editor: MA Malik
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Review:
Shanmukha, starring Aadi Sai Kumar and Avika Gor, is the latest film to hit theaters, bringing a unique mix of crime, mystery, and thriller. Directed by Shanmugam Sappani, the film delves into a world of black magic, mysterious disappearances, and a series of chilling investigations. While the premise seems intriguing, does the film manage to live up to its potential? Let’s find out.
Story Overview:
Shanmukha (Aadi Sai Kumar) is born with six heads and a deformed face. His father, Viganda (Chirag Jani), desperate to heal him, turns to black magic. Meanwhile, investigative journalist Sara Maheswaran (Avika Gor) uncovers a disturbing pattern in Hyderabad, where young women are going missing, and their boyfriends are dying under mysterious circumstances. Sara teams up with SI Karthik Vallabhan (Aadi Sai Kumar) to investigate further. As they dive deeper, a new kidnapping case reveals shocking connections to Viganda and Shanmukha. The film unravels their disturbing link and the dark forces at play.
Plus Points:
Aadi Sai Kumar delivers a solid performance as the determined police officer. His portrayal of Karthik Vallabhan is convincing, especially during the flashback sequences, where his emotional depth comes through. Avika Gor plays the role of a journalist effectively, bringing charm and appeal, particularly in the college sequences. Their on-screen chemistry works well for the most part.
Supporting actors, including Aditya Om and Chirag Jani, also contribute decently to the film, though their characters feel somewhat underdeveloped.
Minus Points:
While Shanmukha starts with an intriguing premise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The screenplay, although fast-paced, ends up feeling disjointed and confusing. One dialogue in the film sums up the experience: “I feel like I understand it, but I actually don’t.” This captures the essence of the narrative, which seems to have potential but falters due to incoherence.
The film’s narrative is unnecessarily tangled, making it hard for the audience to follow the plot. Weak dialogues and underdeveloped characters further weaken the impact. Had the writing been sharper, the film could have been a much more engaging thriller.
Despite having a talented music composer in Ravi Basrur, the background score falls short. Some tracks are too loud and jarring, while others fail to match the intensity of the scenes, resulting in an inconsistent musical experience.
Technical Aspects:
Debut director Shanmugam Sappani struggles with the narration, failing to deliver a cohesive and structured story. R.R. Vishnu’s cinematography is serviceable, capturing the tone of the film, but nothing stands out as exceptional. Ravi Basrur’s music, despite his reputation, disappoints, failing to elevate the mood in crucial scenes. The editing by MA Malik could have been more refined to ensure a smoother pace.
Verdict:
Shanmukha starts with an intriguing concept but ultimately falls flat due to its convoluted screenplay and underdeveloped characters. Aadi Sai Kumar’s efforts as the lead are commendable, but the film’s inconsistent storytelling and weak character arcs make it hard to fully invest in the story. The film fails to live up to its potential and may not leave a lasting impression on the audience.
If you’re looking for a gripping thriller, Shanmukha might not be the best option this weekend.
Rating: 2.25/5
Reviewed by FilmyJosh Team