Movie Review: Tuk Tuk (2025)
Rating: 2.25/5
Cast: Harsh Roshan, Karthikeyaa Dev, Steven Madhu, Saanvee Megghana, Nihal Kodhaty, and others
Director: Supreeth C Krishna
Producers: Rahul Reddy D, Lokku Sri Varun, C. Sree Ramulu Reddy, and Supreeth C. Krishna
Music Director: Santhu Omkar
Cinematographer: Karthik SaiKumar
Editor: Ashwath ShivKumar
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Review:
Tuk Tuk, a romantic horror drama, has made its way to theaters today. Directed by debutant Supreeth C. Krishna, the film stars young talents Nihal Kodhaty, Harsh Roshan, and Saanvee Megghana in the lead roles. The film, set in a Rayalaseema village, mixes love, emotions, and a hint of horror. But does it successfully deliver a gripping experience? Let’s find out.
Story Overview:
Tuk Tuk follows the journey of three mischievous teenage boys—Pavan (Harsh Roshan), Naveen (Karthikeyaa Dev), and Karthik (Steven Madhu)—who are known for their playful antics. During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, they collect donations and set up Ganesh idols. Amid the chaos, they manage to repair an old scooter, which they name “Tuk Tuk.” To their surprise, the scooter responds to their questions by nodding its handle, leading them to believe that God resides within it.
However, they later discover that the scooter is possessed by a spirit. As the story unfolds, the boys must uncover the spirit’s identity and understand its connection to the love story between Shilpa (Saanvee Megghana) and Naveen. The film explores how the boys help Shilpa and the secrets that unfold around the haunted scooter.
Plus Points:
Tuk Tuk does have a few elements that stand out. The blend of romance, emotional drama, and horror makes for an interesting mix, especially the quirky storyline involving the possessed scooter. The backstory of the spirit and the characters’ interactions with the “Tuk Tuk” scooter are intriguing, adding a light-hearted touch to the otherwise intense theme.
Nihal Kodhaty impresses with his performance, delivering a strong portrayal of his character, while his impressive physique adds to his screen presence. Saanvee Megghana shines with her charm and a commendable performance. Harsh Roshan, Karthikeyaa Dev, and Steven Madhu all deliver solid performances, making their characters relatable.
The love story between Shilpa and Naveen adds depth to the narrative, and the interval sequence, in particular, stands out for its emotional impact. The film also succeeds in blending some comedy and emotional moments, providing glimpses of the fun that could have been expanded further.
Minus Points:
Despite its intriguing premise, Tuk Tuk struggles with a sluggish screenplay that drags on, testing the audience’s patience. The pacing of the film is a major issue, with certain scenes, particularly in the second half, feeling overly drawn out and tiresome. The conflict in the story isn’t developed enough to keep the audience fully invested, and the romantic drama lacks freshness, making it feel outdated for today’s audience.
The love story and the drama surrounding the haunted scooter are not fully explored or developed, resulting in a narrative that doesn’t hold much weight. While the performances are decent, the lack of engaging conflict and unnecessary scenes take away from the overall experience. The second half, in particular, feels repetitive and weak, with moments that could have been more engaging.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, Tuk Tuk does have some merits. Santhu Omkar’s music is pleasant and fits well with the film’s tone. Cinematographer Karthik Sai Kumar captures the visuals effectively, adding a certain charm to the film. The editing by Ashwath ShivKumar is smooth, although the pacing issues still persist. The production values, handled by the team of producers, are adequate, and the film looks visually appealing in certain sections.
Verdict:
Tuk Tuk tries to blend horror, romance, and emotion, but it fails to maintain the balance throughout the film. The slow pacing, lack of engaging conflict, and underdeveloped romantic and horror elements make it an underwhelming watch. Though there are a few decent romantic and comedy moments, the film doesn’t manage to keep the audience’s attention for long.
Overall, Tuk Tuk has its moments, but the slow storytelling and lack of fresh ideas limit its potential.
Rating: 2.25/5
Reviewed by FilmyJosh Team