The eagerly awaited film, “Atharva,” starring Karthik Raju and Simran Choudhary, has finally graced the screens. Let’s delve into the storyline and dissect the film’s strengths and weaknesses.
Plot Summary:
Deva Atharva Karna (Karthik Raju) harbors dreams of becoming a police officer, yet his battle with asthma hinders his aspirations. Advised to explore a career in the Clues Team, Atharva embarks on a journey where his analytical prowess leads to the resolution of various cases. As he navigates his professional life, he encounters Nithya (Simran), his college crush, at a crime scene, sparking a gradual connection. Nithya introduces him to Tollywood actress Joshni Huparikar (Ayraa Jain). Tragically, the narrative takes a dark turn as Joshni and her boyfriend, Siva, are found dead in her flat, with the police suspecting a murder-suicide. The remainder of the film unfolds as Atharva endeavors to unravel this murder mystery.
Positive Aspects:
“Atharva” distinguishes itself by spotlighting the vital role of the Clues Team in crime resolution. The protagonist’s compelling case-solving moments in the initial hour captivate the audience. Karthik Raju’s performance is commendable, Simran Choudhary shines in her limited role, and Ayraa Jain delivers a neat portrayal. The first half maintains a dynamic pace, and despite a slight momentum dip, the film rebounds with the murder investigation.
Negative Aspects:
While the first half maintains a decent pace, the second half encounters challenges. Rapid resolutions lead to a loss of the narrative’s depth, and the film veers into excessiveness with unnecessary elements of heroism. Weak dialogues, particularly a prolonged monologue, disrupt the film’s flow. Unwarranted songs negatively impact the viewing experience, and the revelation of the murders’ motive using stock footage falls short. The promised sequel lacks enticing cliffhangers, risking a negative impact on the film’s overall reception.
Technical Aspects:
Sricharan Pakala’s music, while decent, is marred by lackluster lyrics that may induce boredom. Charan Madhavaneni’s cinematography stands out, and the editing team performs adequately. Dialogue improvement is warranted, and the film’s production values are satisfactory. Director Mahesh Reddy grapples with maintaining narrative intrigue in the second half, and the underdeveloped character of Kabir Duhan Singh adds to the challenges faced.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Atharva” emerges as a partially successful suspense thriller, shedding light on the significance of the Clues Department. Despite the film’s flaws, the first half offers engaging moments, but challenges arise in the latter half. Overemphasis on heroism, subpar songs, and a weakened storyline constitute the film’s drawbacks.