📋 Movie Details

🎭 Cast

Synopsis

Raghav (Bellamkonda Sreenivas) and Mythili (Anupama Parameswaran) run a "ghost walking tours" company in the eerie town of Kishkindhapuri. Their business involves curating spooky experiences in haunted houses for thrill-seeking tourists[citation:9][citation:4].

Looking for their next destination, the group enters Suvarnamaya — an abandoned, vintage radio station on the edge of town[citation:10]. During one of their tours, an antique radio suddenly starts working[citation:6]. Raghav senses a supernatural presence but manages to rescue the tourists[citation:6].

However, things take a terrifying turn when the team heads home, only to realize that the malevolent spirit they awakened did not stay behind in the station — it has followed them back[citation:10]. The true horror unfolds as everyone who visits the radio station after this incident dies under mysterious circumstances[citation:6].

My Honest Review (Personal Experience)

🎬 Koushik Pegallapati's Sophomore Effort

Director Koushik Pegallapati displays a clear flair for visual styling and keeps you hooked despite playing with some familiar tropes[citation:2]. While the film initially presents itself as a high-concept mystery-thriller, it doesn't completely escape the stereotypical hero introduction scene for Bellamkonda Sreenivas — a classic Telugu cinema tradition[citation:2].

However, something stands apart this time — amidst all the stunts and bravado, there is a novel visual device here that remains the highlight and keeps the proceedings interesting[citation:2]. At its core, the film runs on Raghav's compassion towards every living being, not just people[citation:2].

🌟 Bellamkonda Sreenivas — Vulnerable and Believable

Bellamkonda Sreenivas looks more believable and vulnerable than in any of his recent outings[citation:9]. He plays Raghav, a noble-hearted man who eventually has to step up as the saviour. He does his best to shoulder the narrative but comes up short in certain intense sequences[citation:2].

🎭 Anupama Parameswaran and Supporting Cast

Anupama Parameswaran, despite being handed a relatively less significant part, lends a certain larky quality to Mythili (particularly in the post-interval portions) that a genre like this usually demands[citation:2].

Sandy Master, choreographer turned actor, continues to impress after his previous work; he brings a raw, visceral energy to the character Visravaputra[citation:2][citation:9]. Hyper Aadi and Sudarshan elicit a few laughs, though they are barely at their best[citation:9]. Tanikella Bharani, Makarand Deshpande, and Srikanth Iyengar make their presence felt in brief roles[citation:9].

🎵 Music & Technical Brilliance

Sam CS succeeds in building the eeriness in the ambiance through his background score[citation:9]. Chaitan Bharadwaj's pulsating background score also elevates the narrative with its inclination towards finding newer sounds[citation:2][citation:4]. The film finds a unique backdrop — a haunted radio station — and knows how to play around it[citation:2].

Chinmay Salaskar's cinematography and Niranjan Devaramane's editing work together to provide an authentic visual experience[citation:2]. The retro soundboards, switches, and blinking "on-air" lights serve as terrifying narrative tools[citation:10].

⚠️ Where It Falls Short

Despite its strengths, Kishkindhapuri has significant issues:

• Plays It Too Safe: The film builds solid anticipation but ends up playing too safe at crucial junctures[citation:9]. The whole doesn't rise above the sum of its parts[citation:9].
• Weak Second Half: While audiences praised its gripping twists and eerie background score, many felt the story faltered in the second half, leaving the film uneven[citation:8].
• Familiar Territory: The third act falls into a familiar territory with a lot of "mumbo-jumbo" about divine forces and magical stones[citation:2]. The story lacks novelty and the screenplay treads the beaten path[citation:6].
• Hit-and-Miss CGI: While the ambition to incorporate VFX-driven visuals is commendable, the quality of the CGI portions themselves could be a hit and miss[citation:2].
• Influences Visible: One can't ignore the influences of Kanchana 3, Virupaksha, and Raju Gari Gadhi with the aesthetic and plot points[citation:9].
• Underwhelming for Horror Fans: Some spooky scenes don't have the desired terrifying impact[citation:6].

💭 My Final Thoughts

Kishkindhapuri is a decent horror thriller that offers a unique premise — a haunted radio station — and some genuinely spooky moments. Bellamkonda Sreenivas shows growth as an actor, and the technical team delivers commendable work. However, the film's reluctance to take risks and its familiar second half prevent it from being a standout entry in the genre.

The film stays true to the structure of a popcorn entertainer that offers something for everyone — a dose of heroism, humour, thrills, drama — and knows its boundaries[citation:9]. It's a one-time watch if you enjoy horror-thrillers, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.

📊 Ratings Breakdown

Final Verdict

Kishkindhapuri is a watchable horror thriller with a unique radio station premise and some genuinely stylish moments. Bellamkonda Sreenivas shows growth as an actor, and the technical team delivers solid work. However, a weak second half, safe storytelling, and familiar tropes prevent it from being a standout entry in the genre. A one-time watch for horror enthusiasts. 6.2/10 from my side.

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📌 Disclaimer

This review is my honest, independent opinion based on watching Kishkindhapuri. I am not associated with Shine Screens, Koushik Pegallapati, or any cast/crew members. All movie posters, images, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. GetMovieLinks.Online is not affiliated with any production house or streaming platform.