Film: Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana
Director: Purushotham Raaj

Cast: Shiva Kandukuri, Rashi Singh, Arun Kumar, Devi Prasad, Varshini Soundararajan, Siva Kumar, Shafi, Sivannarayana

Producers: Snehal Jangala, Shashidhar Kasi, Karthik Mudumbi
Music Director: Sricharan Pakala, Vijai Bulganin
Cinematographer: Goutham G
Editor: Garry Bh

Banner: Million Dreams Creations, VSP Productions
Release Date: March 1, 2024

iQlik Movies Rating: 3.25/5

Detective and murder mystery films each have their devoted fan base, but it's the ones that seamlessly blend thrills, fun, and suspense that truly captivate audiences. "Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana" is a new film that is being released in theatres now. The film features Shiva Kandukuri in the lead role.

Story:
The story follows Bhaskar Narayana (played by Shiva Kandukuri), whose childhood dream of becoming a detective is fueled by a family tragedy. Despite his efforts, he fails to exonerate his brother from a wrongful accusation, strengthening his resolve to pursue detective work. Bhaskar becomes adept at solving murder cases, yet he finds himself stumped by a series of killings on the Andhra-Karnataka border. When even his friend fell victim, Bhaskar faced his most challenging investigation yet.

Performances:
Shiva Kandukuri shines in his role, convincingly embodying the character's blend of wit and emotion. Rashi Singh impresses as Lakshmi, while Devi Prasad delivers a surprising performance. The rest of the cast made their presence felt.

Technical Aspects:
Technically, the film is solid, boasting commendable production values, cinematography, and background score. However, there are moments where the director's indulgence in cinematic liberties leads to pacing issues. The camera work is impressive, and the editing work has been done nicely.

Review:
Bhutaddam Bhaskar Narayana delivers the essential elements of a gripping detective story: suspense, twists, and the thrill of the investigation. While the initial pace may seem sluggish, the narrative gains momentum, particularly after the interval, setting the stage for an engrossing second half. Though some may anticipate its twist, the climax serves as a satisfying conclusion akin to solving a complex puzzle. Despite its shortcomings, "Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana" entertains audiences, offering a fresh take on the detective genre with its mythological underpinnings. The film's strength lies in its second half, where the story comes alive with unexpected turns and a well-executed resolution. It could have secured a lasting place among the genre's classics with tighter storytelling and more focused scenes. Nonetheless, it's a worthwhile watch for those seeking an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Plus Points:
Engaging story
Intriguing climax twist
Mythological elements

Minus Points:
Pacing issues in parts of the story

Final Verdict: Sherlock Holmes... with a local flavor!