Hidimbha

I went into watching this film without much expectation although it was somewhere between mid to low. Little did I know this will turned out to be a standout achievement that caught me completely by surprise. In an industry where formulaic approaches often dominate, this film dares to be different, delivering a thrilling narrative that's both gripping and original. The storytelling is tight, the suspense is palpable, and the direction shows a level of craftsmanship that is rare to see. The performances are all not too bad as well. What I loved most is how "Hidimbha" pushes the boundaries of what we've come to expect from this genre, proving that there's still room for creativity and bold choices in mainstream cinema. It's a must-watch for anyone craving something fresh and exciting.

The second hour holds the key as this is where the film enters the main plot. Things become interesting once the flashback portions start, and the way a crucial backstory is narrated is good. Though the narrative style looks a bit similar to Karthi's Khakee in the flashback scenes, it still holds one's attention thanks to the captivating visuals.

The main twist which comes in the pre-climax is decent. Ashwin Babu shines in an action avatar. The actor did a pretty good job in Hidimbha, and his intense hard work to look fit for the cop role is appreciable. Nandita Sweta gets a meaty role, and the actress does well. Her character is essential to the film's story and is not restricted to songs merely.

Makarand Deshpande does a superb job in the negative role. His role is pretty well written, and the entire second half revolves around him. The way he looks and exhibits wickedness is one of the biggest strengths of the film.

Aneel Kanneganti's 2023 Telugu thriller Hidimbha attempts to deliver a unique blend of serial killer investigation and elements of tribal horror, delving into themes of cannibalism and ancient lineage. Starring Ashwin Babu and Nandita Swetha as the lead police officers, Abhay and Aadhya, the film sets out to unravel the mystery behind a series of missing girls in Hyderabad, all of whom share a disturbing commonality: they were wearing red dresses.

The film's initial premise is intriguing, promising a dark and mysterious ride. The disappearances of girls, the involvement of a special officer, and the hint of something far more sinister than a typical serial killer create an air of suspense. The narrative aims to build tension as the police force struggles to piece together the clues, eventually leading them to a remote, tribal context and the titular "Hidimbha" clan. This shift from an urban crime thriller to a more primal, almost mythological horror element is where the film tries to differentiate itself.

However, Hidimbha's ambition often outstrips its execution. While the concept of an aboriginal clan with cannibalistic tendencies is certainly novel for Telugu cinema, the screenplay struggles to fully integrate these disparate elements. The first half of the film, focusing on the police investigation, often feels conventional and at times, suffers from a lack of genuine thrills or compelling character development for its leads. The relationship between Abhay and Aadhya, former lovers, feels underdeveloped and doesn't add much emotional weight to the escalating crisis.

The film truly leans into its unique premise in the second half, particularly during the flashback sequences that delve into the history and practices of the Hidimbha tribe. These portions, while visually engaging and offering some of the film's more gruesome moments, also highlight the narrative's struggle with logical coherence. The abrupt shifts in tone and the reliance on twists, some of which are not entirely unpredictable, can leave the audience feeling disoriented rather than genuinely shocked.

A major point of contention in critical reception has been the film's handling of its central twist - the revelation of the true antagonist. While designed to be a shocking reveal, it often raises more questions than it answers, undermining some of the earlier established plotlines and character motivations. The film attempts to connect the modern-day crimes with ancient practices and personal vendettas, but the bridge between these two timelines often feels tenuous and forced.

Performances in Hidimbha are a mixed bag. Ashwin Babu, in an action-heavy role, shows physical commitment but at times struggles with the emotional depth required for his character. Nandita Swetha, as Aadhya, is given a more substantial role and tries to ground the film with her earnest performance, but even her efforts can't fully overcome the script's inconsistencies. Makarand Deshpande, in a key negative role, stands out, delivering a menacing presence that adds much-needed intensity.

Ultimately, Hidimbha is a film with a genuinely interesting concept that unfortunately falters in its execution. It attempts to weave together a complex tapestry of crime, mythology, and horror, but the threads often unravel due to a disjointed screenplay, logical loopholes, and an uneven pace. While it offers a few engaging moments and some genuinely unsettling visuals, particularly in its more gruesome sequences, it ultimately falls short of its ambitious potential, leaving viewers with a sense of a daring attempt that didn't quite hit its mark.

Overall, Hidimbha presents itself as an action-packed thriller with some thrilling moments. The intriguing backdrop adds to its appeal, although it suffers from a lackluster narration in the first half. The movie gains momentum only during the pre-interval portions, and the second hour provides some engaging sequences. However, it falters in maintaining logical consistency at times, which significantly diminishes its overall impact. Moreover, the film's intense violence may not resonate well with all types of viewers. Consequently, Hidimbha ends up being a passable choice for your weekend movie watch.

It's a suspenseful film. The writing is done well. Complete story and a time killer for sure. Every moment is worth watching. The lead actor did splendid job. Too many stories to watch in a single film. However they dragged it to the ending. The first half of the film was completely unnecessary. It could have been done in 5 to 10 minutes. The era is changing, cinema is changing, instead of being slow paced, showing everything, I like to watch it in short. So that was a flaw in this movie. That was on the writers part. The story had a great potential but it was made long just to increase the duration of the movie. The director did a great job, including the performers. I still cannot figure out a few things shown in the movie. I guess I cannot mention it here. Overall, this movie is worth watching your time. It gets better after the second half. Serious film. I like the visuals and landscapes. A few scenes were similar to Pirates of The Carribbean movie, I don't know if that was intentional or just a coincidence, but I got flashbacks to one of the POTC movie. 6 out of 10 stars from my side.