Hathya

"An electrifying masterpiece that perfectly blends thriller, crime, and drama! From the very first scene, the movie grips you with its intense pacing and keeps you guessing with unexpected twists and turns. The crime narrative is sharp and gripping, layered with a deep emotional core that explores the darker side of human nature. The characters are complex and compelling, brought to life by stellar performances. The cinematography and score amplify the tension, creating an immersive experience that keeps you on edge. A must-watch for anyone who loves a smart, gripping, and emotionally charged story."

A couple of days ago, still in India, I was getting bored sitting at home. I was casually browsing BookMyShow and found this new Telugu movie called Hathya. As this was the only movie I hadn't watched in all of BookMyShow's now running catalog and the fact that this is directed by a woman filmmaker, I decided to give it a go. Also the title Hathya (Murder) led me to believe that this was an investigative thriller. I neither watched the trailer nor read the synopsis. I just showed up. What could go wrong? I will lose 150 rupees which is no biggie.

I must say that Hathya is among the finest investigative thrillers from the Telugu language in recent memory. Written and directed by Srividya Basawa, Hathya is a documentation of the murder and the subsequent and still ongoing investigation of the famous YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case that happened in Andhra Pradesh on the morning of March 15, 2019. Hear me out, I've been living in the US for about 20 years now and I've heard about this murder. He was the brother of a popular political figure YS Rajashekhara Reddy of the Indian National Congress party and a big shot in the region. So it is obvious that almost all of the Telugu diaspora must've heard about the murder. But I had no interest in knowing all the details and never really cared about it. Until I watched this movie.

Going in with a blank slate, I treated this as any other investigative thriller. It was just another movie for me. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Srividya Basawa's screenplay was riveting. The entire movie is an investigation and the movie skips timelines multiple times. But the writer's command of the story and the characters is evident. Some slick editing by Haresh Chaudhary helped here as well, although I did think he could've removed a few unnecessary scenes especially during the climax.

Ravi Verma as Dharmendra Reddy fit his character like a glove aided by terrific performance by Pooja Ramachandran as Salima. Dhanya Balakrishna as the investigating officer Sudha Rao did a commendable job for the most part although I felt she went a little overboard especially in scenes where she needed to evoke inspiration and anger.

It was hard for me to not draw real life comparisons due to the topic but even if you don't care, like me, about what had happened in real life, this is a solid thriller. If you are a fan of this genre like I am, then I am sure you will love this one. This one's a solid watch.

-YT/@CinephileIndia2023.

Srividya Basawa's Hatya is a gripping investigative thriller that explores the mysterious murder of a politician. The film grabs your attention from the start, builds tension with a powerful interval, and ends on an emotional, hard-hitting note.

Ravi Varma is perfectly cast, embodying the real-life character with precision, while Pooja Ramachandran leaves a lasting impact despite her limited screen time. The direction, haunting music, and sharp cinematography elevate the suspenseful narrative, making it a compelling watch.

Interestingly, the film features just one song-a love track. While adding a love song in a serious thriller might seem like a risky choice, it surprisingly works, offering a refreshing emotional break. The soulful lyrics and melody are unforgettable and beautifully complement the story.

The only drawback is the overwhelming number of characters introduced during the investigation, which can feel confusing at times. Despite this, Hatya delivers an engaging and emotional experience, solidifying its place as a standout thriller.

"Hathya" attempts to grip viewers with its suspenseful narrative, but unfortunately, it falls prey to propaganda, overshadowing its potential. The screenplay is poorly crafted, meandering through a plodding pace that tests viewers' patience.

The film's slow tempo makes it feel like a chore to watch, with scenes dragging on unnecessarily. The lackluster storytelling and uninspired direction further diminish the viewing experience.

Overall, "Hathya" is a skippable film. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie's heavy-handed propaganda and sluggish pacing make it a tedious watch. Unless you're a die-hard fan of suspense thrillers, there's little reason to invest time in this underwhelming film.

Hathya is a riveting film based on the true story of YS Vivekanand Reddy's murder mystery, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on the case. The direction and writing are masterfully done, capturing the essence of the story with genuine intent. The film excels in storytelling, leaving the audience immersed in every twist and turn.

One of the film's standout aspects is its music, which elevates the overall experience to a whole new level. It seamlessly complements the narrative, ensuring that audiences of all kinds can connect with the emotions and intensity. Despite its A rating, every scene is thoughtfully crafted, striking a balance between realism and cinematic engagement. The storytelling unfolds from a third-person perspective, which I found to be a refreshing and honest approach, staying true to the art of filmmaking.

The "Devil's Advocate" scene was particularly remarkable, filled with clever twists and powerful explanations that added depth to the narrative. The first half of the film kept me completely engrossed, and the second half culminated in a finale that was nothing short of breathtaking. The climax was gripping, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.

Cinematography and editing go hand in hand in Hathya, creating a visually stunning and tightly paced experience. The editing ensures there's no lag, maintaining a steady flow throughout the movie. The seamless integration of these technical elements brings the story to life in a way that is both captivating and memorable.

Overall, Hathya is a must-watch film that deserves to be experienced in theaters. It's an engaging, well-crafted mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Don't miss this cinematic gem!