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."

I rarely watch Telugu movies, as I've been disappointed by popular blockbuster recommendations from friends. Over the years, I've gradually distanced myself from Indian cinema, with a few select exceptions. However, while watching Hathya, my skepticism quickly faded. The propulsive storyline, well-balanced performances, evocative music, and other elements made for a fulfilling cinematic experience.

After sharing with my host that I enjoyed the film, she informed me that the characters in Hathya were based on real-life individuals. She then proceeded to give me a brief history of the murder of Y. S. Vivek Reddy. I found the details utterly ghastly. Curious whether this was the only film made about the murder, I asked my host, and she directed me to another film. She cautioned me, saying, "It's sure to disappoint you. People far less picky than you about movies have denounced and rubbished it." This piqued my interest, and I urged her to tell me the name.

"Viveka," she replied.

As a gracious host, she managed to find the film on a streaming platform, and the following evening, we sat down to watch it, popcorn and sodas in hand. Within minutes, it became clear that my friend's warning about the film's quality was valid.

By this point, I was already familiar with the storyline and had spent the day researching the gruesome murder, the tragic demise of Vivek's older brother, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (a medical doctor turned politician), and the resulting turmoil in the state of Andhra Pradesh after his untimely death. With this backdrop in mind, I watched Viveka.

Suffice it to say, the film was justifiably criticized by my friend. Beyond its poor quality, what struck me was the audacity with which the filmmakers misrepresented the facts. The lawlessness of invoking the real names, images, and details of key figures in the story was utterly irresponsible. I am surprised no one has pursued legal action against the filmmakers for libel. To fabricate such wildly inaccurate characters, while demonizing and deifying them with fervor, ignoring the facts, and distorting both events and real individuals, should not only be condemned but also punished. It just made viewing Hathya that much more of a superior experience!

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.

The ending of the movie didn't describe about the final verdict, whether the criminals were arrested by the police or not. Movie simply ends with the screenplay of murder, although the movie was okay but so much predictable. I will not give so much credit for thriller but for the acting some by the actress and other actors. Overall the story cooked was good but I am disappointed with the ending, it can be better showing the culprits behind the bars giving a satisfactory ending to the viewers. I would rate it 6/10, it's a one time watch movie and can be enjoyed with family but do not expect so much from the story.

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!