Introduction:
Kishkindhapuri is a Telugu horror thriller released on September 12, 2025. The film features Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas and Anupama Parameswaran as leads, supported by Tanikella Bharani, Srikanth Iyenger, Hyper Aadi, Makrand Deshpande, and Sudarshan. Directed by Koushik Pegallapati and produced by Sahu Garapati, the technical crew includes Chaitan Bharadwaj for music, Chinmay Salaskar as cinematographer, and Niranjan Devaramane as editor.
Story:
Raghav (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas) and Mythili (Anupama Parameswaran) are a couple working for a company that organizes ghost-walking tours in the eerily atmospheric town of Kishkindhapuri. During one such tour at Suvarnamaya radio station, an antique radio unexpectedly starts working, terrifying everyone present. Raghav senses a supernatural danger and helps the visitors escape. Soon after, those who entered the radio station begin dying mysteriously, prompting Raghav and Mythili to uncover the truth behind the haunting and fight the evil haunting them.
Actors’ Performance:
Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas delivers a sincere lead performance, showing marked improvement, especially in dealing with tense and emotional moments. Anupama Parameswaran shines in key sequences, most notably her hospital scene, and brings depth to the role. Makrand Deshpande given his best, while Tanikella Bharani, Srikanth Iyenger, Hyper Aadi, and Sudarshan provide sound support, even if a few are underutilized.
Technical Aspects:
Chaitan Bharadwaj’s background score, coupled with Radhakrishna’s sound design, successfully sets a chilling and immersive tone. Chinmay Salaskar's cinematography enhances the horror moments, and razor-sharp editing by Niranjan Devaramane keeps the film moving swiftly. Production design by Manisha Dutt and art direction by Siva Kamesh add authenticity to the haunted settings.
Highlights:
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Genuine horror atmosphere and spooky setting
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Well-executed jump scares and intriguing twists
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Lead actors’ strong performances
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Innovative premise with a ghost tour theme rarely seen in Telugu cinema
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Consistent focus on horror without unnecessary diversions.
Drawbacks:
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The story is somewhat predictable, especially in the second half
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Emotional arcs feel rushed, leaving little impact
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Some supporting characters lack development
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The early portions and climax are underwhelming
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A few narrative threads wrap up before fully resonating with the viewer.
Analysis:
Kishkindhapuri is a well-intentioned attempt at organic horror. The film sticks to its genre roots, offering decent scares and engaging twists, but doesn’t achieve completeness due to a lack of sustained emotional depth and rushed storytelling. The ghost-walking theme, strong production values, and effective flashbacks provide novelty, but the narrative could have benefited from more thorough exploration and dramatic weight.
Verdict:
Overall, Kishkindhapuri is a watchable horror thriller with sincere performances, convincing atmosphere, and flashes of technical brilliance. Its genre purity and inventive premise work in its favor, but the film falls short of excellence due to predictable plotting and limited emotional engagement. Fans of horror may find it enjoyable if they keep expectations moderate.
Rating:
2.5 out of 5
