Operation Padma Review: Tense Cat-and-Mouse Thriller Delivers Edge-of-Seat Thrills
Released today, Operation Padma—backed by producers Ghattamaneni Aravind Babu, Raghava Mandalapu, and Rambabu Mandalapu—marks director Karthikeya V's bold entry into investigative thrillers. This taut procedural mixes political scandal with sharp private sleuthing, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
Plot Breakdown
At its core, the story erupts from Nandi Kishore, a once-loyal ex-Home Minister who quits to blow the whistle on a colossal fraud in the Civil Supplies sector. His bold stand wins him hero status among the public but paints a bullseye on him for elimination.
Enter Kuldeep, a ruthless hitman with a perfect kill record, hired by a hidden puppet-master to end the threat. Countering him is a crack squad of private investigators—Vasu, Ramana, Padma (aka Sudha), Rupa, and Avantika—who kick off Operation Padma. The result? A pulse-pounding showdown packed with undercover ops, mind games, and a killer who's perpetually ahead.
Standout Acting and Craft
Ranadheer Beesu owns the screen as the menacing Kuldeep, his icy smarts lingering like a shadow. The detective crew shines too, with Raghupathi Reddy Gunda and Rajitha Sandy injecting raw intensity. The women stand out for their smart, fierce roles—equal parts brains and bold style.
Stunt master Akhil Nakirekanti nails gritty, believable fights that pack real punch. Kalyan Sami and Pavanmani's camera work builds suspense with sleek, shadowy shots perfect for stakeouts. Subhash Anand's soundtrack throbs with thriller energy, and JK Frames keeps the back half tight and relentless. Karthikeya V juggles a crowded cast while zeroing in on the scam's dark heart.
What Makes It Tick
Beyond basic action, Operation Padma dives deep into procedural smarts. The opening 90 minutes layers in backstory, including a spicy ex-lovers arc and jealous girlfriend vibes for emotional pull. It ramps up brilliantly in the second act, ditching fluff for a pure clash: an unbeatable assassin versus death-defying detectives who dread losing more than dying. This brainy standoff turns shootouts into a cerebral chess match.
Final Call
Smart, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt, Operation Padma honors viewers with its no-nonsense take on political scams laced with flair. Solid entertainment for thriller fans.
Rating: 2.5/5
