'Viraaji', produced by Mahendra Nath Kondla, is hitting the screens this Friday (August 2nd). M3 Media and Maha Movies have brought out the film in collaboration. Fronted by Varun Sandesh, the film is directed by Adhyanth Harsha.
Story:
Many decades ago, back in the 1970s, a mental asylum was built on a hilltop. The going was good for many years before the place became notorious for mysterious incidents. The center has now been abandoned.
Cut to the present, the building is the venue for an event attended by an aggressive cop, a silly stand-up comedian, a soft-natured gynecologist, a celebrity astrologer, a failed film producer, a quirky wedding photographer, and a honeymoon-crazy couple. They are joined by Andy (Varun Sandesh), a drug addict whose weird behaviour puts them off. They are shocked to learn that it is their last night before they are killed by a mysterious force that is aware of their sins. Will they be able to survive the ordeal?
Performances:
Varun Sandesh makes a belated entry. His screentime is justified. The story doesn't exactly revolve around his character but he becomes a protagonist in an unexpected way. His performance is worthy of appreciation. He is remembered by many as the lover boy from 'Happy Days' days. With recent films like 'Nindha', he is on a new path. With 'Viraaji', he completely transforms himself.
Raghu Karumanchi plays an astrologer who is a riff on a popular name in the field of astrology. Pramodini plays a doctor who is the only one who doesn't show fear on her face. Balagam Jayaram plays a spoilt cop. Viva Raghava is seen as a young husband who can't contain his enthusiasm for romance. Ravi Teja Nannimaala plays a photographer whose eccentricity is about experimenting with couples. Kushalini Pulapa is a self-styled stand-up comedian who doesn't know her jokes are dated. Prasad Behara and others are also seen.
Technical Departments:
GV Ajay Kumar's cinematography is decent. Ebenezer Paul (Ebby)'s music is stylized in the portions where Varun Sandesh's character makes an entry. The film is edited by Ram Tumu.
Analysis:
'Viraji' is a Sanskrit word that primarily relates to the concept of shining or illuminating. It is derived from the root viraj, which means "to shine forth" or "to be resplendent". The title of the film is justified as the story progresses. And this justification doesn't come in an inorganic way. The writing is water-tight.
The first 25 minutes of the film are spent introducing the quirks or opportunism of the different characters. The fear psychosis of the characters in the dilapidated venue makes 'Viraaji' acquire the features of a survival thriller.
Talking of the trappings of a survival thriller, the captives know that they are going to be killed. Their hours are numbered. What do they do during the intervening night as they await their deaths? That's what the film is about. Of course, there is also a plot twist in store.
The film didn't need to explore the psychology of the hunted owing to the nature of its story. The audience are expected not to arrive at pre-mature judgments. The half a dozen captives come with a wide set of emotional colours. The entry of Andy, who could be an enfant terrible hiding a secret, changes the mood.
As the opening credits roll, a vehicle suspiciously traverses a crooked route. This defines the setting and mood of the story of 'Viraaji'. The ramshackle building where almost the entire film takes place is adorned with Renaissance paintings. Its dimly lit rooms and stained walls make the whole place reek of threats.
Vox Verdict:
'Viraaji' is a genre-bending film with a neat twist. It is a survival thriller, an emotional roller-coaster and a slightly madcap comedy rolled into one.
Rating: 3
