Agnyathavasi

#Agnyathavasi #RangayanaRaghu #SidduMoolimani #YamunaSrinidhi #ZEE5

Different title Agnyathavasi written in interesting font, and above all, the intriguing, layered face of Rangayana Raghu on the poster (reminding of his look in Shakahaari) pulled me to watch this film over others on my watchlist.

The film opens with parallel tracks and a bunch of characters, leaving us puzzled - even disoriented in the first half. But this narrative chaos seems intentional to build tension and curiosity, making us wonder how - or if - all these threads will converge. Thankfully, they do, and with finesse. The director ties the loose ends into an impactful climax that gives a profound message on parenting.

Rangayana Raghu delivers a nuanced performance reminding us of his portrayal in Shakahari. His portrayal is restrained, and emotionally layered - a man burdened by the weight of choices, yet silent in his suffering.

Siddu Moolimani catches our attention with his expressive face, whose performance as a youngster of the 90s adds enthusiasm to the narrative. The rest of the cast too, mostly from the theatre background are impressive.

Set in a time when owning a computer was a life's milestone, the experience of connecting to the internet using dial-up modem, the thrill of logging into email, the excitement of online chats. For anyone who grew up in the '90s, these moments are pure nostalgia.

Agnyathavasi is not for the impatient viewer. Watch it with no distractions till the end to feel the impact.

Great screenplay, superb acting. Must watch for people who like malayalam thrillers and complain about Kannada movies not being able to produce great thrillers. Keep it up! Suspense could have been built even more until the climax. The cinema hits it out of the park with this gripping thriller! The screenplay is fantastic and the acting is superb. If you're a fan of Malayalam thrillers or have been disappointed by Kannada movies in this genre, this one's a must-watch. Kudos to the team! One suggestion - a bit more suspense building up to the climax would have taken it to the next level. PLEASE WATCH IN CINEMAS.

Watched this movie in theatre this week, very slow narration and unnecessary showing same scenes again and again for scenes which are already understood.

Message to society is totally lost, if mother is having mind related issues killing does not make sense, there were alternative solutions at 1990s also totally absurd.

Atleast shakahari had some suspense till end but story was on similar lines.

I went to movie based on previous stitnt by janardhan chickannas gultoo but disappointed.

Blink was really good with oedipus stuff like dark.

If we watch monk or any suspense tv series this could have been an epsiode.

Agnyathavasi is one of the finest Kannada crime thrillers to come out in recent times. The film boasts a gripping and intelligently crafted storyline that keeps the audience engaged throughout. Right from the opening sequence, the suspense builds steadily, maintaining tension and curiosity till the very end. The direction is sharp, and the screenplay is tight, leaving little room for dull moments. What truly elevates the movie is the cast-each actor and actress delivers a convincing performance, breathing life into their characters. The cinematography and background score further enhance the viewing experience. It's a must-watch for thriller lovers.

Set in the tranquil village of Nalkeri in the late 1990s, Agnyathavasi explores the themes of guilt and forgiveness through the lens of a rural crime thriller. When a murder after 25 years shakes the village, a nameless inspector (Rangayana Raghu) - also a farmer - begins his investigation, opening the doors to an unresolved crime from the 1970s.

Director Janardhan Chikkanna, known for Gultoo, steps into new terrain with this layered narrative. While the first half is slow and dedicated to character building, the second half grips you with its emotional depth and suspense. The film shines in its detailing of the Malenadu region and its nostalgic 90s setting.

Performances are top-notch:

Rangayana Raghu is excellent and carries the film effortlessly.

Ravishankar Gowda surprises with a restrained and poetic performance.

Siddu Moolimani, Paavana Gowda, and Sharath Lohitashwa deliver strongly in their roles.

Technically, the movie excels - Adwaith Gurumurthy's cinematography is immersive, and Charan Raj's background score elevates the experience. The songs blend well with the narrative.

Drawback: The core thriller element lacks the punch expected from the genre, especially in the reveal. However, the film's philosophical undertone sets it apart.

Verdict: An out-of-the-box attempt that merges crime, emotions, and introspection. Agnyathavasi isn't your regular thriller - it's a meditative slow burn for those who seek stories with soul.