⭐ 7.6/10 (IMDb)
Quick verdict: Virupaksha is a genuinely gripping mystery thriller — Sukumar’s screenplay and a strong background score carry a story that mostly earns its suspense, even if the second half loses some momentum and its message on superstition ends up a bit muddled.
About Virupaksha
Directed by debutant Karthik Dandu, with a screenplay by Sukumar (of Pushpa fame), Virupaksha released in theatres on 21 April 2023 after a long journey to the screen — Sai Dharam Tej was injured in a bike accident during production in 2021, delaying the film significantly before its eventual release. The film stars Sai Dharam Tej as Surya and Samyuktha Menon as Nandini, alongside Sai Chand, Ajay, Rajeev Kanakala, and Kamal Kamaraju.
Set in the fictional village of Rudravanam in the early 1990s, the story follows a series of mysterious deaths that begin twelve years after a couple was burnt alive on suspicion of practicing black magic. Surya, visiting the village, gets drawn into unraveling the mystery as the body count rises and the village’s head priest imposes increasingly strict rules on the residents.
Our Review: Where It Works, Where It Doesn’t
Critics were largely positive on Virupaksha, particularly praising its tightly-packed screenplay and the absence of unnecessary songs that derail the narrative — a common complaint in Telugu commercial cinema that this film mostly avoids. The first half in particular was singled out as genuinely gripping, with well-executed twists and a mounting sense of dread.
Where reviews converge on criticism is the second half: several critics noted a dip in pacing after a strong opening, along with an underwhelming climax that doesn’t quite match the tension built up earlier. The romantic track between Surya and Nandini was also flagged as one of the weaker elements — fairly routine and occasionally slowing down the film’s momentum.
One more nuanced critique worth flagging: some reviewers pointed out that the film’s stance on superstition feels muddled — it aims to critique ignorance and prejudice (the plot is loosely inspired by real incidents of violence tied to witchcraft accusations in India), but undercuts its own message by leaning into actual occult/black magic elements within its story, which softens the anti-superstition point it seems to be making.
Performances
Sai Dharam Tej delivers what’s widely considered one of his strongest performances, particularly in the film’s more emotional stretches — reviewers noted he consciously shifted his approach for this role rather than relying on his usual on-screen mannerisms. Samyuktha Menon’s role grows more significant as the film progresses, with her second-half performance called out as a highlight. Supporting cast members Ajay (as Aghora) and Sai Chand also received praise for standing out in unconventional roles.
Technical Aspects
B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score is frequently cited as one of the film’s biggest strengths, effectively building atmosphere and dread throughout. Cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen’s night sequences and the film’s overall visual craft were also well-received, contributing to a technically polished thriller despite a moderate budget of around ₹25 crore.
Also Read: Jigra Reviews: What Critics & Audiences Said About Alia Bhatt’s Prison-Break Drama
Final Verdict
Virupaksha earns its reputation as one of the better mystery-thriller outings in recent Telugu cinema — strong writing, a committed lead performance, and effective atmosphere-building make it worth watching, even if the second half and thematic clarity don’t quite match the promise of the setup. Worth noting: the film includes some gore, so it may not suit more sensitive viewers.
Where to watch: Virupaksha is available for streaming on Netflix, in Telugu (original) with Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam dubbed versions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virupaksha worth watching?
Yes — it’s a well-crafted mystery thriller with strong performances and a gripping first half, though the second half and the film’s message on superstition are less consistent.
What is Virupaksha’s IMDb rating?
7.6 out of 10, reflecting a largely positive audience and critical response.
Where can I watch Virupaksha?
It’s available for streaming on Netflix, in Telugu with Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam dubbed versions.
