‘Simbaa’ movie review: A unique concept worth a watch

"Simbaa," directed by debutant Murali Manohar Reddy and produced by Sampath Nandi and Rajender, is the latest Telugu release that offers an unconventional storyline wrapped in an emotional revenge drama. Starring Anasuya Bharadwaj, JagapathiBabu, and a talented ensemble, the film hits the screens with high expectations. Let’s see how it fares at box-office.

Story:

The story revolves around Akhila (Anasuya Bharadwaj), a dedicated teacher who finds herself in a terrifying situation after inexplicably murdering a stranger. The plot thickens as Police Officer Anurag (VasishtaSimha) and journalist Fazil (Srinath) investigate the crime, only to be drawn into a disturbing cycle of violence themselves. As the trio, along with Dr. Irani (Aneesh Kuruvilla), are compelled to commit more murders, the film explores the concept of cellular and biological memory. The narrative is further enriched by the enigmatic presence of environmental activist Purushottam Reddy (Jagapathi Babu), whose connection to the unfolding events is key to the story.

Performances:

Anasuya Bharadwaj delivers a compelling performance, portraying a range of emotions from a nurturing teacher to a fierce avenger. JagapathiBabu impresses as an environmental activist, bringing depth and gravitas to his role. VasishtaSimha and Srinath offer solid performances, with the former perfectly cast as a determined police officer. The supporting cast, including Divi, Gautami, and Kasturi, contribute effectively to the narrative.

Technicalities:

Director Murali has showcased his talent with 'Simbaa,' presenting impressive visuals and a strong technical team. Murali's direction effectively engages the audience, demonstrating his adept handling of filmmaking techniques and a successful debut effort.

The film’s technical aspects are a mixed bag. While the concept is intriguing, the storytelling lacks the necessary pace to keep the audience fully engaged. Krishna Saurabh's music is average, but the cinematography captures the film's natural visuals beautifully. Editing is sharp, but the overall production values are commendable.

Analysis:

"Simbaa" is an ambitious attempt that combines a novel concept of biological memory with an environmental message. However, the execution falls short, particularly in pacing and character development. The first half could have been tighter, and the second half, especially the flashback sequences, feels unnecessarily prolonged. Despite its flaws, the film's unique concept and strong performances make it worth a watch, though it may not appeal to everyone.