Rating- 2/5
Starring: Vijay Antony- Meenakshi Chaudhary- Ritika Singh- Radhika Sarath Kumar- Murali Sharma etc.
Music: Girish Gopalakrishnan
Cinematography: Sivakumar Vijayan
Production: Infinity Film Ventures-Lotus Pictures
Written- Directed by: Balaji.K.Kumar
Vijay Antony gained significant popularity in Telugu cinema with the movie ‘Bichchagadu.’ However, he faced a slump in his career afterward. Recently, he made an impression with ‘Bichchagadu-2,’ and now his latest film ‘Hatya’ has released. Let’s take a look at the features of this movie that were presented to the audience today.
Story:
In ‘Hatya,’ a gripping murder mystery, singer-cum-model Laila (Meenakshi Chaudhary) is found dead in her apartment, prompting police officer Ritika (Ritika Singh) to launch an investigation. Faced with various complexities, Ritika seeks the assistance of Detective Vinayak (Vijay Antony). Together, they delve into Laila’s murder case, exploring different angles and suspects, including Laila’s ex-boyfriend Satish, photographer Arjun, and Aditya Kaushik, who took advantage of her under the guise of opportunities. The movie keeps the audience on edge as they uncover the truth behind the murder and the surprising twists that unfold during their pursuit of justice.
Narrative-Analysis:
‘Hatya’ presents itself as a mystery movie, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. While such stories are a rare treat in Telugu cinema, the abundance of similar themes in movies and web series these days has made it challenging to keep audiences guessing until the end. The ‘Hatya’ team succeeds in maintaining suspense, leading viewers on an engrossing journey until the unexpected twist reveals the killer’s motive, leaving the audience amazed. However, apart from this intriguing aspect, the movie falls short of making a lasting impact. ‘Hatya‘ seems like another addition to the popular ‘hit’ series in Telugu cinema. Despite starting with the murder and investigating from various angles, the director struggles to create engaging episodes. The slow-paced flashback episodes lack purpose, making them feel tedious and uninteresting. The film’s photography contributes to an artificial ambiance, losing its appeal as the plot progresses. Unnecessary subplots, like the tragic end of the hero’s daughter, add to the impatience of the audience without much relevance to the overall story. The movie’s true test lies in the last half-hour, where the gripping scenes showcasing the killer’s identity and motive unfold, though the villain’s reasoning may not be entirely convincing. The director’s attempt to explore the psychological aspects of the killer, however, brings a unique touch to the narrative. In the end, the well-executed concluding scenes salvage the movie, enhancing the overall viewing experience and leaving a lasting impression.
Actors:
Vijay Antony’s portrayal in ‘Hatya‘ reflects his signature serious demeanor, fitting well with his role that demands limited expressions. He delivers a decent performance, proving suitable for the character. Meenakshi Chaudhary impresses with her role as the central figure, showcasing a balanced blend of glamour and acting. Being a model herself, she effortlessly embraces the role. On the other hand, Ritika Singh’s performance appears average in comparison. Supporting actors like Murali Sharma, Radhika Sarath Kumar, and John Vijay, despite having common names, excel in their respective roles and continue to secure significant roles in the industry.
Technical category:
The music in ‘Hatya’ stands out as a unique aspect among technical elements. Girish Gopalakrishnan’s stylish and intense background score adds some elevation to the film. However, the songs fail to leave a strong impression. Shivakumar Vijayan’s visuals successfully create the required mood for a thriller; however, the overall presentation on the screen feels artificial and lacks vibrancy. While the production values remain intact, there are instances of excessive and reckless spending. As a writer and director, Balaji.K.Kumar chooses an intriguing point for the plot, but his narration style falls short in maintaining audience interest. The unnecessary display of creativity in various parts of the film leads to a narrative that fails to captivate the viewers effectively.
‘Murder’ weaves a captivating murder mystery with an unexpected twist.