Telugu 360 Review: ‘Tantra’ Offers Little Innovation in Familiar Horror Territory
Movie Details:
– Movie Name: Tantra
– Release Date: March 15, 2024
Telugu 360 Rating: 2.25/5
Starring: Ananya Nagalla, Dhanush Raghumudri, Saloni, Temper Vamsi, Meesala Lakshman, Kushalini, Manoj Muthyam, and others
Director: Srinivas Gopisetti
Producers: Naresh Babu P, Ravi Chaitanya
Music Director: RR Dhruvan
Cinematographer: Sai Ram Uday, Vijay Bhaskar Uddala
Editor: SB Uddhav
A new horror film titled “Tantra,” featuring Ananya Nagalla of Vakeel Saab fame in the lead role, has made its theatrical debut. Explore our review to uncover the verdict on this eerie tale.
Plot Summary:
“Tantra” revolves around Rekha (Ananya Nagalla), a young woman plagued by sinister supernatural forces. Despite the protective presence of her childhood friend Teju (Dhanush Radhumudri), Rekha finds herself entangled in a web of occult mysteries. As the story unfolds, questions arise about Rekha’s connection to the malevolent entities haunting her life.
Highlights:
The core premise of the film holds initial intrigue, delving into the consequences of a protagonist born with occult abilities and her interactions with the spirit realm. Saloni’s portrayal and the emotional horror elements involving Ananya Nagalla contribute positively to the narrative.
Ananya Nagalla delivers a compelling performance in the lead role, supported by realistic acting from Dhanush Raghumudri and a standout turn from Saloni. Additionally, Temper Vamsi impresses as the antagonist, enhancing the film’s tension.
Drawbacks:
“Tantra” fails to offer fresh insights into the horror genre, relying on clichéd tropes and predictable scares. The screenplay lacks cohesion, primarily focusing on the protagonist while introducing numerous subplots that remain unresolved.
The film suffers from pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, particularly in the second half, where logicless scenes and a lackluster screenplay hinder engagement. Despite a promising concept, the execution falters, resulting in a disappointing viewing experience.
Technical Aspects:
While the film’s concept shows potential, director Srinivas Gopisetty struggles to maintain narrative momentum, impacting the emotional resonance of key scenes. RR Dhruvan’s musical compositions stand out, complementing the natural visuals captured by the cinematographers.
Verdict:
“Tantra” offers little innovation in the crowded horror genre, delivering few memorable moments amidst a sea of familiar tropes. While Ananya Nagalla’s performance and select emotional sequences provide fleeting enjoyment, the film is hampered by its sluggish pace, disjointed storytelling, and lack of compelling elements in the latter half. Despite a promising premise, “Tantra” ultimately falls short of expectations.
Telugu 360 Rating: 2.25/5
Reviewed by Telugu 360 Team