Irumudi Review: Ravi Teja Shines in This Dark Thriller, Yet It Has Shortcomings
Playing a lungi-clad auto driver in Irumudi, Ravi Teja convincingly portrays a father who adores his daughter and goes to any lengths to protect her.
Irumudi Movie Review
Cast: Ravi Teja, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Saikumar, Saswika, Baby Nakshatra and others
Direction: Shiva Nirvana
Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Producers: Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar under Mythri Movie Makers
After a slew of flops, Ravi Teja regains his mojo with this intense dark thriller. He steals the show as a lovable father who treats every girl as his daughter and takes on the evil forces threatening them. Playing a lungi-clad auto driver, Ravi Teja convincingly portrays a father who adores his daughter and goes to any lengths to protect her.
The actor showcases two shades of his character—a troubled drunkard and a devoted Ayyappa devotee. The director cleverly uses Ayyappa deeksha as a way to rein in the hero's anger, giving the crime drama a devotional touch.
Shiva Nirvana, known for emotional dramas, attempts a darker genre here. The story revolves around disturbing incidents at a girls' school and a tainted woman teacher. The father-daughter bonding is reminiscent of Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja, although the characters and their motivations are quite different. The final twist and climax are shocking and gripping.
However, the film loses much of its impact in the second half because of an underwhelming screenplay. The antagonist's role feels forced and could have been written much better. Ajay Ghosh's character, too, is not well designed.
Ravi Teja, who previously played a cop in Krack and a gangster in Eagle, delivers a convincing performance as a down-to-earth father. He carries the film almost entirely on his shoulders. Priya Bhavani Shankar is impressive as his loving and supportive wife, while young Baby Nakshatra steals the show with her natural performance.
The cinematography effectively enhances and sustains the dark mood of the film. Composer G. V. Prakash Kumar adds considerably to the atmosphere with his devotional songs and gripping background score.
Shiva Nirvana redeems himself with this emotionally charged dark drama after films such as Kushi. He demonstrates that he can handle a darker, Tamil-style dramatic narrative while avoiding the usual clichés of forced comedy and unnecessary songs.
Despite its shortcomings, Irumudi works in parts, primarily because of Ravi Teja's powerful performance, the emotional father-daughter relationship, and a gripping climax. Yet it doesn’t reach its full potential and falls short a bit.
