Thriller movies always have a special place in the hearts of audiences. When a film weaves twists into its storyline and executes them effectively on-screen, it entertains the viewers without fail. Same is the case with the film.
Ashtadigbandhanam, which has the tagline - A Game with Crime. This tagline itself hints that the movie combines crime with a game. Director Baba P.R, who previously directed Saidulu, has chosen this intriguing thriller narrative. Let's see how the film turns out to be.
Plot: Shankar, a local rowdy sheeter, decides to transition into a political leader because of his ego clashes. He sets out to spend a whopping 50 crores for a political party’s ticket. With a solid plan in place, he embarks on this journey. How did he manage to get such a colossal amount? What role do the hero and heroine play in this scheme? Did he succeed in his plan? To find out the intricacies and how the story unfolds, one has to watch this film in theaters.
Treatment: This battle is not just for the state or the queen, but rather, it is a battle of egos between individuals. This was subtly conveyed in the trailer. However, in the movie, this idea is presented more prominently. Director Baba, has effectively created suspense around certain characters in the first half. Before the interval, he introduces a twist that leaves the audience wondering. The movie then continues with a heightened sense of curiosity.
However, after a strong start in the first half, it's natural to anticipate a similar level of excitement in the second half, but this part falls slightly short of the audience expectations. While it does include a few clever plot twists, the pace slows down in the second half, diminishing its overall impact. Also, the climax could have been more compelling. The movie becomes quite predictable after a point in time, and this bogs down an otherwise good thriller.
Performances:
Surya Bharath Chandra, who plays the lead role, impresses with his acting skills and carries the film on his performance. Vishika Kota, the heroine, not only adds glamor to the movie but her performance also contributes well to the narrative. Supporting actors have done justice to their roles. Some of them despite being newcomers, blend seamlessly into their respective characters. The director has managed to extract the best from the cast.
In conclusion, "Ashtadigbandhanam" is a thriller film that should not be missed by those who enjoy this genre. However, the momentum slows down in the second half. Director Baba has successfully executed his vision on the screen but as one can guess what would happen next, the movie becomes slightly dull at times. So, if you can overlook a few clichés, mainly in the second half, the movie turns out to be quite enjoyable.
