Tollywood’s comedic star Allari Naresh has been experimenting with heavier roles in recent years, moving away from his trademark lighthearted humor. 12A Railway Colony, however, pushes him into unfamiliar territory — the realm of murder mystery with a dash of supernatural intrigue. Directed by debutant Nani Kasaragadda, and penned by Dr. Anil Vishwanath of Polimera fame, the film sets itself in Warangal’s railway colony, promising suspense, drama, and thrills. Unfortunately, what arrives on screen is a genre mash-up that stumbles in both logic and engagement.
Under Srinivasaa Silver Screen, the film features a notable ensemble cast: Allari Naresh, Dr. Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Sai Kumar, Viva Harsha, Jeevan Kumar, Abhirami, and others. With music by Bheems Ceciroleo and cinematography by Kushendar Ramesh Reddy, the production had the makings of an atmospheric thriller.
Story
The plot follows Karthik (Allari Naresh), a local henchman working for politician Tillu (Jeevan Kumar). As bi-elections loom, Tillu instructs his crew to stay out of trouble. Amidst this quiet spell, Karthik develops feelings for his neighbor Aaradhana (Kamakshi Bhaskarla), a focused badminton player aiming for the national stage. When Karthik is asked to hide a suspicious bag, he chooses Aaradhana’s home, assuming it empty — only to unexpectedly encounter her inside, shortly before finding her dead.
From here, 12A Railway Colony attempts to weave together elements of a ghost thriller and a classic whodunit. Sadly, the integration feels forced. Scenes often contradict each other, characters behave inconsistently, and the investigation is oddly led by Karthik rather than the police officer, played by Sai Kumar, whose primary contribution is repetitive dismissals of suspects.
Performances
Allari Naresh adopts the Telangana dialect for his character, demonstrating clear dedication to the role. However, despite his earnest effort, certain moments in his performance appear somewhat forced, affecting the overall natural flow of his portrayal. Kamakshi Bhaskarla, meanwhile, is given a role with limited scope, and her interpretation, though competent, follows a predictable pattern that leaves little room for nuance.
Sai Kumar’s character spends more time engaging in dialogue than actively advancing the investigation, which slightly diminishes the impact of his presence. In contrast, Abhirami makes a strong impression in a pivotal role, bringing depth and conviction to her performance. Anish Kuruvilla, as the doctor, delivers an understated yet effective portrayal that serves the narrative well.
Viva Harsha provides adequate support as Naresh’s sidekick, fulfilling the demands of the role without overextending into exaggeration. Jeevan Kumar fits seamlessly into the part of the politician, lending it credibility, while Madhumani adds a layer of authenticity to her performance as Aaradhana’s mother, enriching the emotional texture of the storyline.
Behind the Scenes
Visually, the production design is decent, but cinematography, editing, and music fail to heighten tension. The screenplay lacks depth, with the few twists resembling moments from television crime serials rather than a gripping cinematic mystery.
Final Verdict
12A Railway Colony falters due to a confused narrative that tries to marry murder mystery with supernatural lore but doesn’t commit fully to either. The motive behind the crime may be plausible, but the journey to its revelation is cluttered with illogical turns and underdeveloped characters.
In the end, this is a film where the train of suspense never arrives at the station. For fans of tightly woven thrillers, 12A Railway Colony will feel like a missed opportunity — and for Allari Naresh enthusiasts, it’s yet another reminder that talent alone cannot fix weak writing. Totally skippable unless you’re curious about Naresh in a miscast mystery role.
