Sixteen years after their first collaboration on Katha, actor Trigun and filmmaker Srinivas Manne are back together with the supernatural thriller Eesha. This time, the stakes are higher, the chills more pronounced, and the cast expanded with Hebba Patel as the leading lady, alongside Akhil, Siri Hanumanth and Prithviraj in key roles. Released by producer Vamsi Nandipati during the festive Christmas season, Eesha arrived with bold promotional claims of spine‑tingling scares. But does it truly deliver the chills promised? Let’s find out.
Story
The plot revolves around four inseparable childhood friends — Kalyan (Trigun), Nayana (Hebba Patel), Aparna (Siri Hanumanth), and Vinay (Akhil Raj). By day, they work regular jobs; by night, they indulge in their unusual hobby — exposing charlatans who exploit people’s fears of spirits and demons.
Their latest investigation leads them to Dr. Adi Dev (Prithviraj), a former neurosurgeon now running an ashram on the fringes of Orissa. Suspecting his methods, the group confronts him, only to be challenged with a chilling test: spend three nights in an abandoned bungalow and prove that ghosts don’t exist.
As they accept the dare, the friends encounter inexplicable and terrifying events. The haunting seems tied to the spirit of a woman named Punyavati, whose tragic past intertwines with their fate. What begins as a skeptical adventure turns into a fight for survival — and an eye‑opening lesson about life, death, and the nature of restless souls.
Performances
Trigun delivers a convincing portrayal of Kalyan, balancing curiosity and fear with ease. Hebba Patel complements him well, with chemistry reminiscent of their earlier pairing in 24 Kisses. Akhil and Siri Hanumanth add warmth and camaraderie to the group dynamic.
Prithviraj stands out as Dr. Adi Dev, bringing gravitas with his commanding screen presence and deep voice. Mime Madhu, portraying a demon‑possessed character, is arguably the film’s show‑stealer — his unsettling physicality adds genuine fright to the narrative.
Behind the Scenes
Technically, Eesha benefits greatly from R.R. Dhruvan’s background score, which heightens tension even in slower sequences. His music occasionally delivers the promised jolts the marketing campaign boasted about. The cinematography aligns well with the eerie tone, while the production values ensure the visuals remain polished throughout.
However, the narrative follows a familiar horror template — friends trapped in a creepy old bungalow, facing unexplained phenomena. While the opening engages viewers, pacing dips midway, particularly after the group enters the bungalow. Director Srinivas Manne leans heavily on traditional horror tropes, leaving certain moments ambiguous and reliant on audience imagination.
The climax redeems much of the slow pacing, offering a thoughtful explanation about why some souls linger as ghosts and resist accepting their death. A subtle hint toward a possible sequel adds intrigue.
Final Verdict
Eesha isn’t the bone‑chilling scarefest its marketing promised, but it’s far from a disappointment. Horror fans will appreciate its atmospheric thrills, standout performances, and a finale that delivers an emotional punch. Enter the theater with moderate expectations, and you’ll likely find the climax memorable. For casual viewers, it’s a one‑time watch; for genre enthusiasts, it’s an enjoyable addition to Telugu horror cinema, with potential for future expansion.
