Kishkindhapuri, starring Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas and Anupama Parameswaran, takes audiences into the mysterious world of paranormal tourism. Directed by Koushik Pegallapati, the film tries to blend horror, suspense, and light comedy while experimenting with an unusual setting—the abandoned Suvarnamaya Radio Station. But does it succeed in delivering a fresh horror drama? Let’s dive into the details.
Story
Raghav (Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas) and Mythili (Anupama Parameswaran) run a ghost-walk business in the fictional town of Kishkindhapuri, organizing staged spooky tours for curious tourists. Their carefully crafted scares keep the thrill-seekers entertained, until one unconventional customer (Hyper Aadi) demands a tour of a truly haunted place.
This unusual request leads them to the deserted Suvarnamaya Radio Station. What begins as another adventure quickly spirals into danger when two tourists die soon after the visit, and an unnerving supernatural presence makes itself known—identified by a haunting female voice.
Realizing this is no act, Raghav and Mythili set out to uncover the truth behind the ghost named Viswaputra. The mystery surrounding the station and the spirit’s motives drive the rest of the narrative, raising questions about revenge and unfinished business.
Performances
Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas delivers a convincing performance in the climax, portraying two shades of his character with commendable effort. However, in the rest of the film, his role feels routine. Anupama Parameswaran gets a strong moment in a hospital sequence and portrays it effectively. The actor behind Viswaputra brings the right amount of menace to the screen, enhancing the eerie factor. Supporting roles serve their purpose but don’t leave a lasting impression.
Behind the scenes
On the technical front, music and sound design stand out as the film’s strongest points. Chaitan Bharadwaj’s background score injects intensity into several predictable scenes, while M. R. Rajakrishnan’s sound design builds an effective spooky aura. The production design and cinematography remain competent, but they lack a distinctive visual identity.
The film opens with a curious sequence involving monkeys, divine symbolism, and action heroics that feels overly forced, more like a trendy inclusion than an organic part of the plot. While the village of Kishkindhapuri is unique in its monkey-populated backdrop, this spiritual angle feels disconnected from the main ghost story.
Final Verdict
The movie takes nearly 45 minutes to settle into the real story, after predictable introductions, a romantic song, and some comedic relief. Once the narrative shifts to Suvarnamaya Radio Station, the genuine horror elements begin to unfold.
The second half offers a couple of engaging episodes that stand out. However, the big reveal behind the ghost’s origin makes the story too predictable, reducing the suspense. The concept of a spirit using a radio station to spread ominous messages is novel for regional horror cinema, but the screenplay and dialogues fail to elevate it.
Kishkindhapuri presents a few interesting moments and a solid soundscape, but ultimately falls into the trap of formulaic horror storytelling. While the radio station concept and a handful of sequences add intrigue, the film struggles with a weak screenplay, routine scares, and an uninspired ending that hints at a possible sequel.
For Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, this film provides a mild break from his usual action-heavy roles, while horror fans may still appreciate the atmospheric sound design. However, those looking for a truly fresh scare may find Kishkindhapuri somewhat underwhelming.
