Hatya Story

Hatya is inspired by a real-life high-profile murder that shocked Andhra Pradesh. Dharmendra Reddy (Ravi Varma), a powerful politician from the Illandula constituency, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. His associates attempt to cover up the crime, claiming it was a heart attack. However, the Chief Minister orders an investigation and assigns the case to top cop Sudha (Dhanya Balakrishna). As Sudha digs deeper, she uncovers a web of clues implicating various figures in the political realm. The film follows Sudha's pursuit of the truth as she works to unravel the mystery and identify the killer.

Hatya Review

Hatya, written and directed by Srividya Basava, is centred around the high-profile murder of a prominent politician in Andhra Pradesh, inspired by a real-life case. The director crafts the narrative in a way that keeps the audience on edge, trying to unravel the identity of the murderer. Notably, the real-life culprit behind the case remains unidentified.

Ravi Varma portrays the politician whose death sparks the gripping storyline. The film excels in illustrating the reactions of the politician's family, aides, and henchmen to his sudden passing. One of its key strengths is the suspense, which remains intact until the final moments. Rather than openly revealing the culprits, the director provides subtle clues for the audience to piece together the mystery, adding depth to the film's open-ended approach, especially considering the controversial real-life inspiration.

However, Hatya isn't without its flaws. The casting feels somewhat lacking, especially in the lead role of Dhanya Balakrishna as a top cop. Given her previous roles in lighter films, it takes time for the audience to accept her in this serious, intense role, and her performance starts off awkwardly, though she does settle into the character later. The supporting cast also feels underwhelming, lacking more familiar faces to strengthen the film's impact.

Additionally, the pacing of the film is an issue, as the second half tends to drag, especially during the buildup to the revelation of the culprit. This stretched narrative creates restlessness toward the end. Despite these shortcomings, Srividya Basava shows potential as a filmmaker, particularly with his handling of the investigation and the multiple angles explored within the murder case.

The flashback sequence involving Ravi Varma and Pooja Ramachandran initially feels out of place, but it is eventually woven into the narrative in a meaningful way. In terms of performances, Dhanya Balakrishna takes a little time to find her rhythm but delivers a solid performance overall. Raghu, who plays a fellow cop, excels in his role, and Pooja Ramachandran stands out with her impactful portrayal.

However, Hatya truly belongs to Ravi Varma, who impresses as a controversial politician. Known primarily for negative and supporting roles, he gets the chance to demonstrate his versatility, and he does so with great skill, elevating the film with his nuanced performance.

The technical aspects of the film are strong. The background score is compelling and effectively amplifies the suspense throughout. The production design successfully captures the political atmosphere in the Rayalaseema region, adding authenticity to the setting. While the cinematography is top-notch, the editing in the second half could have been more concise. The dialogues, screenplay, and plot twists are adequate, but with tighter execution, the film could have reached even greater heights.

Hatya Verdict

On the whole, Hatya is a murder mystery with decent thrills. Despite the lack of a strong supporting cast and a slightly prolonged narrative, the suspenseful storyline and engaging moments make it worth a watch this weekend.

Read Also: 'Sky Force': Viewers Rate Akshay Kumar's New Film Higher Than 'Fighter'

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!