User reviews

The reviews here are quite polarized, perhaps due to misplaced expectations, if one expects to find logic or romance in this movie, they'll be disappointed, also the core idea of the movie is copied from the Hollywood movie "smile" still, I personally found this as a very successful attempt to indianise that idea, the connect & suspense are maintained throughout the length. The story is captivating & apart from the core idea, it still has enough elements to keep one hooked to the screen.

Though this movie has copied the concept of "smile" it's more entertaining than the original one itself. The credit here goes to the Indian adaptation of the script, sounds effects, special effects & cinematography, the acting too isn't bad.

If one is against the very idea of movies with superstitious themes then they might not like it, but if one is open to seeing it just as a form of entertainment, this is a great watch.

"Virupaksha" is a glaring exception to the norm of supernatural thrillers being subtle and laid-back in their tone and approach. It's heavily commercialised with a love track, over-the-top fight sequences, and corny conversations, similar to other Telugu films, but what makes it stand out is that despite having a mainstream persona, the film never deviates from its premeditated objectives, which were to frighten and intimidate the audience, and trust me, it accomplishes these goals with finesse.

If you can overlook the obvious deficiencies, you will find much to admire. The writing is effective enough to evoke both fear and fascination for the narrative, which is rife with angst and anxiety that keeps you hooked and second guessing at every turn.

RATING: 3.5-4.0/5 GREAT TWISTS The movie is very gripping and make the audience hooked to the screen until the end. The main aspect in the movie was the Art director. The screenplay by sukumar has helped the movie to a great extent. Director Karthik Dandu did an excellent job though it's his second movie. Sai tej acting was good and " He made a comeback " The main highlight was samyukta menon, she got a good role and she killed it. BGM was also a major part Some scenes make u feel horrific. There's no routine "Jump scares" scenes in the movie.. That makes the movie different from other horror movies.

Definitely a good watch for the mystery movie lovers and get bored of some routine movies.

It's a Good Watch!!!

Plot : The story revolves around how a village is plagued by an evil spirit, villagers unites to follow a rigorous practice to fight against the evil. Things go south, and now mysterious deaths occur, and Nandini(Samyukta) being the latest victim. The rest of the story revolves around how th protagonist Surya(Sai Tej) fights against the evil to save the village.

The direction and Cinematography is top-notch. The only reason this movie works is because there is no over the top action or machoism. Glad that they didn't go with a mass-hero. Sai Tej does a good job and a convincing one, though the dialogue delivery is sometimes bit off but the strong script holds the story together.

Samyuktha looks elegant and has done justice to the role. It's refreshing to see female leads are given equal screen space and pivotal roles beyond the glam-glam.

The supporting cast, group of tried and tested actors, do their job to perfection. Ajay being a surprise element in the film, with short but profound performance.

The only duh-part of the film is a weak second half and a not-so-impressive climax. Yet the movie is worth to be watched on the big screen. Viewing on OTT might not be that enjoyable.

Overall the movie is entertaining, and the writer-director has nicely assessed the limitations of the cast and has crafted the story accordingly. My only issue with the film is that the first half raises the expectations so high, that a mediocre second half left me with not a Very satisfactory experience.

Verdict - A horror movie with very few jump-scare scenes, but should work with Indian audience. Dont wait for the OTT release, can be watched on big theater. Considering the barrage of mediocre movies that we are fed - this movie must be appreciated.

Rating - 7.5/10.

I never watched movie sitting in first row but this the first time. Oh yes! Its worth watching. I hope this movie gets all the recognition it deserves

Please watch it in theatres to get the "grave experience ".

Direction-8.5/10 Cinematography-9/10 Screenplay-9/10 Story-9/10 Acting-8/10 Music-9/10 VFX-7/10

A big call out to lead actress, antagonist and other artists

Small nuisance in the "love track" scene but it all make sense when it reaches pivotal point of the story

Please don't watch the spoiler reviews as it really spoils the twists snd turns

My recent favourites are Balagam and now Virupaksha.

They should have selected good actor for main role. Surya was like a joker. I'd have given more star for story. But can't think of 1 star too for the main role. Cinematography, music all good. They should have selected good actor for main role. Surya was like a joker. I'd have given more star for story. But can't think of 1 star too for the main role. Cinematography, music all good. They should have selected good actor for main role. Surya was like a joker. I'd have given more star for story. But can't think of 1 star too for the main role. Cinematography, music all good. Whoever played main role is a joker.

I think I've never watched a film completely based on black magic and tantra mantra. So, it was an amazing experience for me. Virupaksha is a clear winner both in terms of writing and execution. Writing is superb, it's too edgy, not a single unnecessary moment is there.

Visually this film is also brilliant, the way makers have shown the high moments scenes are totally praiseworthy. I loved Samyuktha Menon as Nandini, the character of male lead was not perfectly portrayed by the actor, so he was just okay for me. I'll highly recommend Virupaksha to everyone.

Available on Netflix.

© MandalBros.

VIRUPAKSHA-One of the best horror thriller Indian movie by the pen of Karthik Varma Dandu and Sukumar

A STORY THAT KEEP YOU TILL THE END AND STILL THE TRHILL WILL BLOW YOUR MIND.

BUT 1 EXPECTED THERE WILL BE SOME BETTER ACTION BY SAI DHARAM TEJ.

AND SAMTUKTA HAS TO FOCUS ON THEIR ACTING SKILLS FOR MORE BETTER PERFORMANCE.

VIRUPAKSHA-One of the best horror thriller Indian movie by the pen of Karthik Varma Dandu and Sukumar

A STORY THAT KEEP YOU TILL THE END AND STILL THE TRHILL WILL BLOW YOUR MIND.

BUT 1 EXPECTED THERE WILL BE SOME BETTER ACTION BY SAI DHARAM TEJ.

AND SAMTUKTA HAS TO FOCUS ON THEIR ACTING SKILLS FOR MORE BETTER PERFORMANCE.

This movie is too good until climax twist, but after that they ended the movie with a routine love crap scene. In the intervel title card they displayed hold the breath, the movie is just like that till the climax twist. This is not a Jump scare horror movie but it's based on occult and the story screenplay is too intense. Story and screenplay are the heros of this movie. Everyone had done justice to their characters. Climax should have been different instead of ending with love. Background music is too good. Over all its amazing thriller horror movie. If ending is good I would give 9 rating..

Wasn't hyped for this film at all to be very honest! Went on the positive reviews and word of mouth and was astonished to see how amazing this film was. Really great film with great performances and wonderful execution by another student of master Sukumar garu!

Sai Dharam Tej garu, was absolutely fantastic in his role! Never seen a movie of his but the way he acts is superb! His chemistry with Samyukta garu was sweet and simple.

Samyukta garu was really gorgeous and stunning! Her performance as a character having convulsions was fantastic. Her acting in the climax was just amazing!!!! I had chills and goosebumps....

Brahmaji anna as always, gives his best to any role! He did really well and gave a great performance.

Kamal Kamaraju garu, played a totally different role that nobody has seen him do and he does it superbly well!! Hats off!

Supporting cast played their roles decently well! Comedy scenes were good but didn't disturb the narrative. Some scenes were making me a bit uncomfortable but this film was amazing!!

BGM by Kantara fame B Ajaneesh Loknath sir was amazing! It gives you goosebumps and chills at the same time!

Karthik Dondu, a student of Sukumar garu passed with more than 1000 marks! Go for this film and you will enjoy going on a mystical journey!

Film Review: Virupaksha ( Telugu film) streaming on Netflix #sanjuzzreviews #Virupaksha #Netflix #netflixindia

Set in the early 90's, the protagonist Surya ( Sai Dham Tej) and his mother pay a visit to their ancestral village after a long time. Suddenly mysterious deaths which seem like suicides start happening in the village. Occult practice is suspected. Time is of essence and it is up to the protagonist Surya to find out the perpetrator and save the village.

The story goes back and forth in time to set the context for the thrills and chills to follow. VFX has been effectively used to create an eerie ambience which is essential for the narrative.

The suspense element is the key to this film and the twist in the end is really worth it.

Sai Dham Tej and his love interest in the film Samyukta Menon have performed well and the great attention has been paid to recreate the 90's era which is commendable.

Some things like over-the-top top action scenes and loud acting are inevitable as it is a masala film.

Overall a decent horror, suspense thriller!! The climax is something to watch out for!!

Going with 3/5 for this one.. adios 🙂!!

A sheer waste of money and time. The film and it's creators seem to be questioning my intelligence. The director and screenplay writer have overcooked the plot and jam-packed everything of what they knew, there was not even a second of shudder in the whole movie. The Actors were just uttering dialogues, below average in acting. If this movie has entered into second week in the cinema theatres, I can imagine the quality of present day Telugu movie. I went to the theatre, solely recommended by the reviews and the ratings, I was hoping and hoping that the movie will get better and better, but my hopes were dashed. I read in one of the reviews that the last half hour was an edge of seat affair and the best part, and I should say it was the best part, because it was then I dozed off. A recipe for headache, for sure !

A son and mother come to their native village after long time... Soon they find some weird and mysteries happening there and he try to find the truth behind... Good story and screenplay... One time watchable movie..!

A son and mother come to their native village after long time... Soon they find some weird and mysteries happening there and he try to find the truth behind... Good story and screenplay... One time watchable movie..!

A son and mother come to their native village after long time... Soon they find some weird and mysteries happening there and he try to find the truth behind... Good story and screenplay... One time watchable movie..!

Yes, I'm not exaggerating, it's true statement. Recent times i didn't watch this much gripping screenplay movies. From first scene it self you will be glued to chairs. Music no no background music also biggest asset to the movie. Sukumar, Karthik, Ajaneesh and other cast of the movie yes this is the order if you want to discuss about technical values. That's it. Every character had importance, for every scene there must be some reason. It's Sukumar screenplay LHS=RHS hence proved. Don't want to tell anything about movie everyone must watch in theatre and feel that enjoyment. I'm very proud to see this kind of movie coming from Telugu.

I watched this movie in a theatre with almost full house at Pune.

The movie begins well. The initial scenes are strikingly sharp with excellent cinematography, editing and a strong background score.

Though the plot makes the hero's character strong, I could think many other actor who would have played this character quite well. Tej did his best but somewhere he did not live the character. At least I had that feeling!!

Samyuktha Menon carries her pretty face into everyone's dream. Her role takes more ground and shape in the later part of the movie and I think she does justice.

The plot was well conceived but was messed in the far the far end. Complicated explanations of a supernatural subject. To add some more spookiness into the plot the film circumnavigates quite a bit. I felt there were many ways to keep it simple and firm. Love can avenge revenge that's the underlying message and that could have been brought a bit early than relying on too much VFX.

I am going with a 7.5/10. You can watch once.

Don't search for spoilers. Fresh mind is very much needed to enjoy this movie.

They have done their best for horror-thriller, mainly thriller parts.

1st half seems little slow and superficial.the 2nd half is the main movie.1st half will give base to second half and 2nd half goes little bit faster. The script and overall concept was just amazing.the climax twists are everything for the movie.the last scene is add on.

The 1st half as a base isn't enough to elevate the 2nd half. The bgm is good.overall script is good and could be much better in conveying mainly story in 1st half. The screen play, writing is very good most of the time but it could be the next level elevation to 2nd half if handled better.writings/dialogues doesn't give much of an impact and elevation to story.

The timeline given though helped but there is the possibility the essence of fear towards such practices may rise indirectly.

They have done quite a very good experiment with climax with respect to tollywood in 3 aspects. So definitely the climax script is new to telugu audience and sticking to it also need some courage. Moreover, in the ott generation we are very much used to various level thrillers and skipping the unwanted scenes for us became common practice.so this movie might not give chills but definitely the climax will make the impact.inorder to understand the depth of climax u have to watch 1st half as base anyhow.

Acting wise, everybody did their part so well the support roles played very well.

Written by "Sukumar", Co-written and directed by "Karthik Varma Dandu" is a good watch.

I enjoy horror films with strong screenplays and compelling stories, and this one check both of those boxes.

The narrative begins with a brief backstory, the main characters' traditional love tale, and mysterious serial deaths.

The set design and use of a real site helped to convey the raw essence of the village, and I enjoyed the vibe that was created.

First half is good as it sets up for the thriller uncovering of the mysterious deaths but could have been more fast paced and second half felt more rushed as there were multiple twists and more character backstory.

Movie doesn't depend on cheap jump scare tricks, the horror its creates is with the anticipation and the atmosphere it creates.

Background music and sound design helps to elevate the eerie feeling along with visuals.

VFX/CGI at the climax of the movie feels more cartoonish rather being menacing and terrifying.

The film's acting part isn't particularly good, and lead actor "Sai Tej" struggles to convey emotional situations. Similarly other performances are also average.

Even for those who haven't seen many southern horror films, it's worth watching.

Of late, very few movies released that respects the story. This flick is one such spine chilling thriller which portrayed the story and characters honestly. No unnecessary glorification of the protagonist or any unnecessary forced elements into the plot.

The director is successful in bringing out the expressions just to the required level demanded by the situation in the story. Though the movie has many senior artistes, we can watch the character only and that's the success of the director's commitment to the story.

The twists and thrills are not entirely predictable and watching the movie in theatre unaware of the twists would definitely thrill any audience. A must watch 👍

After a long time oka manchi horror movie chusina feeling vochindi. Sai dharam tej acting bavundi. Samyukta Menon steals the show. Excellent direction and sound effects. VFX bagha chesaru and cinematography super. Masooda nachite idhi kuda try cheyandi definately. Ee kshudra poojalu ane concept eppudu chusina thrill isthadi ento.

3.5/5 overall svcc nunchi recent times lo best movie sai tej ki machi movie dorikindi after accident. Aa fast cuts ki sound effects bagha icharu Netflix lo stream avthundi.

Mobile chuste night ear phones tho try cheyandi best output chustaru. Ichina spine chilling blockbuster anna tag ki apt ani cheppochu.

Great opening scene which made me to sit and watch but the love portion between hero Ans Heroine made it so boring for me to watch. I even felt it has to be different from Typical telugu masala... Heroine ( literally can't take my eye whenever she us on screen but Hero average performance ) average movie Worth watching one time?

Maybe if u lv thriller movies, you can but won't recommend if you love fast or engaging screenplay. Good story with terrible screenplay. Too lengthy.

I actually don't like to watch those village cultural ones or spiritual belief ones. Almost felt like wasting my time. Stop making movies boring movies. ( Great production and Cinematography works but poor old kinda story. We are in 2023 and most even have no beliefs over Ghost or curse or gods... ) comedy portions were terrible.

Virupaksha is an intriguing new movie that has certainly made a splash on the big screen. It tells the story of a man who is struggling to keep his family together during a tumultuous time. The performances by the cast are all top-notch, with the lead actor in particular delivering an amazing performance.

The cinematography is also excellent, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers hooked right from the start. The story moves quickly and seamlessly, with plenty of surprises and plot twists. The musical score also adds to the atmosphere, creating a great sense of tension and drama.

Overall, Virupaksha is an impressive and engaging movie that is sure to leave viewers wanting more. The story is compelling, the acting is great, and the visuals are stunning. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that is sure to be remembered for years to come. Highly recommended!

"Virupaksha" is a well-crafted horror film that manages to deliver an effective and chilling tale. Directed by Karthik Varma Dandu and penned by Sukumar, the movie wastes no time in establishing the tone and mood of the film. From the opening scene, the audience is made aware that this will be a hard tale to sit through, thanks to ample gore and violence.

Set in the 1990s, the movie revolves around Surya (Sai Dharam Tej) who returns to his mother's village, Rudravanam, where the villagers are preparing for the Modamamba Thalli jatara. However, amidst the romance brewing between Surya and the village sarpanch's daughter Nandini (Samyuktha), a chain of events leads to multiple deaths, and Surya sets out to uncover the root cause of it all.

The film starts off strong, showcasing how superstitions and fear can lead to heinous decisions. The first half of the movie is racy and engaging, punctuated with moments of romance between the lead characters. While the dialogue might make it sound more emotional than it actually is, it all pays off in the end.

The second half of the film takes a darker turn, and while it might seem draggy at times, the movie manages to keep the audience engaged with the story. Paying close attention to the clues sprinkled throughout the film helps connect the dots, making the climax seem like a logical conclusion to the events unfolding on-screen.

What sets "Virupaksha" apart is the suffocating atmosphere that draws the audience in, making them look beyond the actors and delve into the characters' motivations. The sound design is stellar, and the background score by Ajaneesh Loknath sets the mood for most of the scenes. The cinematography by Shamdat is also noteworthy, as is Karthik's direction. The film manages to evoke a sense of dread and unease without relying solely on jump scares.

Sai Dharam Tej delivers a commendable performance as Surya, a character that requires him to be laid back for the most part. Even in the midst of all the chaos, Sai manages to hold his own, keeping the audience invested in his journey. Samyuktha also shines in her role, delivering a nuanced performance that showcases her range as an actor. Supporting actors like Sai Chand, Brahmaji, Ajay, Rajeev Kanakala, and Syamala all pull off their roles quite effectively, with each character adding depth and dimension to the film.

However, Sunil's character seems inconsistent and unnecessary in the grand scheme of things, detracting from the overall narrative.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to straddle the thin line between promoting superstition and narrating a story of people drowning in superstition. While there may be moments that make the audience question the filmmakers' intentions, "Virupaksha" manages to stay true to its vision, immersing the audience in its world and holding their attention till the very end.

In conclusion, "Virupaksha" is a well-crafted horror film that delivers on its promises. With its strong performances, atmospheric setting, and effective storytelling, the movie manages to leave a lasting impact on the audience. While there are some portions that might seem draggy, the film more than makes up for it with its overall execution.

Must watch horrific thriller in 2023... I can't believe that how the director Karthik Dandu had taken the writings of Sukumar into next level.... Music,visuals, plot .. everything is excellent...enthusiastic...

The movie is full of twists and turns you will never expect before it happens.... I felt like it's more than a horror movie... You could feel some taste of Hollywood type horror scenes in the middle with an added spice of Indian village culture......

Actor Samyuktha had played a very important role... and Dharam Tej killed the acting feels like it's a comeback movie for him... Expecting part 2 of this movie.. as it ends with a hint.... And can't wait to watch again in theatre.. Theatrical experience is much better for this movie....