Hayagrriva Movie Review: A Concept Thriller That Favours Its Antagonist

By Susmita Sameera The film opens with a mythological reference to Hayagrriva — a name shared by both a demon and the divine force that destroys him. This symbolic prologue sets the thematic base before the narrative shifts to the present, introducing a man who carries the same name. Arjun Hayagrriva (Dhanveerrah Gowda) is established as a composed yet intense police officer, someone who operates with restraint but acts decisively when required. As missing cases surge across the city, a new commissioner (Ashwini Gowda) takes charge and publicly promises a swift clean-up on crime. Soon after, the city is shaken by a disturbing discovery: a mutilated body found under chilling circumstances. The autopsy reveals unsettling details. The forensic expert suggests that the killer appears to possess advanced medical knowledge, using it with calculated precision. With over 56,000 missing cases on record, none match the victim’s identity. Before progress can be made, more bodies surface, deepening the mystery and intensifying public fear. The medical examiner concludes that the perpetrator is an intelligent and methodical psychopath. Arjun begins to detect a pattern rooted in Indian mythology. The central conflict revolves not only around capturing the killer but also around identifying victims whose identities have been deliberately erased. The film’s strongest aspect lies in its antagonist. The narrative gradually reveals a layered backstory — a childhood fascination with mythology, a desire to transcend human limitations, and a calculated pursuit of knowledge as a means to imitate divinity. His psychological motivations form the most compelling portions of the screenplay. The story becomes more engaging whenever it explores his ideology and method. However, the momentum is uneven. The initial stretch moves slowly, focusing on domestic drama, a romantic subplot, and familiar comedic segments that dilute the tension. The pacing improves considerably once the investigation narrows in on the killer’s psyche and methodology. Dhanveerrah portrays Arjun with restraint, maintaining a steady, controlled demeanour throughout. At times, this calm presence feels understated in moments that demand visible emotional intensity, leaving room for interpretation on whether it reflects character design or performance limitation. Sanjana Anand, as Aishwarya, is part of a conventional romantic track. Supporting actors including Sharath Lohithaswa, Sadhu Kokila, Ramesh Bhat, Ashwin Hassan, Krishna Hebbale, Sangeetha Anil, Ashwini Gowda, and Shobhraj, contribute across investigative and family-driven portions. Sunil Raoh appears in a role that departs from his usual screen image and adds a different dimension to the narrative. Technically, the film maintains a consistent visual tone. The cinematography supports the dark theme effectively, while the background score reinforces tension during key moments. Some visual effects appear exaggerated but do not dominate the experience. Overall, Hayagrriva presents an intriguing serial-killer premise intertwined with mythological symbolism. While certain narrative choices slow its impact, the psychological depth of the antagonist and the core investigative thread sustain interest.