Adhipatra

Plot: Police officer Athreya (Roopesh Shetty), comes to Shivapura police station to investigate the murders that are believed to be the handiwork of Bramma Rakshasa. Athreya believes that there is more to this than what meets the eye. Can he untangle the mystery?

Review: Growing up in an orphanage, Athreya (Roopesh Shetty) believes that becoming a cop can help him find his parents. He grows up and becomes a police officer, and is posted at Shivapura police station to investigate the murders that are believed to be the handiwork of Bramma Rakshasa. Athreya identifies a similar poisoning pattern in the deaths that are mysteriously taking place in the village back to back. Accompanied by a junior (Prakash Tumminadu), Athreya sets out to solve the murders. Journalist Bruhati (Jahnavi Mahadi), and her father are also investigating the murders in their capacity. Can Athreya get to the bottom of the mystery?

Coming from the Shettys - actor Roopesh Shetty and writer-director Chayan Shetty, Adhipatra offers a glimpse into the coastal culture. The film also introduces the Kalanja ritual of Tulunadu. With Gaggara Betta and Bramha Rakshasa angles, the film tries to add some mystery and supernatural elements. But because of the benchmark set by films like Rangitaranga and Kantara, Adhipatra feels like a not-so-worthy add-on to the mystery elements introduced in these films. Not unnecessarily adding a love story in the film, and making Jahnavi’s plot a standalone story, has worked in the film’s favour.

Roopesh Shetty is earnest as a police officer. Prakash offers very little comic relief. Jahnavi Mahadi has aptly used the space allotted to her.

Set in an era where there were no mobile phones, Adhipatra is a slow burner and may test audiences’ patience. If you can sit through the film, there is a decent payoff in the climax.