Agnyathavasi

Agnyathavasi is set in a quaint village Nalkeri in Malenadu in late the 1990s. The village witnesses a crime after 25 years, and the station's inspector (Rangayana Raghu who plays a nameless character), who is also a farmer, begins investigating the crime. Thus opens the Pandora’s box. The film briefly goes back to 1970s to unveil another murder case. Are the two cases connected? Will the actual culprit be caught?

When three people passionate about films - Hemanth M Rao, Janardhan Chikkanna and Rangayana Raghu decided to join hands, as audience one is expected to expect an out-of-the-box experience in theatres. But what Agnyathavasi does is deliver an honest tale of a quaint town and its people, with thriller element taking the backseat, making out-of-the-box experience just yet-another ordinary experience. While the plot is interesting, the film lacks the material required for a compelling watch.

The Rashomon effect non-linear screenplay in the first half feels like a stretch than being intriguing. Film picks up pace in the second half as the layers start to peel off, but because the high-point is missing in this thriller, the viewing experience becomes monotonous and tiresome at times. The film, set in 70s and late 90s, beautifully captures the time period with nostalgia factor working in favour of the audience and the story. Production design manages to keep the film authentic, thus giving the vibe of the Eastmancolor era. The character arcs and traits are etched very well. The venture is praiseworthy for being daringly creative.

The film has top-notch performances from all actors, especially Rangayana Raghu and Ravishankar Gowda. Raghu seamlessly traverses through varied emotions, carrying the entire film on his shoulders. Siddu Moolimani and Pavan’s Gowda have utilised their screen space well to deliver more than what is expected out of them. Heavily stereotyped, Ravishankar Gowda finally gets a role where he can show his acting prowess. Sharath Lohitashwa too is brilliant in his ‘tough on the outside, soft on the inside’ role.

There’s old world charm of the 90s, and some fabulous performances by the stellar cast. The film is not especially gripping, but still manages to hold the attention because of performances.