Terror

By Susmita Sameera



The film opens with news of a car crash involving a politician and a businessman. Senior police officer Rakesh Gaikwad (Devaraj), is assigned to investigate the high-profile case. As he begins to uncover details, the narrative introduces a wide range of characters and parallel storylines that gradually reveal their connection to one another.



The first half largely focuses on establishing these characters and situations, often moving between multiple threads without immediate clarity. It is only in the second half that the film begins to explain the backstories and reveal how each character fits into the larger picture.



The story explores several themes, including police investigations, political drama, money laundering, charitable trusts, corruption and religious belief. One of the central ideas the film examines is the connection between faith and fear.



At the center of the narrative is Vijay Aditya Rai (Aditya). Having lost his parents at a young age, despite them being strong believers in God, Vijay grows up questioning the presence of the divine. His difficult experiences and the way others take advantage of his good nature leave him disillusioned. Eventually, he decides to stand up for himself and fight back.



However, in his attempt to challenge the system, Vijay becomes deeply entangled in it. As he grows closer to businessmen and politicians, his life changes rapidly, from owning expensive cars to living in grand mansions. He becomes a powerful and sought-after figure. His eventual journey back to his original self, after becoming trapped in the web he created, forms the emotional core of the film and stands out as one of its stronger aspects.



The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast. Shashikumar appears as Pashupathi, while Sharath Lohitashwa plays the politician Bhairava Das. Srinagar Kitty, Bharath Das as Bhairava Das’s younger brother, and Kumar Bangarappa as temple priest Padmanabharayaru are among the many familiar faces featured in the film. Each character is given a distinct space within the narrative, and their individual stories contribute to the layered structure of the screenplay.



Technically, the film aims for a larger-than-life presentation through the use of luxury cars, lavish homes, and an overall grand visual style.



At the same time, the film often struggles because it tries to cover too much at once. Just as one storyline begins to settle, another is introduced, followed by yet another, making the narrative feel overly complicated. The number of themes and ideas packed into the film can feel overwhelming for the audience.



Even so, the themes surrounding faith and fear, along with Vijay Aditya Rai’s redemption arc in the second half, remain engaging. Despite its complexity, the film also carries the feel of older political action dramas. For viewers who enjoy traditional political entertainers with action and layered storytelling, Terror may be worth watching this week.