Radheyaa Movie Review : A thriller that delivers crime, emotion, and mystery in equal measure

Radheeya opens on an unsettling but effective note, taking us back to the troubled childhood of its protagonist and his sister—an early glimpse into a world shaped by fractured parenthood. The narrative wastes no time before leaping into the present, where a gruesome double police murder shakes the police force. As the investigation unfolds, the mystery unravels quickly: the killer is none other than Gumma/Radheyaa, played by Ajai Rao, a serial offender responsible for 36 murders. Even more startling is the ease with which he surrenders just hours after the latest crime.


What follows is a courtroom revelation that sets the emotional tone of the film—Gumma confesses not only to these murders but also to killing his wife Amrutha (Sonal Monteiro) and their unborn child, and pleads for the death penalty. But Radheyaa refuses to stay predictable. Even in custody, Gumma commits yet another violent act, forcing the police and legal counsel to dig deeper into his psyche. This investigation takes an intriguing turn when he demands that a writer pen the stories behind each of his murders—specifically renowned journalist Anupama Ranjan (Dhanya Balakrishna). From here, the film shifts into a layered blend of thriller and emotional drama, as Gumma narrates the moral logic behind each killing and hints that his wife’s death may not be what it seems. His connection with Anupama and the truth behind Amrutha’s fate form the emotional core of the second half.


Ajai Rao is a revelation in his clean-shaven avatar—fresh, intense, and markedly different from his usual image. His performance adds a compelling edge to a character who oscillates between vigilante impulses and personal trauma. Sonal Monteiro looks beautiful as Amrutha, though her limited screen time in the second half makes one wish the character had more space to breathe. Dhanya Balakrishna brings quiet strength to her role, while Arvind Rao is convincing as the investigating officer. Girish Shivanna offers welcome humour as a lawyer, giving relief in an otherwise emotionally heavy narrative.


Technical departments contribute significantly to the film’s impact. The fight sequences are sharply choreographed, and the overall making displays clarity and control. The background score heightens the tension while also underlining the emotional beats effectively.


Radheyaa is both thrilling and unexpectedly tender, balancing crime, psychology, and sentiment without tipping over. While not without familiar tropes, it holds viewer interest with its structure and performances.