An intense crime thriller weighed down by a stretched screenplay

Show Time Review: Built around an accidental death and a clash of egos, this crime thriller directed by Madhan Dakshinamoorthy follows a middle-class family caught in the crosshairs of a crooked cop. Hot-headed gym trainer Surya (Naveen Chandra) finds himself at odds with police officer Lakshmi Kanth (Raja Ravindra) after a murder known only to Surya, his wife Shanti (Kamakshi Bhaskarla), and their family lawyer Varada Rajulu (VK Naresh). The story opens with Surya, Shanti, and their extended family enjoying a late-night gathering, only to be pulled up by the police for creating a nuisance. As Surya digs deeper into the officer who confronted them, an unexpected scuffle leads to an accidental death, setting off a dark chain of events that only Surya and Shanti are privy to.The film uses several everyday moments to build its world, but these scenes often feel unnecessarily prolonged. The family antakshari sequence at the start, for instance, runs longer than needed and does little to deepen our understanding of the characters. Likewise, scenes showing Surya arranging food for his in-laws drag the narrative just when it should pick up pace. This extended setup makes it harder for viewers to stay engaged initially. However, as the plot progresses, the central conflict between Surya and Lakshmi Kanth gains clarity, with the officer’s subtle threats and manipulation feeding the family’s mounting anxiety.The second half finds better rhythm. VK Naresh’s humour blends more organically with the darker tone, offering moments of relief without undercutting the tension. Sekhar Chandra’s background score becomes instrumental in heightening suspense during crucial scenes, maintaining attention even when the tempo dips. Naveen Chandra brings intensity to his role, effectively portraying Surya’s shift from hot-headedness to fear and guilt. Raja Ravindra is equally compelling as the manipulative officer, and their confrontation becomes the film’s emotional core.Despite its pacing issues and tonal shifts, this slow-burn thriller builds to a compelling final showdown, held together by its moody score, strong performances, and a few well-placed moments of levity. It may feel uneven at times, but it retains its grip through atmosphere and payoff.Watch it if you enjoy slow-burn crime thrillers that deliver in the final stretch.– Shreya Varanasi