Thammudu Review: A Misfired Comeback
After a series of box office disappointments, Nithiin returns with Thammudu, an action-adventure drama directed by Venu Sriram. Promoted as a theatrical “experience” with forest survival elements and deep emotional undertones, the film attempts to mix genres—but ends up delivering neither convincingly.
Plot Summary:
Jay (Nithiin), an accomplished archer, is haunted by the guilt of causing his sister Jhansi Kiranmayi (Laya) to give up her true love. He embarks on a redemptive journey with his friend Chitra (Varsha Bollamma) to reconnect with her. Jhansi, now a government officer, is investigating a deadly factory explosion tied to Azrawal (Saurabh Sachdeva), a powerful and elusive man who avoids loud sounds due to a hearing disorder.
The story unfolds in Ambalagodugu, a lawless tribal village on the Andhra–Chhattisgarh border, where Jhansi’s family gets caught in a survival crisis during a traditional Jathara. Jay and Chitra must now rescue them, while Jhansi fights to bring Azrawal to justice.
What Works:
- Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score elevates key scenes, especially the action and emotional beats.
- Production design and location work give the film an authentic forest atmosphere.
What Doesn’t:
- Outdated Screenplay: The emotional track feels forced, lacking buildup or pay-off. Genre-switching between melodrama and survival thriller weakens both.
- Flat Direction: Venu Sriram’s treatment feels old-fashioned and uninspired. The emotional arcs don’t land, and the tension never escalates.
- Weak Visual Effects: The forest sequences suffer due to poor CGI, breaking immersion.
- Editing Issues: The narrative is uneven, with abrupt tonal shifts and sluggish pacing.
Underwhelming Performances:
- Nithiin delivers a functional performance but lacks emotional depth.
- Laya’s return is wasted in a poorly written role.
- Varsha Bollamma shows potential but is given little to work with.
- Supporting cast feels amateurish, especially in emotional scenes.
Final Thoughts:
Thammudu had all the ingredients for an emotionally gripping survival drama but ends up as a bland and predictable outing. Despite the lush settings and high production values, the film never pulls viewers into its world. With a weak screenplay, forgettable performances, and confused storytelling, it fails to deliver on its promise of being an “experience.”
For Nithiin, this continues a disappointing streak. For the audience, Thammudu offers little that’s memorable.
Verdict:
A misfire in both emotion and adventure. A survival story that doesn’t survive its own screenplay.
Bottomline: Thammudu aims big but lands flat.
