A few weeks ago, Sree Vishnu found himself in an unusual situation when two of his films — Vishnu Vinyasam and Mrithyunjay — were initially scheduled to release on the same day, February 27. This happened due to prior agreements with OTT platforms that had acquired the streaming rights to both films.
However, the makers later reached a mutual understanding and decided to release the films a week apart. Vishnu Vinyasam, a romantic comedy, hit the screens last week but failed to leave a strong impression on audiences.
Now, Mrithyunjay, an investigative thriller directed by Hussain Sha Kiran, has arrived in theatres. The big question is whether Sree Vishnu managed to bounce back after last week’s disappointment. Did the director deliver a gripping thriller? How effective was Kaala Bhairava’s background score? And did producer Sandeep Gunnam, known for backing projects like Jai Lava Kusa and Devara, deliver a successful film? Let’s find out.
Story
Mrithyunjay, also known as Jay (Sree Vishnu), works at a news agency but dreams of becoming a crime reporter. Determined to prove his capability to his boss and a colleague who constantly belittles him, Jay starts investigating the suspicious death of a bank employee named Vikranth.
During his investigation, Jay discovers striking similarities between Vikranth’s death and another mysterious case involving a middle-class man, Achyuth Sharma (Baladitya). As he digs deeper, Jay comes across a mysterious individual (Veer Aaryan) whom he believes is connected to both deaths.
Who is this mysterious man? Is there a larger conspiracy behind the incidents? Why does Jay suspect him, and how does he eventually unravel the truth? How does a police officer, played by Reba Monica John, assist him in the investigation? The answers to these questions form the core of the film.
Performances
Sree Vishnu delivers a controlled and restrained performance, stepping away from his usual energetic style to suit the tone of the film. His portrayal feels subtle and appropriate for the investigative journalist character.
Reba Monica John performs decently, although her role lacks strong writing and depth. Veer Aaryan, who plays the mysterious figure, carries a strong screen presence but his performance could have had more intensity.
Senior actor Chinna leaves a noticeable impression in his role. Baladitya appears in a brief but crucial role and performs effectively. Racha Ravi, Sudarshan, and Ayyappa P. Sharma provide occasional comic relief as part of the friend group.
Senior actress Aishwariyaa, playing Jay’s aunt, also delivers a respectable performance.
Technical Aspects
Kaala Bhairava’s background score works well in certain portions and attempts to elevate otherwise dull scenes. However, the impact is inconsistent at times.
Cinematographer Vidya Sagar Chinta deserves special appreciation. His work stands out, particularly in the opening sequence, the interval block, and the rain sequences, which are visually appealing.
Editor Sreekar Prasad could have trimmed the film more effectively, especially in the second half. Despite the film running just over two hours, several sequences feel repetitive.
Another major drawback is the inconsistent dubbing quality. At times, the dialogues sound unclear, suggesting that the film relied on sync sound without sufficient attention to post-production dubbing.
Positives
- Impressive cinematography
- A few engaging investigative moments
- Decent performances from supporting actors
Negatives
- Weak and predictable writing
- Lack of gripping screenplay
- Inconsistent dubbing
- Unnecessary commercial elements
Analysis
A few years ago, audiences were more forgiving towards investigative thrillers, especially when filmmakers attempted something different from routine commercial cinema. However, the scenario has changed significantly after the COVID lockdowns.
With audiences gaining increased exposure to global content on OTT platforms like Netflix, expectations have grown considerably. Today, an investigative thriller requires razor-sharp writing, a gripping narrative, and well-crafted twists to truly engage viewers.
Director Hussain Sha Kiran appears to have approached Mrithyunjay with the intention of delivering a unique thriller. Unfortunately, intent alone is not enough. The film lacks the sharp writing and tight narration required to sustain interest throughout.
The movie opens with an intriguing sequence that initially grabs attention. However, instead of maintaining focus on the investigation, the narrative soon shifts toward familiar elements like emotional drama, a hero introduction song, and comedy sequences. These additions disrupt the flow of what should have been a tense investigative thriller.
Another issue lies in the predictable writing. The characters frequently praise the protagonist for his intelligence, often repeating lines like “How did you think of that?” or “You outsmarted me.” Ironically, the audience may not feel the same excitement.
As long as the story revolves around the investigation, the film remains watchable. The pre-interval twist also manages to generate some curiosity. However, the second half gradually transforms into a predictable cat-and-mouse game between the hero and the antagonist.
From that point onward, the film loses momentum. Repetitive mind games and excessive slow-motion shots dominate the narrative, reducing the tension that a thriller requires. The background score attempts to inject energy into these scenes, but music alone cannot compensate for weak writing.
Final Verdict
Mrithyunjay deserves appreciation for attempting a different kind of thriller. However, the lack of strong writing, limited thrilling moments, and unnecessary commercial elements prevent it from becoming a truly engaging experience.
