Kalinga (2024) Movie Review: A Promising Thriller That Falls Short

Released on September 13, 2024, Kalinga is a film that has captured attention for its dark, suspenseful, and eerie premise. Helmed by actor-turned-director Dhruva Vaayu, this movie aimed to blend supernatural elements with a village setting, offering audiences a fresh cinematic experience. However, while it introduces an intriguing concept, its execution leaves much to be desired.

Plot Overview: A Struggle Between Man and the Supernatural

At the heart of Kalinga is Lingam (played by Dhruva Vaayu), an orphan who grows up in a small village and makes his living by selling liquor. His peaceful life turns upside down when he falls in love with Paddu (Pragya Nayan). However, their love is met with resistance from her father (Muralidhar Goud), who challenges Lingam to retrieve their family’s lost land papers, held by the notorious village head, Patel (Aadukalam Naren).

What begins as a love story quickly escalates into a full-blown thriller, as Lingam finds himself entangled in a series of mysterious deaths and supernatural occurrences within the village. The villagers live in fear, believing that a dark, malevolent force is behind these unexplained events. As Lingam investigates, he realizes that his mission is not just about winning Paddu’s hand in marriage it’s about saving the village from a horrifying entity that threatens to consume everyone.

The plot, while full of suspense, often stumbles due to predictable twists and repetitive scenes. It draws the audience in with its dark, mysterious narrative but ultimately lacks the depth needed to sustain interest throughout.

Performances: Mixed Bag from the Cast

Dhruva Vaayu as Lingam delivers a commendable performance. As the lead actor and director, he carries the weight of the film on his shoulders. He shines in several thrilling moments, especially in the second half where the tension builds. His expressions, body language, and action sequences are convincing, making him a standout in the film.

However, Pragya Nayan, as the female lead, doesn’t get much scope to exhibit her acting chops. While she appears in a few romantic scenes, her role primarily serves as a glamour addition to the story, which could have been avoided for a stronger, more meaningful portrayal.

The supporting cast, including Aadukalam Naren, Tanikella Bharani, and others, provide solid performances. However, characters like Patel, who should have played a pivotal role in heightening the film’s tension, come off as underdeveloped and, at times, caricatured.

Strengths: Visuals and Suspenseful Elements

One of the film’s strengths lies in its visual presentation. The cinematography by Akshay Ram Podishetti deserves applause. The rural setting is captured beautifully, and the eerie, supernatural vibe is effectively portrayed through the camera work. The gloomy visuals, paired with the village’s foreboding atmosphere, add to the tension, immersing the audience in the horror-thriller world of Kalinga.

Additionally, Dhruva Vaayu manages to create some genuinely suspenseful moments in the second half of the film. The pre-climax action sequences and the pivotal scenes where Lingam faces off against supernatural forces are executed well, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats.

The movie’s core theme of blending rural life with supernatural horror is ambitious. Vishnu Sekhara and Anant Narayanan AG’s music complements the narrative, adding to the suspense without overpowering the story. The background score, in particular, heightens the tension during crucial moments.

Weaknesses: Predictability and Lagging Narrative

Unfortunately, Kalinga suffers from several narrative shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the main plot points are interesting, the execution feels uneven. Several scenes, especially in the first half, drag unnecessarily, causing the film to lose momentum. What could have been a fast-paced thriller instead feels slow and predictable in many areas.

One of the film’s biggest weaknesses is its failure to build on the supernatural threat effectively. The presence of an evil entity terrorizing the village should have been the driving force behind the suspense, but instead, it feels underdeveloped. The entity’s backstory and motivations remain vague, leading to a disjointed narrative that doesn’t fully capitalize on the horror elements it sets up.

Moreover, the predictability of certain plot twists dilutes the overall impact. As the story progresses, it becomes evident what will happen next, and the thrilling elements fail to engage as much as they should. Had the director opted for more unconventional storytelling choices, Kalinga could have been a game-changer in the horror-thriller genre.

Technical Aspects: Impressive Cinematography, Average Editing

As mentioned earlier, cinematography is one of the film’s strongest assets. The camera work successfully captures the mood and setting of the village, creating a feeling of isolation and fear that complements the story.

However, the film’s editing leaves much to be desired. Certain scenes, especially in the flashback sequences, feel disjointed and could have been tightened to maintain the pace. Some repetitive moments between the protagonist and his sidekick could have been trimmed to make the narrative more cohesive. Unfortunately, this inconsistency in pacing pulls the viewer out of the experience at crucial moments.

On the musical front, the songs in Kalinga serve their purpose but don’t leave a lasting impression. They feel more like filler content, interrupting the flow of the movie, rather than enhancing the narrative. The background score, however, does succeed in amplifying the suspense and tension, adding a layer of intrigue that compensates for some of the film’s shortcomings.

Final Verdict: A Thriller with Missed Opportunities

In conclusion, Kalinga is a film that had great potential but didn’t quite hit the mark. The premise is unique, and the blend of rural life with supernatural elements sets it apart from typical thrillers. Dhruva Vaayu, both as a director and actor, shows promise and delivers some engaging moments, especially in the film’s second half.

However, the film falters due to its predictable plot, underdeveloped supernatural aspects, and slow pacing. What could have been a gripping thriller ends up feeling disjointed, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by lackluster execution. While Kalinga has its moments, it ultimately leaves audiences wanting more.

Rating: 2.5/5