Direction: Suman Chikkala
Screenplay: Suman Chikkala,
Sashi Kiran Tikka
Story: Ramesh Yadma, Prashanth Reddy Motadoo
Producers: Sashi Kiran Tikka,
Bobby Tikka, Srinivas Rao Takkalapelly
Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Naveen Chandra, Prakash Raj, Nagineedu, Harsha Vardhan, Ravi Varma
“Satyabhama” is the latest crime thriller movie co-written and directed by Suman Chikkala. Kajal Aggarwal plays the titular role of a determined cop on a mission to solve a tough case using her physical and mental skills. The movie was released worldwide on June 7. Let’s see how the film is
Plot: Satyabhama(Kajal Agarwal) is an ACP in the She Teams, a division dedicated to protecting women. Satyabhama is depicted as a determined officer who doesn’t tolerate anyone troubling girls. The plot takes a turn when a girl named Haseena, played by Neha Pathan, seeks Satyabhama’s help against her ex-boyfriend Edu (Anirudh Pavithan), who is harassing and physically abusing her. However, before Satyabhama can act, Edu attacks Haseena, and despite Satyabhama’s intervention, Haseena is killed right in front of her.
This tragic incident leads to a significant shift in Satyabhama’s career. Her superiors question her actions, and she is asked to surrender her gun and is subsequently transferred to another department. However, the death of Haseena and the promise to her dying brother, Iqbal (Prajwal), to protect Haseena haunt Satyabhama. Determined to seek justice, she continues to investigate.
As the story unfolds, Satyabhama discovers that Iqbal, who is a medical student, goes missing. Her investigation reveals a connection between the missing Iqbal and Rishi (Ankit), the son of a Member of Parliament (MP). The film revolves around unraveling the mystery behind Haseena’s murder, finding Iqbal, and exposing the link between Rishi and these incidents. The subplot also involves Satyabhama’s personal life, including her relationship with her supportive husband, Amar (Naveen Chandra).
Performances and Technical Aspects: Kajal Aggarwal’s performance is the standout element in “Satyabhama.” Known for her glamorous roles, Kajal transitions into a serious and action-oriented character convincingly. She delivers a strong performance, especially in the action sequences and emotional scenes. Naveen Chandra plays the role of her calm and supportive husband effectively, adding a softer touch to the film.
Neha Pathan, as Haseena, evokes sympathy and delivers a noteworthy performance. Supporting actors like Prajwal, Ankit, and Anirudh perform well in their respective roles, contributing to the narrative. Harshavardhan, Ravi Varma, and Prakash Raj appear in brief roles as police officers, adding to the film’s ensemble cast.
On the technical front, the cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence of the narrative with well-executed visuals. Sricharan Pakala’s background score adds to the film’s intensity, though the inclusion of songs feels unnecessary and detracts from the pacing.
However, the film’s biggest drawback lies in its story. The plot feels recycled, reminiscent of many crime thrillers that audiences have seen before. The direction fails to introduce fresh elements or engaging suspense, resulting in a predictable storyline. Additionally, the editing is problematic, with frequent flashbacks that confuse the narrative rather than enhance it.
Analysis: “Satyabhama” follows a familiar crime thriller template where the police chase a primary suspect. For such a genre, maintaining suspense and interest is crucial, but the film falters in both aspects. The story, while having potential, is poorly executed, making it hard for the audience to stay engaged. The narrative’s back-and-forth nature adds to the confusion rather than building intrigue.
The action sequences, though well-choreographed, sometimes feel forced, seemingly included just to showcase Kajal in combat. The first half manages to build some suspense, but the second half is notably weaker, lacking in twists and maintaining a straightforward, predictable course.
Verdict: “Satyabhama” showcases Kajal Aggarwal’s versatility but suffers from a weak and predictable storyline. Despite the strong performances, especially by Kajal, the film fails to captivate due to its cliched plot and editing flaws. It’s a disappointment for those expecting a gripping thriller.
Rating: 2/5
Great response
From #satyabhama special show
It’s Action coated emotional thriller
Block buster response
pic.twitter.com/De4aZ0K5bi— Mohan Kumar (@ursmohan_kumar) June 6, 2024