The Background
Niharika Konidela, after a successful debut as a producer with Committee Kurrollu, presents Raakaasa under her banner Pink Elephant Pictures. The film stars Sangeeth Shobhan and Nayan Sarika, directed by Manasa Sharma.
The Story
The plot follows Eera Babu (Sangeeth), an NRI who returns to his village to stop his ex‑girlfriend’s wedding. In the process, he stumbles upon a dark, mythological mystery hidden inside a haunted, abandoned fort.
The Good
Raakaasa stands out for its unique blend of folklore, horror, fantasy, and comedy set against a village backdrop. The first half has some enjoyable moments, and the interval episode works well. The second half picks up once the comedy kicks in and improves towards the final thirty minutes. The ending is tidy with a touch of emotion, though slightly rushed.
The Bad
The fantasy element only begins around the pre‑interval mark, leaving much of the first half slow and dragging. While the film aims to deliver laughs, the inconsistent tone between the two halves makes the experience feel ordinary.
The Worse
The hero’s introduction scenes come across as silly. Director Manasa Sharma fails to fully utilize seasoned actors like Brahmaji and Ashish Vidyarthi, despite their roles being significant. Better use of supporting characters could have added more weight to the drama.
Screentime
The first half contains dull and silly stretches, along with a few dragging moments, giving viewers time to drift away or check their phones.
Takeaway
The film’s unique fantasy angle, Sangeeth Shobhan’s sincere performance, and the comedy from Getup Srinu and Vennela Kishore, combined with the emotional layer added to the monster, stand out as its strongest aspects.
Bottom Line
Raakaasa is an average horror comedy with a fantasy twist. It offers some hilarious moments, but also suffers from dragged portions.
Rating: 2.5/5
