The Background:
Sree Vishnu arrives in theaters with Mrithyunjay, an investigative thriller directed by Hussain Sha Kiran, co-starring Reba Monica John in a key role. The film drew attention with its intriguing promos and posters, raising expectations among audiences.
The Story:
Sree Vishnu plays Jay (Mrithyunjay), an aspiring crime reporter who uncovers a series of murders disguised as accidents. Deeply affected by the death of a man whose daughter he meets, Jay promises her answers and sets out to track down the killer.
The Good:
This investigative thriller has an engaging premise. The confrontation between the hero and villain is well-planned, and both the pre- and post-interval episodes heighten the excitement. A particular episode in the second half stands out, while Kaala Bhairava’s background score adds intensity and atmosphere.
The Bad:
Although the core idea is strong, the execution falls short. The film begins at a sluggish pace and takes too long to reach the main plot. Even when Jay starts piecing together clues, the tension and thrill are missing. In the second half, the initial hero-villain face-off works well, but the screenplay loses momentum and relies on convenient writing. The climax, though promising at first, drags on too long, leaving the audience weary by the end.
The Worse:
The police officer played by Reba Monica John contributes very little to the investigation. Her scenes with the hero feel ordinary. In a crime-based story, reducing police roles to caricatures is disappointing and weakens the narrative.
Screentime:
With a runtime of just about two hours, the film avoids being overly long. However, the opening half-hour and parts of the second half lack engagement, giving viewers moments to lose focus.
Takeaway:
Sree Vishnu’s sincere performance, Veer Aaryan’s strong portrayal of Sadhu, and a few sequences where Hussain Sha Kiran successfully creates a tense atmosphere are the real positives of Mrithyunjay.
Bottom Line:
Genuine Effort – Middling Outcome
Rating: 2.5/5
