Today’s audiences want change — not the same old stories, but something that stirs both the mind and the heart. When directors show courage to do something new, the audience also accepts it with open mind. A brilliant example of this effort is ‘Jatadhara’, a film which creates a new cinematic universe by weaving together mystery, spirituality and science.
The film has its roots in the mysterious alleys of the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The story revolves around a ritual called ‘Vampire Bandhan’ – a ritual that binds the dead souls to protect the treasure. Directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal have not only made the subject interesting but have presented it beautifully on screen. More than scaring, he has forced the audience to think – is there just a line of difference between superstition and faith?
Sudhir Babu has brought unmatched seriousness to the character of Shiva. His personality is that of a scientist who does not believe in the myths of ghosts, but when the same science starts giving him answers, the conflict within him emerges in a wonderful way. The restlessness and determination in Sudhir’s eyes gives emotional depth to the film.
Sonakshi Sinha makes her debut in Telugu cinema with an explosive character – Dhan Pishachi. She is neither a traditional villain, nor a tormented soul — she is a symbol, a symbol of the soul oscillating between greed and salvation. Sonakshi’s demonic transformation is a sight to behold — her voice, body language and screen presence all combine to create a strangely mysterious beauty.
Divya Khosla Kumar’s acting is sensitive and restrained. Senior actors like Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna make the story more believable with their experience. Actors like Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudakar add depth to the supporting roles as well.
The biggest strength of the film is its dialogues. Sai Krishna Karne and Shyam Babu Meriga have made words not just sentences but experiences. Every dialogue here seems as if it is a line from an ancient scripture. The dialogues take the story forward and create waves of fear, reverence and awe within the viewer.
Rajeev Raj’s music is the most powerful emotional element of the film. “Shiv Stotram” and “Pallo Latke Again” — both bring out two distinct moods of the film: devotion and fear. The background score changes with the pace and intensity of each scene. Sometimes calm and mysterious, sometimes intense and energetic.
The echo of mantras, the sound of conch shells and the music of silence – this film is as much an experience of listening as it is of watching.
Watching ‘Jatadhara’ means entering a world where every frame seems like a mythological picture. Sameer Kalyani’s cinematography is, in a word, ‘mesmerizing’. The lamps glowing in the darkness of the temple, the mysterious symbols on the walls, and the subtle play of light and shadow – everything creates a hypnotism.
The VFX look so controlled and realistic that the vampire scare never feels fake.
The film’s action sequences are not just limited to the flash of swords. Every fight is a symbol — science versus faith, logic versus belief. Sudheer Babu’s combination of stunts and emotional tension takes it far beyond the usual action sequences.
The duo of Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal chose a very risky path, and they succeeded in it.By interweaving horror, mystery and fantasy with Indian philosophy, he has created a film that does not scare, but forces one to think.
Presented by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora, ‘Jatadhara’ walks the thin line between fear and devotion — sometimes shaking you to your core, sometimes forcing you to look within yourself.
This weekend, if you want to see something different, something deep, then ‘Jatadhara’ is waiting for you.
Director – Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal
Author – Venkat Kalyan
Main cast – Sudhir Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Khosla, Shilpa Shirodkar, Indira Krishna, Rajeev Kankala, Ravi Prakash, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Subhalekha Sudhakar.
Rating – 4
Duration – 135 minutes