The Kannada horror film Nayi Idae Yecharikae, released on November 28, 2025, attempts to weave a terrifying tale from an unusual premise but ultimately fails to deliver on its initial promise. With a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes, the film has garnered a low rating of 2.0 from both critics and users, highlighting its struggles with execution despite an intriguing concept.
A Promising Premise Let Down by Execution
The story begins with a compelling setup: a once-happy family is torn apart after their neglected pet dog contracts rabies and turns violent, leading to a tragedy that destroys the entire household. The house, shunned by superstitious villagers due to its dark past, remains abandoned for years until a doctor, played by Leela Mohan, unknowingly purchases it.
The narrative follows Leela Mohan (playing himself) and his wife Mala as they arrive at their new home to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Their plans are quickly disrupted by the uninvited arrival of Mohan's boisterous group of friends. The plot attempts to add depth with the entry of a spiritual figure, Guru Ji, who warns the new occupants about a decades-old malevolent force tied to the property.
Paranormal Chaos and Missed Opportunities
As the anniversary celebrations descend into chaos, paranormal events begin to unfold, slowly revealing that the haunting is connected to the mistreatment of the German Shepherd and the terrifying consequences of rabies. This core idea of a vengeful animal spirit is unique and holds significant potential for psychological horror.
However, the film's execution falters significantly. The performances, aside from a few actors, are described as juvenile and bordering on amateurish. Pramod Shetty, Anirudh Mahesh, and Jagappa manage to inject some welcome humour into the narrative, with their chemistry providing the film's only consistently engaging moments.
Technical Flaws and Final Verdict
The technical aspects of the film do little to support its atmospheric goals. The writing is often vague, the dialogues lack sharpness, and the overall production quality is strictly average. A significant drawback is the poor graphics, which dilute the impact of what should have been the film's most eerie and emotional sequences.
Despite opening with an intriguing scene featuring the late Dinesh Mangaluru entering the haunted bungalow, the film struggles to maintain tension or deliver genuine scares. The final product offers a few laughs thanks to its comic relief but leaves little lasting impression, failing to capitalize on its hauntingly original idea.