Cult Movie Review: A Technically Polished But Predictable Exploration of Trauma
The 2026 Kannada drama Cult, directed by Anil Kumar T M, presents itself as an emotional journey through pain and survival but ultimately falls into familiar narrative traps that limit its impact. Released on January 23, 2026, this film starring Zaid Khan and Rachita Ram attempts to balance two intense emotional narratives while grappling with outdated storytelling choices that have drawn criticism from reviewers.
Plot Overview: Two Broken Souls Colliding
Cult opens with a deliberately unsettling introduction to its protagonist Maddy, portrayed by Zaid Khan, who exists in a state of complete physical and emotional ruin. The film establishes its tone through dialogues expressing bitterness toward love and women, immediately placing viewers in familiar territory of mass-formula romantic dramas. Maddy's self-destructive phase, marked by excessive drinking and reckless behavior, stretches longer than necessary according to critics, with his friend DJ Joy (Alok) constantly managing the aftermath.
The narrative takes a turn when Maddy encounters Ithi, played by Rachita Ram, at a party. This chance meeting becomes the catalyst for exploring both characters' traumatic pasts through flashbacks. Maddy's backstory as Madhawa follows a predictable arc of small-town innocence, young love with Geetha (Malaika Vasupal), and eventual emotional collapse after separation and betrayal.
Performance and Technical Execution
Where Cult finds its strongest footing is in the exploration of Ithi's past. Her life with her father, portrayed by Rangayana Raghu, shaped by simplicity, personal loss, and deep trauma, is handled with restraint and emotional clarity. This segment avoids sensationalism and instead emphasizes survival, grief, and quiet resilience. The performances by Rachita Ram and Rangayana Raghu bring genuine weight to the film and elevate it beyond its more conventional elements.
Technically, the film benefits from strong execution. The cinematography is polished throughout, and the background score effectively supports the emotional beats of the narrative. Several songs from the film gained popularity upon release, adding to its overall appeal and commercial viability.
Critical Analysis: Dated Perspectives Limit Impact
Despite its emotional intentions, Cult struggles to escape predictability according to critics. The broader trajectory remains familiar, with emotional beats unfolding in expected ways. More significantly, the film relies heavily on an outdated trope that equates heartbreak with resentment toward women and questions their loyalty. In an era where such representations have been widely discussed and critiqued, this approach feels repetitive and uninspired rather than emotionally resonant.
The film's final stretch touches upon the theme of rebuilding life after emotional wreckage, handled with sincerity but not enough to compensate for its familiar storytelling choices. Ultimately, while Cult demonstrates technical competence and moments of genuine emotional depth, its dependence on dated character perspectives and predictable narrative patterns limits its lasting impact.
Rating and Reception
The film has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, with an average rating of 2.5 stars from both groups. While some viewers appreciate the emotional exploration and strong performances in Ithi's storyline, others find the exaggerated misogyny and predictable plot development overshadowing the film's better qualities.
As a Kannada drama attempting to explore complex themes of trauma and survival, Cult represents both the potential and limitations of regional cinema grappling with contemporary storytelling expectations while sometimes falling back on conventional narrative formulas.
