Shikhandi is a Kannada adventure and thriller film that attempts to blend commercial drama with horror and mythology. Directed by Gurumurthy V, the movie starts on an engaging note but takes time to settle into its core plot. The story revolves around a group of young architects who travel to a remote village for a project, only to encounter paranormal activities linked to an ancient legend.
Plot Overview
In the age of Kaliyuga, an orphan crosses paths with a ruthless man feared for his terrifying and unconventional methods of destruction. As their confrontation escalates, the orphan awakens invisible, mysterious powers that guide his fight. The battle runs deeper than the present, stirring the ancient legend of Shikhandi and unleashing a reborn vengeance that binds past and present into one.
The story begins in a Bengaluru-based real estate company, where Naveen (Vijay Chendur) introduces Surya and his team of young architects. The energetic office setup and camaraderie give the film a breezy vibe initially. The team is assigned a project to build a multispeciality hospital in a remote village in Ballary for Sangeetha (Khyathei), daughter of a wealthy doctor and businessman.
First Half: Slow Build-Up
Things take an interesting turn when the group shifts to the village and begins work. A sudden animated mythological sequence introducing Shikhandi adds intrigue, hinting at a darker story beneath the simple setup. The subplot involving Sangeetha's father and his rivalry with another powerful businessman adds layers. Romance blooms between Surya (Yuvraj Gowda) and Sangeetha, but the film truly picks up when the group discovers an abandoned temple during a trek. A tiger encounter followed by paranormal disturbances creates the suspense the film had been building towards.
Second Half: Stronger Narrative
The biggest strength of the film is its second half. The narrative becomes tighter after the interval with the introduction of more prominent characters, including performances by Raj Deepak Shetty and Bala Rajwadi. The horror-thriller elements work better here, and the film finally finds a consistent rhythm.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Performance-wise, the actors do a decent job, especially considering many are relatively fresh faces. However, the dubbing occasionally feels uneven and takes away from the emotional impact of certain scenes. The making is neither exceptional nor disappointing, staying somewhere in the middle. At times, the film feels like two different movies stitched together, with the first half lacking the grip and pace seen later on.
Final Verdict
That said, the core story is interesting and had the potential to be even more impactful with a tighter screenplay and crisper execution. While Shikhandi may not fully deliver on all fronts, it still manages to be a decent one-time watch, especially for audiences who enjoy paranormal thrillers with a mythological touch.
