Language: Kannada
Age Rating: U/A
Genre: Mystery Thriller / Crime Drama

Agnyathavasi, directed by Janardhan Chikkanna, marks a confident return to form for the filmmaker after his previous misstep with Powder. This time, Chikkanna dials into his strength—gritty storytelling layered with non-linear narratives and thematic complexity. Backed by producer and filmmaker Hemanth Rao, the movie blends old-school mystery with striking cinematic precision, wrapped in a rural 1990s setting. Released on April 11, 2025, it competes with multiple releases yet manages to stand tall due to its slow but smart narrative arc.

Plot Overview

Set in 1997, in a sleepy village known for its near-spotless crime record, Agnyathavasi opens with two sudden and unexplained deaths. Enter Rangayana Raghu as the stoic village inspector and Ravishankar Gowda as his assistant. As they begin to investigate the mystery, what seems like a simple case quickly unravels into a deeper, more layered tale involving secrets, dark motivations, and unresolved histories. The film keeps asking: Are these accidents, murders, or something stranger? And just when you think you know the answer, it pulls the rug out from under you.
Check Out: Agnyathavasi Trailer Review: A Haunting Blend of Mystery, Murder & Black Magic

What Works

✅ Gripping Mystery & Writing
Writer Krishna Raj crafts a compelling script that keeps the audience second-guessing. The twists feel earned, and the narrative subtly plays with expectations.

✅ Visual Aesthetics & Period Setting
The authenticity of the 1997 village setup is impressive. From set design to costume choices, everything works to transport viewers to another time. Cinematographer Advaitha Gurumurthy captures this world with poetic finesse.

✅ Powerful Performances
Veteran Rangayana Raghu shines in a rare serious avatar, breaking away from his comic legacy. His performance anchors the film with gravitas. Ravishankar Gowda also impresses with a nuanced portrayal that balances tension and empathy.

✅ Technical Brilliance
The film is a technical triumph. Charan Raj’s haunting score underscores key moments without being overpowering. The sound design, editing by Bharath Chandrashekar, and meticulous production values elevate the story’s impact.

What Falls Short

❌ Pacing in the First Half
The setup, while important, stretches a bit too long. The slow burn works thematically but risks losing impatient viewers early on.

❌ Limited Mass Appeal
The narrative structure and its heavy reliance on mood, rather than action, might not appeal to those looking for a fast-paced thriller.

Performances

🎭 Rangayana Raghu (Inspector): A standout role in his career. Delivers a restrained, layered performance that anchors the emotional beats of the film.

🎭 Ravishankar Gowda: Solid support, adds depth to the investigation arc with both charm and gravitas.

🎭 Paavana Gowda, Siddu Moolimani, Sharath Lohitheshwar: Add important layers to the mystery. Each holds their own, even in smaller parts.

🎭 Supporting Cast: Every actor contributes to the film’s atmosphere with believable performances.

Technical Aspects

🎥 Cinematography: Rich, textured visuals that elevate the 1997 village aesthetic. Close-ups and wide landscape shots are used meaningfully to amplify tension.

🎵 Music & Background Score: Charan Raj’s music is immersive, particularly effective in building unease and introspection.

✂️ Editing: Slightly stretched in the first half but sharp in the second. The finale is crisply edited to maintain suspense.

🎬 Direction: Janardhan Chikkanna proves he still has the touch. After the stumble with Powder, this film showcases his vision, confidence, and storytelling strength.

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Agnyathavasi is not a high-octane thriller, but one that takes its time to build a mood, seed intrigue, and pull you into a web of dark choices. Despite a sluggish start, it delivers an emotionally satisfying payoff by the end. Backed by solid writing, restrained direction, and memorable performances—especially from Rangayana Raghu—this film stands as proof that classic murder mysteries still have room to thrive when told with heart and technical finesse.

If you enjoy whodunnits with rich atmospheres, layered characters, and a quiet sense of dread, Agnyathavasi should be on your radar.