Shikhandi (2026) Review: A Riveting Paranormal Thriller That Awakens Ancient Legends

Kannada cinema continues to push boundaries, and Shikhandi is the latest proof that regional storytelling can hold its own in the age of OTT-dominated content. Directed by Gurumurthy V, this mythological paranormal thriller brings together a fresh ensemble cast, an intriguing legend, and a suspense-laden second half that makes the journey worthwhile. If you’re a fan of horror-thrillers rooted in ancient Indian mythology, Shikhandi is a film that demands your attention.

Shikhandi is a Kannada-language Adventure and Paranormal Thriller released on 15 May, 2026, with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes, carrying a UA certificate. Directed by Gurumurthy V, the film blends mythology, horror, and commercial drama into an engaging big-screen experience. It stars Yuvraj Gowda, Vijay Chendur, Khyathei, Raj Deepak Shetty, and Bala Rajwadi, and is currently playing in theatres.

Cast & Crew

Role	Name
Director	Gurumurthy V
Surya	Yuvraj Gowda
Naveen	Vijay Chendur
Sangeetha	Khyathei
Supporting Cast	Raj Deepak Shetty, Bala Rajwadi

Plot Summary

Set in the era of Kaliyuga, Shikhandi follows an orphan who crosses paths with a ruthless, feared adversary known for his terrifying and unconventional methods. As their confrontation intensifies, the orphan begins to awaken invisible, mysterious powers that guide his fight for survival.

The story opens inside a lively Bengaluru-based real estate firm, where Naveen introduces Surya and a team of spirited young architects. Their next assignment takes them to a remote village in Ballary, where they are tasked with building a multispeciality hospital for Sangeetha, daughter of a powerful businessman-doctor. What starts as a professional endeavour soon transforms into something far more sinister — an abandoned temple, paranormal disturbances, and the awakening of the ancient legend of Shikhandi, which binds the past and present in a cycle of reborn vengeance.

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Performances

Yuvraj Gowda as Surya

Yuvraj Gowda delivers a confident, layered performance as Surya, carrying the emotional weight of the film on his shoulders with remarkable ease. His transition from a carefree young architect to someone grappling with paranormal forces feels organic and compelling. A star firmly in the making.

Vijay Chendur as Naveen

Vijay Chendur injects energy and warmth into every scene he occupies as Naveen. His natural screen presence and easy camaraderie with the ensemble cast make the film’s early stretches thoroughly enjoyable and grounded.

Khyathei as Sangeetha

Khyathei shines as Sangeetha, bringing grace and depth to what could have been a straightforward role. Her chemistry with Yuvraj Gowda gives the film a warm emotional core, and she holds her own impressively against more experienced cast members.

Raj Deepak Shetty

A seasoned presence, Raj Deepak Shetty elevates every scene he appears in during the crucial second half. His introduction adds an entirely new dimension to the thriller, and his performance is among the highlights of the film.

Bala Rajwadi

Bala Rajwadi brings menace and authority to his role, adding to the mounting tension of the second half. His screen presence is striking, and he complements the film’s escalating supernatural drama perfectly.

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Technical Craft

Direction — Gurumurthy V

Gurumurthy V demonstrates a clear vision for blending mythology with modern commercial cinema. His handling of the paranormal sequences — particularly the animated mythological introduction of Shikhandi — shows creative ambition. The second half, where the narrative truly tightens, reflects his ability to build and sustain dread effectively.

Screenplay & Writing

The screenplay is at its most impressive in the second half, where story threads converge and the mythological angle takes centre stage. The core concept — ancient legend awakening in the present — is genuinely fresh and layered, offering more depth than a conventional horror-thriller premise would typically allow.

Cinematography

The visual craft capably captures both the buzzing energy of urban Bengaluru and the eerie stillness of the remote Ballary village, creating a strong atmospheric contrast. The abandoned temple sequences are particularly well-framed, lending the paranormal elements a genuine sense of dread.

Music & Background Score

The background score plays a crucial role in sustaining tension throughout, especially in the horror-thriller sequences of the second half. The animated mythological segment is accompanied by suitably epic musical treatment, lending it the weight and mystique the legend of Shikhandi deserves.

Editing

The editing in the second half is noticeably sharper, giving the narrative a momentum that keeps audiences engaged. A tighter hand in the first half would have made Shikhandi a far more consistent experience overall.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• A genuinely compelling mythological premise rooted in the legend of Shikhandi
• Gripping, tightly paced second half that delivers on the film’s paranormal promise
• Strong ensemble performances from a largely fresh cast
• Effective atmospheric cinematography, especially in the village and temple sequences
• Raj Deepak Shetty and Bala Rajwadi’s impactful second-half entries
• The animated mythological sequence is a creative and intriguing touch

Weaknesses

• The first half is slow to find its footing and lacks the urgency of what follows
• Dubbing is occasionally uneven, slightly undercutting emotional impact in key scenes
• A tighter, more cohesive screenplay could have made the film even stronger

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — 4.5/5

Shikhandi is a film of two distinct halves — and the second is well worth the wait. Gurumurthy V has crafted a paranormal thriller that smartly roots itself in the mythology of one of ancient India’s most fascinating legends, and the result is a film that rises above its rough edges to deliver a memorable experience. Yuvraj Gowda leads a talented fresh cast with confidence, while Raj Deepak Shetty and Bala Rajwadi bring the second half to life with commanding performances. For Kannada cinema fans and lovers of mythology-driven horror-thrillers, Shikhandi is an easy recommendation.

A paranormal thriller that finds its legend — and it’s one worth experiencing on the big screen.

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