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Following the massive success of Committee Kurrollu, producer Niharika Konidela returns with Raakaasa, a horror-comedy adventure under the Pink Elephant Pictures banner. Starring the energetic Sangeeth Sobhan alongside Nayan Sarika, Getup Srinu, and Vennela Kishore, and directed by Manasa Sharma (of Bench Life fame), the film arrived with significant hype. Between the viral "Snake Dance" promotional video and a secured OTT deal with Netflix, the stage was set for a genre-bending hit. However, as it hits theaters worldwide on April 3, let's check-out the review.
The narrative is rooted in a dark legend. Two millennia ago, the village of Rakasapuram was decimated by a mysterious plague. Desperate to save his people, the then-King struck a deal with an ancient evil spirit, 'Rakasa', residing in a desolate forest fort. The price? A human sacrifice offered every 500 years to satiate the entity.
Fast forward to 2026, where we meet Veera Babu (Sangeeth Sobhan), a jovial NRI returning from the USA with dreams of marrying his village sweetheart, Sukanya. His world crumbles when he discovers she is set to marry someone else. In a drunken stupor of heartbreak, Veera wanders into the forbidden territory of the old fort at the stroke of the sacrificial deadline. The crux of the film explores how Veera becomes the unintended prey for the Rakasa and the roles Subbalakshmi (Nayan Sarika), Balu (Getup Srinu), and Soma (Vennela Kishore) play in his chaotic fight for survival.
Sangeeth Sobhan continues to prove why he is a natural at playing the "everyman" with a comedic edge. He is effortless as the free-spirited Veera Babu, carrying the film's energy on his shoulders. While the script often fails him, his timing especially during his interactions with Getup Srinu keeps the audience engaged.
Nayan Sarika provides a breath of fresh air. Beyond just being a "pretty face," she has a significant presence in the second half, where she actively aids Veera’s plight. Her performance is sincere and grounded.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag of talent battling thin writing. Getup Srinu is a highlight, squeezing humor out of even the most mundane lines through sheer charisma. Vennela Kishore arrives in the second half to save the day, literally and figuratively. His trademark "frustrated fear" works wonders and elevates the film's flat energy. Veterans like Thanikella Bharani, Brahmaji, Ashish Vidyarthi and Annapurnamma are reliable as always, though they aren't given much depth beyond the basic requirements of the plot.
Director Manasa Sharma deserves credit for a interesting setup. Blending ancient folklore with modern horror-comedy is a winning formula on paper. However, the execution falters significantly in the screenplay. The first half is surprisingly sluggish for a comedy-adventure, the laughs are few and far between, and the dialogue feels generic. The plot only truly finds its footing as we approach the interval.
The second half is an improvement, largely due to the chemistry between Sangeeth Sobhan and Vennela Kishore. While the backstory is handled with some neatness, the overall pacing feels uneven. On the technical front VFX is impressive given the budget constraints, the creature design and fort atmosphere are well-realized.
Music by Anudeep Dev delivers a decent background score and a catchy melody, though it lacks a "standout" anthem. Cinematography by Raju Edurolu’s work is a major plus, particularly the night-effect sequences in the second half which look crisp and atmospheric. Editing by Anwar Ali keeps the runtime tight, preventing the film from feeling overlong.
Altogether, Rakasa had all the ingredients to be a cult folk-horror hit, but it ended up being a missed opportunity. While the premise is intriguing and the lead performances are spirited, the writing is too thin to support the weight of the 2000-year-old legend. The second half and a decent climax act as saving graces, but they can't entirely make up for a lackluster first hour.
It’s a decent one-time watch for those who enjoy light-hearted horror, but it leaves you wishing for more "bite". Considering all these things, Cinejosh goes with a 2.5 rating for Raakaasa.
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