Title: Kalinga – A Mythological Thriller with Dark Twists

Cast: Dhruva Vayu, Pragya Nayan, Aadukalam Naren, Balagam Sanjay, Lakshman Meesala, Muraleedhar Goud
Director: Dhruva Vayu
Producers: Deepti Kondaveeti, Prithvi Yadav
Production House: Big Hit Productions
Release Date: September 13, 2024

Introduction:

Kalinga is a suspenseful thriller directed by and starring Dhruva Vayu, combining elements of mythology and horror. The film explores dark secrets of an ancient dynasty and the mysteries surrounding a cursed village. Released on September 13, 2024, the film has drawn attention for its unique blend of supernatural elements, action, and intense drama.

Plot:

The film follows Ling (Dhruva Vayu), an orphan living in a remote village haunted by an ancient curse. The village is under the rule of a tyrant, and Ling’s peaceful life takes a turn when Bali (Balagam Sanjay), the antagonist, sets his eyes on Paddu (Pragya Nayan), the woman Ling loves.

The village borders a cursed forest linked to the Kalinga dynasty, where no one who crosses the boundary returns. Ling is forced to confront the mysteries of the forest as he attempts to clear his family’s debt and marry Paddu. The film’s second half delves deeper into the supernatural forces tied to the village’s curse, as Ling fights for survival and love.

Performance:

Dhruva Vayu impresses both as an actor and director, delivering a gritty performance as Ling. Pragya Nayan provides solid support in her role, though her character is primarily tied to the romantic subplot. Aadukalam Naren and Balagam Sanjay are effective as the villains, adding tension to the story, while Lakshman Meesala brings some comic relief to balance the film’s darker tone.

Direction and Screenplay:

As a director, Dhruva Vayu creates a suspenseful atmosphere, particularly in the film’s first half. The cursed village and the eerie forest set the stage for a tense narrative, though the second half leans too heavily on narration, slowing the pacing in parts. However, the climax, with its supernatural elements and VFX, is visually captivating and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Technical Aspects:

The film excels in its technical departments, particularly in cinematography and VFX. The forest sequences are beautifully shot, creating an immersive experience. The background score further enhances the suspense, especially during key moments. The VFX in the final act are impressive, adding to the mythological depth of the film.

Highlights:

• Dhruva Vayu’s strong direction and performance.
• The eerie and suspenseful atmosphere created by the cursed forest and village.
• Visually stunning VFX, especially in the climax.
• The blend of horror, mythology, and action keeps the audience engaged.

Drawbacks:

• The narrative slows down in the second half due to heavy reliance on narration.
• Pragya Nayan’s character lacks depth, being mostly tied to the romantic angle.
• Some parts of the film feel repetitive, particularly when explaining key plot points.

Verdict:

Kalinga offers an engaging mix of mythology, horror, and suspense. While it has some pacing issues, particularly in the second half, the film’s strong performances, visual appeal, and gripping climax make it a worthwhile watch. Dhruva Vayu proves himself not only as an actor but also as a capable director, delivering a unique mythological thriller.