Today’s audiences want change – not the same old stories, but something that moves both the mind and the heart. When directors show the courage to try something new, the audience also accepts it with an open mind. A classic example of this endeavor is ‘Jatadhara’, a film that weaves together mystery, spirituality and science to create a new cinematic universe.
The film has its roots in the mysterious streets of the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple. The story revolves around a ritual called ‘vampire binding’ – a ritual that binds dead souls to protect treasure. Directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal have not only made the subject interesting but presented it beautifully on screen. More than horror, he forced the audience to think – is there a line of difference between superstition and faith?
Sudhir Babu has brought unprecedented seriousness to the character of Shiva. His personality is that of a scientist who doesn’t believe in ghost myths, but when the same science begins to give him answers, his inner conflict emerges in spectacular fashion. The desperation and determination in Sudhir’s eyes lends emotional depth to the film.
Sonakshi Sinha made her debut in Telugu cinema with a blockbuster character – Dhan Pishachi. He is neither a traditional villain, nor a tortured soul – he is an icon, a symbol of a soul oscillating between greed and redemption. Sonakshi’s demonic transformation is a sight to behold – her voice, body language and screen presence all combine to create a strange mystical beauty.
Divya Khosla Kumar’s acting is sensitive and restrained. Senior actors like Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna make the story more believable with their experience. Actors like Rajeev Kankala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudhakar add depth to the supporting roles as well.
The biggest strength of the film is its dialogues. Sai Krishna Karan and Shyam Babu Mariga have made words not just sentences but experiences. Every dialogue here sounds like a line from an ancient scripture. The dialogues drive the story forward and create waves of fear, reverence and awe within the audience.
Rajeev Raj’s music is the most powerful emotional element of the film. “Shiva Sathotram” and “Pallo Latke Again” – both bring out the two distinct moods of the film: reverence and fear. The background score varies with the pace and intensity of each scene. Sometimes quiet and mysterious, sometimes intense and energetic.
The echo of mantras, the sound of conch shells and the music of silence – this is as much an auditory experience as watching a film.
To watch ‘Jatadhara’ is to enter a world where every frame looks like a mythical picture. Sameer Kalyani’s cinematography is, in a word, ‘psychological’. The lamps glowing in the darkness of the temple, the mysterious symbols on the walls, and the subtle play of light and shadow – all create a mesmerizing effect.
The VFX look so controlled and realistic that the fear of the vampire never feels fake.
The action scenes of the film are not limited to just glimpses of swords. Every battle is symbolic – science vs. faith, logic vs. faith. Sudhir Babu’s combination of stunts and emotional tension takes it far beyond the usual action sequences.
The duo of Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal took a very risky route, and they succeeded in it.Combining horror, mystery and fantasy with Indian philosophy, he has created a film that does not scare, but is thought provoking.
Presented by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora, ‘Jatadhara’ walks the fine line between awe and reverence – at times making your heart flutter, at times making you look within.
If you want to watch something different, something deeper this weekend, ‘Jatadhara’ is waiting for you.
Directors – Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal
Author – Venkat Kalyan
Starring – Sudhir Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Khosla, Shilpa Shirodkar, Indira Krishna, Rajeev Kankala, Ravi Prakash, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Subhalekha Sudhakar.
Rating – 4
Duration – 135 minutes