‘Ghatikachalam’ Movie Review
Movie: Ghatikachalam
Release Date: 31 May 2025
CBFC Rating: A
Run-time: 2h
Cast: Nikhil Devadula, Aarvika Gupta, Tanmayi Kushi, Samyu Reddy, Arjun Vihaan, Prabhakar Podakandla, Rangadham
Editor: Srinu Bainaboina
DOP: SS Manoj
Music: Flavio G.Cuccurullo
Writers: MC Raju, Srinivas Malkari
Producers: MC Raju
Director: Amar Kamepalli
Ghatikachalam directed by Amar Kamepalli starring Nikhil Devadula is a psychological horror film that explores the theme of repression and its devastating consequences. The film has raised curiosity with its trailer and posters. Big names Maruthi and SKN associating the project created buzz. It released on big screens on May 31. Let us delve into the review.
Plot:
The film follows Kaushik (Nikhil Devadula), a teenage medical student who lives under the polite tyranny of his parents. Kaushik starts hearing a voice that identifies itself as Ghatikachalam. The voice takes full control, leading Kaushik down a path of erratic behavior. What happens and how Karthik.get rid of Ghatikachalam forms the crux of the story.
Performances:
Nikhil Devadula’s performance as Kaushik is nothing short of phenomenal. He brings an evocative fury to the character, carrying much of the film’s weight on his shoulders. His portrayal is both captivating and heartbreaking, making it easy to believe in his breakdowns and root for his moments of clarity. Devadula’s performance is undoubtedly one of the film’s strongest aspects.
Highlights:
Nikhil Devadula
Breakout performance
Eerie sound
Powerful theme
Drawbacks:
Predictable twist
Slow pacing
Analysis:
Director Amar’s intentions are clear, and the film tries to spotlight the often-overlooked emotional abuse that many children face within seemingly normal households. The horror here is not in the supernatural, but in the slow corrosion of spirit that comes from never being heard or seen. On the downside, The film’s writing mistakes restraint for depth, and the screenplay lingers too long on familiar beats,, particularly in the second half.
Technically, the film punches above its weight. Sai Maneendhar Reddy’s sound design is both eerie and immersive, giving the film its most reliable jolts. Flavio Cuccurullo’s background score complements the film’s tone surprisingly well. Director Amar Kamepalli stages some effective sequences, and the domestic tension between Kaushik and his father is thick and believable.
In conclusion, Ghatikachalam is a promising psychological horror film. Despite its flaws, the film deserves discussion for its theme and emotional resonance. Nikhil Devadula’s performance is a highlight, and Amar Kamepalli shows signs of innovation in his craft.
Rating: 2.75/5
Bottom-line: A Promising Psychological Horror
