‘Veera Chandrahasa’ Movie Review
Movie: Veera Chandrahasa
Release Date: 19 September 2025
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-time: 2h 34m
Cast: Shithil Shetty Airbail, Prasanna Shettigar, Nagashree GS, Uday Kadabal and Shivarajkumar
Cinematography: Vijay Kumar
Producers: NS Rajkumar, MV Radhakrishna
Music, Direction: Ravi Basrur
Veera Chandrahasa is a film that defies conventions by bringing the traditional art form of Yakshagana to the big screen. Director Ravi Basrur’s vision is to spotlight Yakshagana, rather than modernize it, and the film is a testament to his creative courage. The film which was released in Kannada in April turned out to be a superhit. The film released in Telugu On September 19.
Plot
The story of Veera Chandrahasa is based on the saga of Chandrahasa, prophesied to rule the ancient land of Kuntala. Veera Chandrahasa is a story from the Ashvamedhika Parva of the ‘Mahabharatha’. It tells the noble tale of an orphaned lad, who goes on to become the valiant and virtuous Veera Chandrahasa. A plotting and ambitious minister, Dushtabuddhi, seeks to get rid of the man in order to take over the Kuntala kingdom. The plot is straightforward but is also layered. A prophecy foretells Chandrahasa’s rise the boy with six fingers. Dushtabuddhi, a venomous minister, sets out to kill the child. But fate has destined Chandrahasa for something big.
Performances
The performances in the film are noteworthy, particularly Prasanna Shettigar as the conniving Minister Dushtabuddi. His commanding presence and resonant voice bring depth to the character, and he inhabits the role with ease. Shithil Shetty plays Chandrahasa with admirable restraint. Uday Hegde Kadabala’s Madana role which provides comic relief.
Shivarajkumar’s special appearance adds depth, while the figures of Dr. Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar, appearing through CG, come as a tribute. Chandan Shetty, Garuda Ram, and Puneeth Rudranag contribute to the narrative.
Highlights
Strong performances
Ravi Basrur Direction
Unique visuals, Energetic music
Cultural significance
Drawbacks
Pacing issues
Limited Appeal
Analysis
Director Ravi Basrur weaves the movie with the singular goal of bringing Yakshagana to moviegoers in all its revered glory. The film draws inspiration from classic texts and previous screen adaptations, but Ravi Basrur’s version is distinct in its dedication to the Yakshagana spirit. The film’s narrative is a tribute to the art form, and it demands attention and patience from the viewer.
The film’s use of Yakshagana is both its greatest strength and weakness. While the traditional art form brings a unique visual and auditory experience to the film, it also demands a certain level of patience and attention from the viewer. The film’s occasional lapses into modernity, such as contemporary gags, feel out of place and disrupt the carefully constructed world of Yakshagana. The film’s soundscape is also a highlight, with the music pulsing with energy and enhancing every scene.
Veera Chandrahasa is a film that is a celebration of traditional art. While the film has its hiccups, the sheer audacity of the vision and the sensory experience make it a venture worth applauding. The Telugu dubbing is neatly done. For anyone curious about cultural fusion or visual feasts, Veera Chandrahasa is definitely worth experiencing.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: Fitting Tribute To Yakshagana Art Form
