Agadha Movie Review
Movie: Agadha
Release Date: 14 Aug 2026
CBFC Rating: A
Runtime: 2h 17m
Banner: Sri Adi Varaha Productions
Cast: Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijaykumar, Bhanu Chander, Vanitha Vijaykumar, Roshan Basheer, Viva Raghava
Music: Rakesh Venkatapuram
Editor: Junaid Siddiqui
DOP: Nani Chamidisetty
Presenter: Ajay KR
Producer: Kasi Visalakshi Balusu
Director: M.S. Raju
M.S. Raju, long known for family dramas and youthful entertainers, makes a confident leap into horror with Agadha. Produced by Kasi Visalakshi Balusu under Sri Adi Varaha Productions, the film positions itself as a spiritual thriller rooted in Indian folklore.
Plot
Agadha follows Manasa, a writer, and her husband Sanjay as they investigate a string of supernatural events. Their search leads them to Mahadevi, a woman with spiritual powers, and to a tangled web involving Mahima, Simha, Harini, and family elders. As possession, curses, and an ancient evil surface, the narrative peels back layers of a household secret. The story moves from urban skepticism to rural mysticism, using the “Agadha” entity as both metaphor and threat. Raju structures the plot like a puzzle, revealing clues through rituals, flashbacks, and conversations, keeping viewers engaged in uncovering how each character connects to the central curse.
Performances
Kamakshi Bhaskarla anchors the film as Mahadevi with calm intensity. She brings measured expressions, clear diction, and a spiritual gravitas that makes her feel lived-in within the role. Her screen presence holds the frame in confrontation scenes, and she conveys inner conflict without overacting.
Ulka Gupta as Mahima delivers one of her most grounded performances. She balances vulnerability and resolve, especially in emotional exchanges with the family. Shravan Reddy impresses in a dual shade role as Simha and Inspector Saleem, switching tone and body language effectively. His dialogue timing adds weight to exposition scenes. Jovika Vijaykumar stands out during possession sequences. Her physicality, eye work, and sudden tonal shifts create genuine discomfort and elevate the horror beats.
Veterans Bhanu Chander and Vanitha Vijaykumar lend credibility as the uncle and aunt, providing emotional anchors. Roshan Basheer, Viva Raghava, and child actor Aarna Muler contribute sincerely, ensuring the ensemble feels cohesive rather than peripheral.
Highlights
Direction
Strong Lead
Atmospheric BGM
Crisp Cinematography
Engaging First Half
Drawbacks
Expository Second Half
Fewer Jumpscares
Analysis
The first half is where Agadha finds its strongest footing. MS Raju builds dread slowly through dim lighting, whispers, and domestic spaces turning uncanny. The screenplay maintains curiosity by doling out information in pieces, and the interval reveal about the Agadha force lands with impact. Scenes involving Jovika’s possession and Kamakshi’s ritual work are staged with patience, allowing tension to breathe. The narrative drive here is clear, and Rakesh Venkatapuram’s background score amplifies every creak and chant. In the second half, the film chooses clarity over ambiguity, with supporting characters explaining much of the mythology to the protagonist. While this reduces some mystery, it ensures the spiritual logic stays accessible to a wide audience.
Technically, Nani Chamidisetty’s cinematography uses deep shadows and warm temple tones effectively. VFX for the entity are serviceable, and the art department creates a believable haunted household. Editing by Junaid Siddiqui keeps pace in key sequences, and the climax ties the emotional and supernatural threads neatly. Agadha may need tighter writing, but as a debut horror attempt from Raju, it shows intent, craft, and a willingness to explore faith based fear with respect.
Rating: 3.25/5
Bottomline: Agadha delivers ample thrills with heart
