‘Shambhala’ Movie Review
Movie: Shambhala
Release Date: 25 December 2025
CBFC Rating: A
Run-time: 2h 24m
Banner: Shining Pictures
Cast: Aadi Saikumar, Archana Iyer, Swasika, Madhunandan, Harshawardhan, Ravi Verma, Indraaniel
Editor: Shravan Katikaneni
DOP: Praveen K Bangari
Music: Sricharan Pakala
Producers: Mahidhar Reddy, Rajasekhar Annabhimoju
Written & Directed by Yugandhar Muni
Aadi Saikumar comes up with Shambhala directed by Yugandhar Muni. The film carries very good buzz right from the start and teaser, trailer further enhances the hype around the film. The film is hitting the screens on December 25.
Plot:
Shambhala is a village with a thousand year old history, shrouded in mystery and terror. In the 1980s, a meteor crashes into this enigmatic place, unleashing a cursed entity known as “Banda Bhootham”. The villagers believe this event to be the source of the bizarre and terrifying incidents that follow, including unexplained deaths, suicides, and strange occurrences.
The government sends Vikram (Aadi Sai Kumar) to Shambhala to investigate the phenomenon. As Vikram delves deeper into the village’s secrets, he uncovers a web of ancient mysteries and supernatural forces. The story revolves around Vikram’s quest to unravel the truth behind the murders and suicides, and his encounters with the mysterious Devi (Archana Iyer).
Performances:
Aadi Sai Kumar delivers a standout performance as Vikram, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He brings a sense of intensity and emotional depth to the role, making Vikram a relatable and engaging protagonist. His emotional depth and action sequences are impressive, making Vikram a compelling protagonist. Saikumar’s voice over added depth to proceedings. Archana Iyer impresses with her portrayal of Devi, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The supporting cast, including Ravi Varma, Meesala Lakshman, and Indraneel, also deliver noteworthy performances.
Highlights
Aadi Saikumar
Saikumar Voiceover
Engaging narrative
Impressive performances
BGM
Production Values
Drawbacks
Some Stretched Scenes In First Half
Some predictable moments
Analysis:
Director Yugandhar Muni’s bold attempt at crafting a layered narrative is commendable. The storyline is unpredictable, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The first half establishes the village, its history, and the escalating tension, while the second half moves at a faster pace, centering on uncovering the root cause and finding a solution. The pre-interval and interval sequences are standout moments, culminating in a long, powerful interval card. The second half is gripping, with Indraneel’s spine-chilling moments adding to the tension. However, some viewers may find some scenes in the first half are stretched. But, The narrative is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
The cinematography by Praveen K Bangari and background score by Sri Charan Pakala are the film’s biggest strengths, creating an eerie atmosphere that adds to the tension. The sound design is effective, making the audience glued to the happenings. The editing and art direction are top-notch, enhancing the film’s overall impact.
The film’s production quality is evident, with producers Mahidhar and Rajashekar delivering solid value for their investment. Shambhala is a bold attempt in a different genre, with strong content and technical finesse. The film’s unpredictable narrative, impressive performances, and chilling atmosphere make it a must-watch for horror and thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 3.75/5
Bottom-line: A Chilling & Thrilling Theatrical Experience Not To Be Missed
