Odela 2, produced by Madhu Creations and Sampath Nandi Teamworks, was released in theatres today. What is the supernatural thriller about? Find out…
Story:
The first part was about an IPS officer’s investigation into a series of murders of newly-married women involving a serial killer named Tirupathi (Vasishta N. Simha). Its story was set in Odela.
The sequel begins with the residents of Odela deciding to subject Tirupathi’s spirit to eternal suffering by subjecting him to Samadhi Siksha. As per this occult punishment, the spirit will never be able to reach another plane. It will keep suffering in the ‘samadhi’ for ever. But the plan of the Odela-ites goes for a toss when the spirit becomes even more malevolent. Tirupathi’s ghost goes on a rampage, executing gruesome rapes and killings.
Enter Bhairavi aka Shiva Shakthi (Tamannaah Bhatia), a powerful Naga Sadhu who has dedicated her life in devotion of Lord Shiva. While she might believe that her fight against Evil is going to be not-so-hard, it turns out that the ghost has a plan up his sleeve.
Analysis:
Tamannaah Bhatia is effective in the role of a Naga Sadhu who derives her strength from her spiritual discipline. But the character is also vulnerable and has certain serious limitations, something that the film taps into. Her character is based on real-life Shivashaktis who restore temples after evolving into Naga Sadhus. Writer-creator Sampath Nandi admittedly designed her character based on his grandmother’s life and identity.
Vasishta N. Simha is good in the role of a perverted rapist whose lust knows no limits. Murali Sharma, as a Muslim ‘baba’, is effective in a couple of scenes. Sharath Lohitashwa is seen in a cameo as a cop. Srikanth Iyengar plays a ‘Pantulu’ with an atypical twist. Gagan Vihari plays the villain’s distressed brother.
The film is written by Sampath Nandi. The lead up to the introduction of Tamannaah’s character is well-written. Instead of just telling the audience that she is powerful, the film gives a glimpse of the enormity of her ‘sadhana’. She doesn’t come with a saviour complex. She is Karma-conscious and takes to the mission in Odela after initial reluctance. Ajaneesh Loknath’s excellent score adds to the sense of spook haunting the village.
The rape-and-murder episodes pan out with the sole intent of convincing the audience of the bestiality of the villain. The one brief scene involving Radha (Hebah Patel gets two important scenes) in the prison says a lot about the kind of disgust and fear the antagonist evokes in the women.
The theme of spiritual warfare is at the centre of the story. The vulnerability of the human soul against powerful, otherworldly forces in the context of a Good Vs. Evil storyline is portrayed well. The film’s narrative focus stays intact; it centers on a soul’s fight for survival against these supernatural forces.
Director Ashok Teja lets the visual landscape of the film breathe. The cinematography by Soundar Rajan S is impressive. Ajaneesh Loknath marshals his experience from composing for rare-genre movies like Kantara, Virupaksha and Vikrant Rona. Art Director Rajeev Nair’s talent comes to the fore in the action episodes.
Verdict:
An interesting supernatural thriller elevated by Tamannaah Bhatia’s performance and a chilling premise.
Watch Telugu Online Here
