Oka Pathakam Prakaram (2025) Review: A Crime Thriller That Falls Short
Oka Pathakam Prakaram, directed by Vinod Vijayan, is a crime thriller that explores the journey of Siddharth Neelakanta (Sairam Shankar), a public prosecutor whose life unravels after his wife, Seetha, goes missing. As he spirals into addiction and faces an investigation for a murder, the film attempts to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspense and plot twists. Released on February 7, 2025, the film has sparked mixed reviews, with some praising its performances while others criticize its incoherent narrative.
Plot Overview
The story follows Siddharth Neelakanta, who, after the mysterious disappearance of his wife, becomes entangled in a series of events that put his life in jeopardy. As he battles his addiction and tries to find his wife, he is accused of murdering his friend Divya. As more murders occur, Siddharth’s quest for justice turns into a fight for his own survival, leading to a web of lies and chaos. The film’s twists and turns are designed to keep audiences guessing, but not all are as effective in maintaining the suspense.
Director’s Vision
Vinod Vijayan attempts to craft a gripping thriller, weaving a complex narrative of suspense and crime. However, while the first half of the film sets up an engaging premise, the latter half struggles to maintain its momentum. The screenplay often sacrifices logic in favor of unexpected twists, leaving the viewer questioning the plausibility of certain plot developments. Despite these issues, Vijayan’s direction keeps the film visually engaging, especially in the atmospheric night scenes that enhance the dark mood of the story.
Cast and Performances
Sairam Shankar delivers a strong performance as Siddharth, bringing depth to a character torn between addiction, guilt, and a desperate need to find his wife. His emotional range and intense portrayal of a man on the brink of collapse stand out as the film’s major strength. Ashima Narwal, who plays Seetha, does well in her limited screen time, though her character is underdeveloped. Samuthirakani as Raghu Ram adds weight to the supporting cast, while Shruthi Sodhi as the police officer and Bhanushree as Divya provide additional layers to the plot, but their characters lack significant depth.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Sairam Shankar’s Performance: His portrayal of Siddharth is compelling and marks a strong return to the lead role after a hiatus.
- Cinematography: The film’s visual appeal, particularly during night sequences, is praised for creating a moody atmosphere that enhances the thriller’s dark tone.
- Music: The soundtrack by Rahul Raj and the background score by Gopi Sundar are effective in setting the film’s mood, though not groundbreaking.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The film suffers from slow pacing in the first half, with filler scenes that distract from the narrative’s tension.
- Logical Inconsistencies: Several plot holes and character developments feel forced, disrupting the film’s credibility and engagement.
- Climax Execution: The climax, intended to be impactful, falls flat due to its dragged-out nature and lack of satisfying resolution.
Star Rating
The film has received an average critic rating of 1.5 out of 5. However, it holds a much higher user rating of 9.1/10 on IMDb, suggesting a disparity between critical reception and audience enjoyment.
Conclusion
Oka Pathakam Prakaram presents a strong premise and solid performances, particularly from Sairam Shankar, but falters in execution. With pacing issues, illogical plot points, and a lackluster climax, the film fails to deliver a satisfying thriller experience. While it may appeal to die-hard crime thriller fans, those looking for a coherent narrative may find it lacking. Nonetheless, the film serves as an example of both the potential and pitfalls of the genre in Telugu cinema.
Disclaimer: Star ratings may vary based on individual opinions.