Director: Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, Writer: Venkat Kalyan, Starring: Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Khossla, Shilpa Shirodkar, Indira Krishna, Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Duration: 135 Minutes, Rating: 4.

Produced by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora, Jatadhara is an ambitious and captivating project from directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, creating a supernatural mythological thriller that seeks to connect the realms of science, faith, and ancient mysticism. Set against the enigmatic backdrop of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and its concealed treasures, the film incorporates authentic Tantric rituals and chants, a rarity in mainstream Indian cinema.

The film evokes a sense of dread and divinity from the very beginning. Haunting visuals, rhythmic chants, and symbolic imagery immerse the audience in a world where reality intertwines with the surreal. The directors are commendable for adeptly navigating such a complex mythological theme with both reverence and cinematic artistry.

Sudheer Babu stars as Shiva, a skeptical ghost hunter whose transformation from disbelief to spiritual awakening forms the emotional heart of the narrative. His rugged presence, subtle intensity, and emotional depth make this one of his most layered performances to date. The tense moments where he confronts unseen forces using both scientific logic and ritualistic tools are genuinely gripping.

Sonakshi Sinha, making her Telugu debut, delivers an outstanding performance as Dhana Pisaachi, a spirit driven by greed and sorrow. With her commanding expressions and haunting presence, she brings both terror and tragedy to life. Her metamorphosis into the demonic goddess has become a highlight of the film, and rightly so—she dominates every frame.

Divya Khossla exudes grace in her role as Sitara, while Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna add significant depth to their pivotal roles. The ensemble cast, including Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudhakar, collectively enhance the narrative through realistic performances.

Written by Venkat Kalyan, the screenplay of Jatadhara intertwines ancient lore with modern skepticism. The storyline revolves around a forbidden ritual termed Pisacha Bandhanam, which binds spirits to safeguard lost treasures—both captivating and chilling. Kalyan roots each plot twist in belief systems familiar to Indian viewers while presenting them through a contemporary lens.

The dialogues crafted by Sai Krishna Karne and Shyam Babu Meriga are sharp, spiritual, and thought-provoking. Phrases like “Faith is not what you see -- it's what you dare to feel” linger long after the credits roll, striking a balance between philosophical depth and emotional immediacy.

The film’s greatest strength lies in Sameer Kalyani's cinematography. The chiaroscuro lighting and intricate temple interiors, alongside sweeping views of the Kerala landscape, impart otherworldly beauty to this dark narrative. Each ritual sequence is framed like an exquisite painting, with flickering lamps, swirling smoke, and chanting shadows drawing viewers into a hypnotic trance.

The special effects deserve acclaim for presenting realistic supernatural visuals without excess. The manifestation scenes of Dhanapisachini are both terrifying and beautiful, enhanced by practical effects that feel authentic and organic.

The sound design amplifies the eerie atmosphere: low rumbles, distant chants, and sudden silences effectively elevate the tension. Composer Rajiv Raj delivers an evocative score that blends classical ragas with electronic elements, particularly enhancing the climactic moments.

Despite its dark themes, Jatadhara incorporates elements of music and movement. The tracks “Shiva Stotram” and “Pallo Latke” stand out for their energy and depth. The choreography by Sandeep blends ritualistic movements with cinematic flair, particularly evident in the temple dance featuring Divya Khossla, radiating both devotion and intensity.

The stunt choreography seamlessly merges physical combat with supernatural forces, establishing a fresh dynamic action language. Sudheer Babu's sequences of ghost-hunting, weapon combat, and the climactic blood-drinking transformation are executed with precision, combining martial arts with mystical symbolism for unforgettable moments.

Jatadhara is a daring visual experiment in supernatural mythological thriller that boldly explores themes of faith versus reason, science versus ritual, and human will against divine wrath on an impressive scale. The film's stunning visuals match its strong performances and authentic spiritual atmosphere.

Co-directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, Jatadhara strikes a remarkable balance between commercial appeal and artistic expression. Ultimately, it achieves what few films attempt: transforming mythology into a vibrant cinematic experience, complete with captivating visuals, haunting music, and soulful performances that thrill and provoke thought.