Some emotions are best left undisturbed, some forgotten for good, and others, you may not even know exist. Agnyathavasi explores a complex web of such emotions, leaving you relieved that you’re not the one experiencing them. It feels like reading a Stephen King novel, minus the horror.
Set somewhere in the remote reaches of the Western Ghats in the late 1990s, the film is populated by typical village characters, simple and seemingly scrupulous. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find that each of them is capable of the unimaginable.
A police station, untouched by a fresh coat of paint or a single complaint in its 25 years of existence, suddenly wakes up to a murder. The victim isn’t beloved by the villagers, but neither is he someone they despise. The unassuming inspector (played in his own distinct style by Rangayana Raghu), who suspects foul play from the start, has no witness to rely on and no clues to guide him. Yet, his investigation begins to unravel secrets that expose emotional vulnerabilities that ultimately lead to the crime.
Rather than focusing solely on uncovering the culprit, Agnyathavasi delves into the emotional undercurrents that drive people to commit unthinkable acts. The audience is left to wonder what demons lie hidden within seemingly ordinary individuals.
The film maintains a melancholic tone throughout, which, while intentional, may feel burdensome to viewers seeking a lighter cinematic experience. However, its breathtaking locations, meticulous attention to detail, and layered storytelling offer connoisseurs a slow-burn experience worth savoring. The few animal graphics are decently done and charmingly integrated. That said, the repetitive use of parallel editing adds little more than screen time.
Paavana Gowda and Siddu Moolimani deliver compelling performances, each pushing the other to greater heights. Sharath Lohitashwa, despite limited screen time, reminds us why he’s a powerhouse performer.
In the end, the film doesn’t conclude with a bang or an unexpected twist. It meanders like the emotions it portrays and asks us to accept and live with that ambiguity, just as we do in life.
Agnyathavasi is not a film for everyone. It is for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and are willing to truly feel the emotions it evokes.
Film: Agnyathavasi Director: Janardhan Chikkanna Cast: Rangayana Raghu, Paavana Gowda, Siddu Moolimani, Ravishankar Gowda, Sharath Lohitashwa, Sundar Veena Duration: 122 minutes Certificate: UA 13+
