An open-ended plot reveal right in the very first scene sets the stage for endless possibilities. A shocking crime is presented at the outset; a room boy apparently massacring seven people in a lodge, the incident captured on CCTV cameras.
The police are on the hunt for clues, and the film cleverly asks: how can this story be made gripping? The answer lies in making the audience look at the evidence just as the police would. Most of the narrative unfolds through CCTV visuals which a daring choice that is both challenging and refreshing, offering the audience a unique cinematic experience.
The film runs on parallel tracks. On one side, we follow the investigation led by the police. On the other, another set of CCTV clips discovered at the room boy’s home slowly unravels, adding fresh layers of intrigue and deepening the mystery.
Though the number of characters is limited, the screenplay smartly weaves multiple timelines together into a cohesive and dramatic whole. Likith Surya, as the protagonist, undergoes striking physical transformations across these timelines and delivers a performance that convincingly adapts to each phase of his character’s journey. Twists and turns are plenty, though the director chooses to present them with an understated style rather than with loud cinematic highs. This works both ways. It makes the film grounded but also makes one wish for a touch more finesse in the non-CCTV segments.
At just 94 minutes, the film maintains a brisk pace, leaving little room for the audience to dwell on its minor shortcomings. There are hardly any unnecessary scenes, and the story unfolds on a tight, almost breathless schedule.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its taut screenplay and its seamless translation to the screen. The cinematography and editing deserve special mention for turning the static and often monotonous format of CCTV footage into something visually engaging while balancing it with regular cinematic frames. Performances by Raghu Shivamogga and Yash Shetty, though in limited roles, add solid weight and credibility to the proceedings.
Ultimately, the bold decision by director Ravi Nagadadinni and producer-actor Likith Surya to experiment with such an unconventional storytelling format deserves genuine applause. Room Boy is not just another crime thriller; it is an experiment that offers audiences a new way of experiencing cinema. That, in itself, is the film’s biggest triumph.
Film: Room Boy Director: Ravi Nagadadinni Cast: Likhit Surya, Ashwin Hassan, Yash Shetty, Raghu Shivamogga, Chethan Durga Duration: 94 minutes Stars: 3