Rakshasa Movie Review: A noteworthy horror experiment with a time loop twist

The film merges this premise with horror, giving it a fresh twist—a first of its kind—and Lohith brings a sequel before the original

Rakshasa: Chapter 2 opens with a chilling narration, introducing the legend of Brahmaraksha, an ancient terror whose presence spans time. The film weaves through history, connecting the tale of a king with hidden truths and a character tied to the Brahmaraksha legacy—a force that refuses to fade into the past. Director Lohith H, in his first attempt at this genre, explores how this spectral terror continues to haunt both the past and present, drawing eerie parallels between historical horrors and modern-day fears.

Cast: Prajwal Devaraj, Sonal Monteiro, Arna Rathod, and Shobraj

Direction: Lohith H

While cinema is often dominated by formulaic genres, Rakshasa: Chapter 2 stands out by blending horror with the concept of time loop. While Hollywood and Bollywood have explored time loop cinema, this concept remains rare in Kannada. The film merges this premise with horror, giving it a fresh twist—a first of its kind—and Lohith brings a sequel before the original.

A mysterious pettige (chest) serves as a vital link between the past and present, its journey fuelling the growing dread. As history collides with the present, a police commissioner (Shobraj) becomes embroiled in a chaotic investigation that spirals out of control. A deadly group of criminals wreaks havoc, and Satya (Prajwal Devaraj), an ex-cop disillusioned by his past, steps in to face the terror where the system fails. Despite leaving the force, Satya is pulled back—by the police or the ghosts of unfinished duty?

Satya's journey takes him to Ongole—an ex-cop now marked with a tattoo of a Mexican drug peddler, signalling that crime has no borders. His pursuit leads him through KSR Railway Station, setting an ominous tone for the film. The narrative slowly unravels Satya’s disciplined past as an officer. Though no longer part of the force, his nature remains unchanged. The police station undergoes shifts, both literally and metaphorically, reflecting the changing moral landscape of those in uniform.

As the plot intensifies, it aligns with celestial events—Deadly Eclipse and Dark Hour—and frequent calls from his mother, warning him not to venture out, building tension toward a reckoning. The film suggests that some horrors never truly end, with cryptic references to cycles of suffering. Bloodstains, past sins, and unsolved crimes symbolise the eternal struggle between light and darkness, all unfolding within the time between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

Lohith’s fresh take on the horror genre is amplified by a time-loop structure that distorts time, forcing characters to relive terrifying moments. This narrative structure adds psychological depth, pushing characters to confront their past mistakes and unresolved emotions. The intertwining of history and supernatural elements gives the film a unique edge, elevating it from a traditional horror film to a reflection on fate and consequence.

The time-loop concept injects added intensity into the narrative, making the events feel like an ominous force rather than simple deja vu. Ajaneesh Loknath’s gripping background score amplifies the atmosphere, ensuring the loop remains engaging rather than tedious. Cinematographer Jaybin P Jacob plays with light and dark within the police station, while editor Ravichandran C takes on the tough task of maintaining continuity, making the loop a metaphor for the inescapable pull of fate, where every action has the potential to change the course—but at the risk of dragging one deeper into darkness.

Prajwal Devaraj carries the film with his performance, handling the challenge of repeating scenes without losing energy. Other actors like Arna Rathod and Sonal Monteiro have brief appearances, teasing larger roles in the prequel. Despite a few supporting characters like Sridhar KS and others in inspector roles, Rakshasa: Part 2 is undeniably a Prajwal-led show.

While the time-loop concept is central to the narrative, the film leaves room for further exploration in the prequel, which will shed light on Satya’s past, his demons, and his connection to Brahmaraksha. Though Rakshasa: Part 2 may feel incomplete, it sets the stage for what’s to come.