Gharga Movie Review: Crime and myth effectively come together in this compelling film
Gharga(3 / 5)
Gharga starts with a warning. The story follows Vikram Adiga (Arun Ramprasad), a novelist on a quest to discover the truth about Mahabala Aithal, a respected figure whose disappearance has become local folklore. Vikram’s search takes him to Gharga, a place spoken of in whispers and called The Land of Shadows. It doesn’t appear on maps but is deeply woven into cultural memory. Gharga is presented as a location people avoid mentioning. Early interactions with locals set the tone. Directions are vague but warnings are clear, with comments suggesting that entering Gharga may mean not coming back.
Cast: Arun Ramprasad, Saikumar Pudipeddi, Arun Sagar, Sampath Raj
Rahul Dev, Dev Gill, Sravan Raghavendra, Arun Sagar, Mithra
and Rihana Sheik
Director: M Shashidhar
Joined by Pundarika (Arun Sagar), Vikram’s journey swiftly shifts from investigation to immersion. One of the film’s strong points is how it builds tension through suggestion instead of overt horror. Conversations create discomfort, silences feel intentional, and the unfamiliar landscape becomes part of the storytelling.
In mainstream cinema, new actors often bear the pressure of being the film's face. They are meant to shine, dominate scenes, and announce their presence. However, Gharga changes that expectation. Director Shashidhar presents Arun Ramprasad not as a newcomer seeking the spotlight but as a character who blends into the story. In a narrative driven more by mood and mystery than heroism, Arun becomes part of the world rather than its center. This allows Gharga to evolve into a layered, screenplay-driven thriller focused on atmosphere.
Shashidhar’s storytelling emphasises mood and folklore. The narrative unfolds in fragments, weaving together whispered legends, local beliefs, and investigative threads. The village itself becomes the film’s main character. The hidden forest, abandoned homes, and ritualistic imagery together form a richer sense of mystery. Even ordinary places carry a strange stillness, reinforcing the idea that Gharga exists beyond ordinary reality.
The story deepens emotionally and thematically with the arrival of Gajanana Aithal (Sai Kumar). A man torn between faith and violence, Gajanana comes bearing a weapon but is deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. Sai Kumar brings strength and emotional depth, anchoring the film’s shifting narrative. Through his character, the movie tries to uncover the enduring legend of Mahabala Aithal, depicted as both a literary figure and a nearly mythical presence in the village memory. The screenplay avoids oversimplifying this character, keeping the mystery around him alive.
Despite these limitations, Gharga effectively merges crime, folklore, and mythology into an engaging narrative. Fear is built through unease and unanswered questions. The film avoids tidy resolutions, allowing its mysteries to linger. The closing moments signal the beginning of a larger journey, positioning Gharga as an intriguing opening chapter that leaves viewers anticipating what comes next.
The ensemble cast strengthens the narrative flow. Arun Sagar adds intensity with well-timed humour. Sai Kumar brings authority and emotional depth. Mithra and Muni offer steady support, while Rihana stands out in a visually striking song and plays a crucial narrative role. Dev Gill makes a strong impression in a brief appearance, as does Rahul Dev. Sampath’s narration helps connect the layered backstory and guides viewers through the unfolding mystery.
Technically, Gharga is polished and immersive. Cinematographer Guru Prasad Narnad captures the remote landscapes with isolating beauty, deepening the film’s emotional and atmospheric pull. Guru Kiran and RP Patnaik’s background score sustains a lingering unease without overwhelming the narrative, while L Satish Kumar’s sound design heightens immersion, especially in moments where silence becomes a storytelling device. The visual treatment of forests, abandoned structures, and ritualistic symbolism linked to Shiva mythology creates a haunting aesthetic, reinforced by the recurring “Shiva Shiva” musical motif.
The editing sustains narrative momentum despite the film’s layered storytelling. However, Gharga’s commitment to ambiguity becomes a double-edged sword. While the mystery strengthens engagement, certain narrative strands remain deliberately elusive, which may leave some viewers searching for clearer emotional closure.
The film treats fear as a presence rather than a momentary shock, creating unease through atmosphere and unanswered questions. Instead of tying every thread neatly, the story consciously holds back, allowing its mysteries to breathe. The closing moments clearly explains that this journey is only partially complete, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the next chapter. As a standalone first instalment, Gharga thrives on intrigue, morally layered characters, and shifting narrative ground, leaving viewers with anticipation for what unfolds next.