Raakaasa Movie REVIEW | Deeksha Sharma

Overview of New OTT Film on Netflix

Introduction to the Film

• The film is a horror thriller with elements of dark comedy, featuring a unique blend of genres: 5% horror, 5% black magic, 20% mythology, 30% suspense, and 40% comedy.

• It hints at a storyline involving death but presents it in a way that elicits laughter from the audience.

Inspiration and Background

• The title "Raksha" suggests its thematic content; however, the story's roots are much older—approximately 500 years.

• The narrative draws inspiration from two classic Telugu horror films: "Veerupaksha," known for its intense scares, and "Kishkindha Puri," which features unique ghost presentations not found in Hollywood.

Plot Summary

Main Character's Journey

• A man returns to his village after many years because his ex-lover is about to marry someone else; he resorts to black magic to stop the wedding.

• The female lead appears innocent but is actually a practitioner of tantra who can control others through her powers. She remains unaware of the village's curse stemming from events that occurred 500 years ago near a haunted fort.

Conflict and Themes

• The protagonist’s use of black magic awakens an ancient demon hidden within the fort, leading to unexpected consequences for both him and the villagers.

• A shocking twist reveals connections between this comedic tale and human sacrifice (Narbali), adding depth to what initially seems like light-hearted entertainment.

Cinematic Elements

Visual Style and Effects

• Despite being marketed as a horror film, it employs special effects reminiscent of childhood cartoon series rather than traditional scare tactics; ghosts do not play a significant role in frightening viewers.

• The film cleverly integrates historical scenes involving kings and queens that help maintain its credibility despite its comedic focus on horror situations.

Audience Reception

• Viewers may find themselves sympathizing with characters they initially perceive as antagonists by the climax due to unexpected plot developments. However, humor overshadows genuine fear throughout most scenes.

Final Thoughts

Overall Impression

• While entertaining with suspenseful storytelling elements, critics suggest it lacks serious engagement during horror moments since the lead character does not exhibit fear himself; thus diminishing viewer tension levels.

• Rated as a one-time watch with two-and-a-half stars out of five primarily for its story rather than any standout performances or scares; recommended for those interested in suspenseful narratives rather than pure horror experiences.

Availability

• The film has been released on Netflix in multiple languages but requires patience for Hindi dubbing; subtitles are available immediately for viewing enjoyment.