Review: “Shivam Bhaje” – A Mystery with Silly Twists!

“Shivam Bhaje” is a film directed by Apsar and produced by Maheshwar Reddy Mooli, starring Ashwin Babu in the lead role. The movie has hit the screens today. Let’s delve into the review and see how well it has managed to entertain the audience!

Story:

Chandu (Ashwin Babu) is a loan recovery agent who collects money from defaulters. During one of his assignments, he encounters Shailaja (Digangana Suryavanshi) and falls in love with her. She works in a chemical lab. However, Chandu loses his eyesight in a fight. Through a dramatic turn of events and the grace of Lord Shiva, Chandu undergoes eye surgery. With his new eyes, Chandu starts seeing various visions. Who did the eyes originally belong to? What do these visions reveal? How does Chandu use Lord Shiva’s blessings? And what role does a dog named Dogra play in all this? These questions form the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

• This mysterious thriller, rooted in devotional themes, features some emotional scenes and thrilling moments.
• The climax twist is quite unexpected.
• The crime drama, though uneven, has interesting elements, particularly in certain suspenseful scenes.
• Ashwin Babu delivers a solid performance as Chandu, while Digangana Suryavanshi excels in her role as the heroine.
• Arbaaz Khan impresses as a serious police officer.
• Hyper Adi’s comedic timing and mannerisms add value, and Brahmaji shines in his role.
• Supporting actors Sai Dhina, Murali Sharma, Tulsi, and others do justice to their roles.
• Director Apsar’s main plot is engaging, and the backdrop of an enemy attack adds depth to the drama.

Minus Points:

• Despite an intriguing crime drama premise, the narrative becomes simplistic at times.
• The main plot, despite its devotional angle, is straightforward and lacks complexity.
• The murder track is weak and could have used a stronger motive.
• Some scenes in the first half are unimpressive, and Ashwin Babu’s character lacks the expected depth of emotion after receiving new eyes.
• The film’s increased dramatic elements diminish its natural feel, and the romance between Ashwin Babu and Digangana Suryavanshi falls flat.

  

Technical Department:

• Director Apsar falls short in effectively treating this devotional suspense thriller, and the crime track needs better writing.
• Dasharathi Shivendra’s cinematography is commendable, especially in the second half’s key scenes.
• Vikas Badisa’s music is adequate.
• Chota K. Prasad’s editing is notable.
• Producer Maheshwar Reddy’s production values are impressive.

Verdict:

“Shivam Bhaje” is a devotional suspense thriller with some thrilling elements. However, its slow narrative pace, lack of engaging elements in the first half, and unnecessary scenes detract from its overall impact. Consequently, the film fails to connect with the audience as expected.