Jatadhara (2025) Movie ft. Shilpa, Sudheer, and Sonakshi

Jatadhara arrives as a bilingual supernatural thriller featuring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha, who steps into Telugu cinema for the first time. Directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal helm this project backed by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora. The film also features Divya Khosla Kumar, Shilpa Shirodkar, and Indira Krishna in supporting roles.

Released on November 7, 2025, in both Telugu and Hindi, the film runs for 135 minutes. It draws from legends surrounding Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple, particularly stories about sealed vaults and hidden wealth. The narrative attempts to merge ancient mythology with contemporary thriller elements.

Story

Shiva works as a ghost hunter but ironically doesn’t believe ghosts exist. He visits supposedly haunted locations to debunk supernatural claims. His worldview shifts when he uncovers a troubling family secret – his ancestors conducted a dangerous ritual called Nagabandhanam to locate buried treasures.

This past deed awakens Dhanapisachini, a demon embodying human greed. She now pursues Shiva for a blood sacrifice. The film tries connecting folklore traditions with today’s skepticism but hits roadblocks in execution. The opening half moves sluggishly while the latter portion gets weighed down by lengthy backstory sequences.

Performances

Sudheer Babu approaches his character with genuine commitment. His background in fitness shows during the Shiva Tandavam sequence where he performs demanding choreography. I could see his effort to bring depth to a skeptic who transforms into a believer. Unfortunately, the writing doesn’t support his abilities fully.

Sonakshi Sinha dominates the screen whenever she appears. Playing Dhanapisachini without much dialogue, she relies on body language and fierce expressions. Her costume design featuring dark tones and traditional jewelry works perfectly for the supernatural antagonist. I think her casting proves inspired even if her screen time feels limited for a lead billing.

Positives

The core idea deserves credit for originality. Rather than recycling standard possession plots, this film taps into lesser-explored temple mysteries and regional folklore. The choice to focus on Padmanabhaswamy Temple legends gives the story a unique foundation. Some viewers will appreciate this fresh angle on Indian mythology.

Production values show ambition in places. Certain sequences display grand sets and detailed costumes that transport you into a mythological realm. The filmmakers included authentic ritual chants and practices, adding cultural legitimacy that mainstream films often overlook or simplify.

Negatives

The script presents major hurdles. Scenes jump without logical transitions, leaving me confused about character choices. The romance subplot materializes abruptly – Shiva meets an archaeologist and suddenly they’re deeply in love without any courtship shown. This rushed storytelling damages emotional investment.

Both directors struggle with basic craft. I noticed glaring continuity mistakes and awkward framing that pulled me out of moments. The visual effects look primitive rather than polished, failing to sell the supernatural world. Editing choices create jarring rhythm instead of smooth flow between scenes.

Technical Elements

The film’s technical side disappoints given its scale. VFX sequences appear unfinished, reducing tension during crucial moments. Cinematography misses opportunities to capture the grandeur inherent in temple settings and mythological confrontations. Background score often plays at wrong volumes or emotional registers.

Pacing becomes a serious issue across the 135-minute journey. I felt restless during the extended flashback that dominates the second half. Trimming thirty minutes would improve viewer engagement significantly. Multiple scenes repeat information without adding new dimensions.

Reception

Professional critics delivered harsh verdicts. India Today scored it 1.5 out of 5, observing that individual elements never gel into a coherent whole. News18 went lower with 1 out of 5, describing it as torturous despite its ambitions. The Hindu called out the generic execution and rehearsed-feeling performances.

Some outlets proved more generous. DNA India awarded 4 out of 5 stars, celebrating it as a gutsy attempt at mythological cinema. Firstpost gave 3 out of 5, praising the unique premise while noting editing problems. Audience scores hover around 6.0 on IMDb, suggesting divided public opinion between concept admirers and execution critics.

Rating: 2 out of 5