Shikhandi Kannada Movie Review.

#Shikhandi attempts to blend mythology, paranormal horror and revenge drama into a commercial thriller setup, and the film manages to stand out mainly because of its unique core idea. Director Gurumurthy V takes inspiration from the Mahabharata character Shikhandi and builds a supernatural narrative around it, giving the film an identity that feels different from routine horror thrillers in Kannada cinema.

The film begins on a slower note as it takes time establishing the characters and the mysterious world surrounding the abandoned temple and the hidden supernatural forces. While a few comedy portions in the first half fail to land effectively, the narrative gradually gains momentum and becomes far more gripping after the interval. The second half is where the film truly finds its footing, with better suspense, stronger emotional connect and several atmospheric horror moments that keep the audience invested.

Yuvraj Gowda delivers a sincere performance and handles both the emotional and intense portions effectively. Khyathei adds good screen presence and performs her part with conviction. Raj Deepak Shetty brings strong intensity whenever he appears on screen and leaves an impact with his commanding presence, while Bala Rajwadi adds further depth to the film with a solid supporting performance. The supporting cast overall contributes well in maintaining the mysterious tone of the narrative.

One of the major positives of the film is Gurumurthy V’s ambition in attempting something conceptually different. Instead of relying only on jump scares, he tries to blend mythology, folklore and psychological fear into the storytelling. The director also succeeds in creating a few genuinely eerie sequences, especially in the latter half, where the tension and visual atmosphere work effectively. The mythological references are integrated in a way that gives the story added curiosity and emotional weight.

Technically, the background score and production design support the horror mood well, particularly during the supernatural portions. A few visuals and suspense stretches are handled neatly and enhance the theatrical experience. However, the screenplay does feel uneven at times, and the tonal shifts between romance, horror and mythology occasionally affect the narrative flow. Certain scenes could have been crisper for a more immersive impact.

Despite its flaws, #Shikhandi works as a fairly engaging paranormal thriller that offers a fresh mythological angle along with decent performances and effective second half moments. For audiences who enjoy supernatural thrillers rooted in mythology and mystery, the film can turn out to be a satisfactory one time theatrical watch.

Rating – 3.25/5