Athiratha

Title: Athiratha
Release Year: 2017
Director: Mahesh Babu
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 140 minutes
Rating: 3/5

Cast:

Actor	Role
Chethan Kumar	Akash
Latha Hegde	Vandana
Kabir Duhan Singh	Ranjeet
Avinash	Akash’s mentor
Sadhu Kokila	Comic Relief

Introduction

Kannada cinema has been delivering a mix of socially relevant stories and action-packed entertainers. “Athiratha,” directed by Mahesh Babu, is a 2017 action thriller that attempts to marry these elements. With Chethan Kumar in the lead, the movie dives into a journalist’s battle against corruption while weaving romance and humor into the storyline. It promises a mix of adrenaline-pumping action and emotional drama, but does it succeed in striking the right balance?

Spoiler-Free Synopsis

Akash, a fearless and ambitious journalist, stumbles upon a dangerous conspiracy involving politicians and corporate bigwigs. His investigation into the corrupt system places him and his loved ones in grave danger. As he battles powerful enemies, Akash’s resolve to expose the truth is tested at every turn. Can he emerge victorious and bring justice to the oppressed?

Story and Themes

“Athiratha” builds its foundation on themes of justice, corruption, and the power of journalism.

• Core Plot: The story explores a journalist’s moral duty to uncover the truth, despite personal risks.
• Social Commentary: The film raises questions about the unchecked power of influential figures and the role of the media in holding them accountable.
• Action and Revenge: It’s also a tale of perseverance, with action sequences underlining the protagonist’s journey.

While the premise is compelling, the execution feels formulaic. The narrative treads familiar ground, making the twists predictable for seasoned viewers of the genre.

Direction and Vision

Mahesh Babu’s directorial approach leans heavily on commercial elements. He integrates action, drama, and romance to cater to a wide audience. While the intent to address societal issues is commendable, the screenplay lacks depth and focus. The pacing is uneven, with a few gripping sequences interspersed with slow-moving, cliched moments.

The director also emphasizes visually striking action sequences, which keep the audience engaged but sometimes overshadow the story’s emotional beats.

Performances

• Chethan Kumar as Akash: Chethan delivers a sincere performance, convincingly portraying a determined journalist. His intensity during action sequences and emotional scenes is noteworthy.
• Latha Hegde as Vandana: As Akash’s love interest, Vandana adds charm to the narrative but has limited character development.
• Kabir Duhan Singh as Ranjeet: Kabir excels as the menacing antagonist, bringing gravitas to his role.
• Avinash: His role as Akash’s mentor provides a grounding presence and adds emotional depth.
• Sadhu Kokila: The comedian offers moments of levity, ensuring the narrative doesn’t become overly serious.

Cinematography and Visuals

Jai Anand’s cinematography is a strong point of the film. The camera work in action sequences, especially the car chases and combat scenes, is visually impressive. The use of lighting and color complements the gritty tone of the story. However, the visuals sometimes feel overly stylized, taking away from the realism of the narrative.

Music and Sound Design

The music by Emil Mohammad blends well with the film’s mood.

• Songs: While a couple of tracks stand out, the overall album lacks memorability.
• Background Score: The background music enhances the tension in critical moments but becomes repetitive during prolonged action scenes.

Production Journey and Behind-the-Scenes

• The film was shot on a moderate budget, with a significant portion allocated to elaborate action sequences.
• Chethan Kumar performed several stunts himself, including a high-speed car chase that required extensive preparation.
• The movie marks Latha Hegde’s debut in Kannada cinema, with the actress undergoing training to adapt to the language and local acting style.

Box Office Performance

Athiratha had a moderate box office performance, appealing mostly to fans of action thrillers.

• Net Collection in India: ₹5 crore
• Worldwide Gross: ₹7 crore

The film struggled to gain traction among wider audiences due to mixed reviews and its predictable storyline.

Critical Reception

Critics had mixed opinions about “Athiratha.”

• Praised for: Lead performances, action choreography, and cinematography.
• Criticized for: Weak script, cliched story, and uneven pacing.

Ratings:

• IMDb: 6.1/10
• Audience Score: Mixed reviews.

Notable Quotes:

• “A decent attempt at blending action and social issues, but it falls short of being impactful.” – Times of India
• “Chethan Kumar shines in a film that otherwise feels predictable and formulaic.” – Deccan Herald

Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Social media highlighted Chethan Kumar’s performance and the film’s action sequences. Fans appreciated its message on corruption, though many expressed disappointment with the lack of novelty in the script.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• This film marked the Kannada debut of Latha Hegde.
• The car chase sequence was filmed over five days, with Chethan performing stunts without a body double.
• Kabir Duhan Singh took inspiration from real-life incidents to portray his character’s ruthlessness.

Comparison and Cultural Impact

When compared to other Kannada action thrillers like “Ugramm” or “K.G.F,” Athiratha doesn’t match their finesse or narrative depth. However, it makes an earnest attempt to address societal issues, which resonates with certain sections of the audience. Its impact remains limited to being a one-time watch.

Conclusion and Recommendation

“Athiratha” is a sincere effort at combining action with a socially relevant theme. While it doesn’t break new ground, it offers moments of thrill and drama. Chethan Kumar’s performance and the film’s visuals stand out, but the lackluster script and cliched execution hold it back.

Recommendation:
Watch Athiratha if you enjoy action-packed films with a message, but don’t expect a groundbreaking narrative. It’s a decent one-time watch for fans of Chethan Kumar and the action thriller genre.