Sun Nov 09 01:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:
Summary:
This is a review of the Telugu film “Jatadhara,” a mystical thriller starring Sudheer Babu and Divya Khosla Kumar. The film follows a skeptical ghost hunter named Shiva who falls for an archaeologist and is led to a haunted village where he confronts a demon of wealth (dhana pisachini) and uncovers his family’s dark past. The reviewer finds the film’s premise, though familiar, is poorly executed, with a weak screenplay, uninspired performances, and a regressive narrative that glorifies superstition. The film is criticized for its lack of authenticity, emotional depth, and technical issues, ultimately leaving the viewer questioning the film’s purpose.
News Article:
‘Jatadhara’ Fails to Conjure Thrills, Falls Flat with Familiar Formula
Hyderabad, November 7, 2025 – The Telugu mystical thriller “Jatadhara,” starring Sudheer Babu and Divya Khosla Kumar, has been met with scathing reviews following its release today. The film, directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, attempts to breathe new life into the well-trodden “skeptic-turned-believer” trope, but critics are calling it a major misfire.
The film centers on Shiva (Sudheer Babu), a ghost hunter who doesn’t believe in ghosts, and his journey to a haunted village, where he encounters a “dhana pisachini” (demon of wealth) and grapples with a dark family history. However, the review points to a weak screenplay, a lack of emotional depth, and uninspired performances as major shortcomings.
“Everything that should have worked in the film’s favour… falls flat on its head,” the review in The Hindu states. The screenplay is described as lacking structure, the treatment as generic, and the performances as rehearsed. The film is also criticized for its regressive narrative and the glorification of superstitions.
Sonakshi Sinha, making her Telugu debut, is singled out for particular criticism, with her performance described as bizarre and out of place. Shilpa Shirodkar’s comeback is also deemed a disappointment. Technical issues, including lip-sync problems and poor editing, further compound the film’s woes.
Ultimately, the reviewer questions the film’s purpose, leaving audiences wondering what exactly the filmmakers were trying to achieve. With its tired premise and lackluster execution, “Jatadhara” appears to be another mystical misstep for Telugu cinema.