Jatadhara FIRST Review: Is Sonakshi Sinha, Sudheer Babu's Supernatural Thriller Worth Your Time? Read

Jatadhara FIRST Review: Jatadhara, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu, is a gripping supernatural thriller that blends mythology, faith, and science. Set around ancient rituals, it offers a rare mix of mystery, emotion, and visual grandeur

Image Credit : X/Zee Studios

A Mythological Journey Beyond Science

Jatadhara, produced by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora, stands out as a rare Indian supernatural mythological thriller that dives deep into the world of rituals, faith, and unseen energies. Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, the film explores the delicate balance between belief and logic, humanity and divinity. Set against the haunting beauty of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the story integrates real Tantric practices and chants, offering an authenticity seldom seen in mainstream cinema. From its very first frame, the film captures viewers with hypnotic visuals and an eerie sense of awe, making it both real and surreal at once.

Image Credit : X/Zee Studios

Power-Packed Performances and Character Depth

Sudheer Babu delivers one of his finest performances as Shiva, a rational ghost hunter whose journey from skepticism to divine awakening forms the emotional core of the story. His role combines intensity, intellect, and emotion in equal measure. Sonakshi Sinha, in her Telugu debut, leaves a strong impact as Dhana Pisaachi—a spirit consumed by greed and sorrow. Her portrayal brings out the duality of terror and compassion, culminating in a powerful transformation sequence that defines the film. Divya Khossla shines as Sitara, while Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna lend maturity and gravitas to their roles. The ensemble cast, including Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudhakar, strengthens the film’s realistic undertones.

Image Credit : X/Zee Studios

Storytelling Rooted in Rituals and Symbolism

Writer Venkat Kalyan crafts a screenplay centered around the mysterious ritual Pisacha Bandhanam, blending ancient spirituality with a contemporary narrative style. The dialogues by Sai Krishna Karne and Shyam Babu Meriga are thoughtful and purposeful, enhancing the film’s emotional and philosophical layers. The film avoids unnecessary exposition, maintaining a balance between introspection and cinematic drama. Each twist in the story is grounded in Indian spiritual tradition, giving the film a distinct mythic rhythm.

Image Credit : X/Zee Studios

Visual Grandeur and Musical Soul

Cinematographer Sameer Kalyani paints every frame like a mystical canvas—dimly lit temple corridors, flickering lamps, and ritualistic dances create an immersive atmosphere. The VFX work deserves special mention, particularly in Dhana Pisaachi’s transformation scenes that are both terrifying and beautiful. Rajiv Raj’s music adds a spiritual pulse, seamlessly merging classical ragas with modern sounds. Tracks such as “Shiva Stotram” and “Pallo Latke Again” enhance the emotional landscape, while the background score elevates the film’s climactic tension. Choreographer Sandeep’s temple dance sequences and Sudheer Babu’s martial-arts-infused action scenes bring an intense visual rhythm to the narrative.

Image Credit : X/Zee Studios

Final Verdict

Jatadhara is an ambitious and visually stunning film that dares to merge spirituality with spectacle. With commanding performances, meticulous detailing, and a script rooted in ancient beliefs, the film succeeds in being both entertaining and thought-provoking—a cinematic experience that celebrates the mystical and the meaningful.