Title: Operation Raavan: A Crime Thriller That Promised Fire but Fizzled Out
In the vast universe of Telugu cinema, thrillers have always found a loyal audience — especially when laced with suspense, mystery, and a dash of investigative journalism. Operation Raavan entered the scene with the right ingredients: a compelling premise, a young journalist protagonist, and a trail of chilling murders. But did it deliver the gripping ride it promised? Let’s break it down.
The Plot: Dark Secrets and Daring Journalism
At the heart of Operation Raavan is Anand Sriram (played by Rakshit Atluri), a determined young journalist who joins TV45. Under the mentorship of the sharp and seasoned Aamani (Sangeerthana Vipin), Anand dives headfirst into exposing the murky dealings of a corrupt minister.
Just when the exposé gains traction, the story takes a sharp turn — a series of brides-to-be are murdered in cold blood. What initially seemed like a political scandal slowly reveals a deeper, more sinister plot. The trail leads Anand to Jeevitha (played by Radhika Sarathkumar), a mysterious woman connected to the string of killings.
Sounds juicy, right? On paper, absolutely. On screen? Not quite.
What Worked
1. The Premise: The setup had potential. A journalist-turned-investigator tracking a killer targeting brides while fighting political pressure? Count us in.
2. Performances: Rakshit Atluri carries much of the film’s emotional weight, and Sangeerthana Vipin provides strong support. Radhika Sarathkumar adds intrigue, although her role could’ve been more layered.
3. Visuals & Music: Cinematography by Nani Chamidisetty does justice to the noir-ish atmosphere the film attempts to create. The music by Saravana Vasudevan occasionally amps up the tension, though it often struggles to match the film’s pace.
Where It Faltered
1. Flat Execution: The biggest issue with Operation Raavan lies in its storytelling. The film sets up a thrilling premise but doesn’t maintain the momentum. Pacing issues and lack of character development drag it down.
2. Lack of Suspense: For a whodunit, the suspense never quite builds. Key twists are either predictable or poorly timed, and the final reveal lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impact.
3. Emotional Disconnect: Despite dealing with heavy themes — murder, trauma, power abuse — the film struggles to connect emotionally with the audience. We’re watching the mystery unfold, but never quite feeling it.
Final Thoughts
Operation Raavan is one of those films that leaves you rooting for what it could have been. It had all the elements of a solid thriller but lacked the polish, depth, and tension required to make it stand out in an already competitive genre.
That said, Rakshit Atluri’s performance is commendable, and for fans of slow-burn thrillers with a local flavor, it might still be worth a watch — just keep expectations in check.
