Raakaasa Movie Review: Sangeeth Sobhan struggles to lift this muddled thriller

Story:Eera Babu aka Veeru (Sangeeth Sobhan), a cheerful NRI, returns to his village from the US to marry his childhood love, only to find her wedding already arranged. After a failed attempt to stop it, he spends a night near a deserted, supposedly cursed fort, only to wake up entangled in a mystery that the village fears.Review:Set against a rural backdrop rooted in age-old traditions, this comedy-fantasy thriller opens with an intriguing mix of humour and light horror. The first half largely works, with jokes and situational comedy keeping the mood easy-going despite a few slow moments. The setup around the cursed fort and the village’s beliefs adds curiosity, even if it leans towards a familiar narrative.Sangeeth Sobhan plays Eera Babu aka Veeru as an unlikely, slightly timid lead, steering away from the typical heroic image. His comic timing works in parts, though it occasionally feels a bit overdone. Nayan Sarika delivers a sincere performance as Subbalakshmi, bringing some emotional grounding, even if her role is largely driven by her affection for Veeru.The second half shifts more firmly into a supernatural thriller space, with the story revealing its core conflict. While this stretch offers a few better comic moments, it also feels predictable, following a well-worn path of curses and sacrifice. The supporting cast, including Tanikella Bharani, Brahmaji and Ashish Vidyarthi, fit their roles well but aren’t given enough to do.Comedy from Getup Srinu and Vennela Kishore stands out, adding some much-needed energy. However, the film doesn’t quite build enough tension or emotional weight to elevate its central idea. The visual effects, crucial to the setting, feel underwhelming and take away from the overall impact.Despite its mix of genres and a few engaging moments, the film settles into a familiar groove. It remains an easy, one-time watch that entertains in parts but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.