Drushti Review – A Promising Story, a Wasted Effort

BOTTOM LINE: A promising story, a wasted effort

Rating: 2/5

What Is the Story About?

A freelance photographer Mohan, based in Hyderabad, is arrested for allegedly murdering his apartment neighbour. However, Mohan claims innocence to cops by confessing that he’s only a witness to the murder and is unaware of the killer’s identity. In a bid to prove his sincere motives, Mohan narrates a backstory about his neighbour and the suspicious murder of a child that unravels important clues surrounding the case. Will the cops trust him? Is the suspect the original murderer?

Performances?

Rahul Ravindran, as it was evident in his efforts in the past, proves he is a sincere performer but not someone who can carry an entire film on his shoulders. He is barely convincing in the role of a photographer and doesn’t at all possess the intensity that’s so integral to the thriller genre. And there’s no homework or focus from his end to depict possible traits, mannerisms that are unique to photographers. His Telugu diction isn’t the best in the industry either. In comparison, Pavani Gangireddy fares a lot better. Having done a series of supporting roles in several films, it’s refreshing that a director shows such faith in her abilities as a performer for a full-fledged role and Pavani justifies her presence adequately.

Analysis

Drushti has a decent story, is even reasonably gripping but it is mounted on such a poor scale that it is an insult in the name of a viewing experience. The makers seem to have completely ignored the importance of strong technicality in a film. The production standards are that of a short film, the detailing completely absent. The little clues and finer touches to the filmmaking always lends an edgy quality to thrillers, but the compromise the director and producer have made truly shows in Drushti.

There are too many loose ends in the execution and the acting’s very casual and careless. The photographer role for the lead actor isn’t at all conceived well and the very idea of Mohan zooming into the balconies and windows of his neighbours every night is downright creepy. While coming to the final hour, the justification about the murder of a child owing to a possible insurance money claim is way too simplistic. It only underestimates the intelligence of a viewer.

It wouldn’t be fair to say that the film keeps you guessing but the director sustains the intensity throughout. Though Vennela Kishore’s role is introduced for comical relief, he serves the purpose and doesn’t come in the way of the plot too much. The director balances the comedy and the thriller segments of the film well and doesn’t make the atmosphere too dark. The second hour is the strength of Drushti where there’s never a single dull moment. The twist, though slightly obvious, is handled with maturity. The heroine’s role could have been integrated into the story with more purpose.

Other Artists?

Sathyaprakash plays an investigative cop in Drushti and despite being a familiar name for dark roles in Telugu films, he’s shockingly casual, disinterested in this performance. The dialogue delivery lacks any seriousness and the actor only makes a fool of himself with this act. Ravi Varma as a father to two orphaned children is effective in his limited screen-time. Supporting actress Pramodini, for a change, gets an interesting role with genuine scope to perform and her monologue in the finale is something to watch out for. Vennela Kishore is his usual self, funny and spontaneous, relieving the viewer of the tense dimension of the film.

Music and Other Departments?

Composer Naresh Kumaran is probably the best thing that could have happened to Drushti. His music has the suave quality that the film lacks and even when the narrative’s dull, it’s only because of Naresh’s work that you are invested in the proceedings. The editing is neat and sharp; the teamwork shows while the director and the editor stay true to the story with no unnecessary subplots or cinematic indulgences. The writing is among the better aspects of the film, though the director dilutes the visual impact of a promising script.

Highlights?

Naresh Kumaran’s background score
Reasonable script
Pavani Gangireddy’s performance

Drawbacks?

Amateurish execution
Poor production scale
Weak characterization

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, with reservations

Review by Srivathsan Nadadhur

We’re hiring!

We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.