Sudheer Babu is known for experimenting with different genres in his career, and Jatadhara continues that trend. Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, this supernatural thriller features Shilpa Shirodkar and Sonakshi Sinha in pivotal roles. The film, which blends horror and mysticism, hit theatres today.

Plot Summary

Shiva (Sudheer Babu), a middle-class young man, works a regular job but is deeply fascinated by disproving the existence of ghosts. To put an end to such myths, he frequently visits haunted places, much to the worry of his parents—especially because they fear he might venture into a mysterious village called Rudraram.

Shiva is haunted by recurring dreams of a mother attempting to stab her infant. Curious about these dreams, he tries to uncover their meaning. Despite his parents and his girlfriend Sitara’s repeated warnings, Shiva secretly continues his investigations.

Meanwhile, Neelakantha Shastri (Shubhalekha Sudhakar), a priest close to Shiva’s family, senses danger to Shiva’s life. Around the same time, Shiva visits Rudraram, where a friend of his dies under suspicious circumstances. He learns that a treasure-hunting ritual conducted with a sorcerer has awakened Dhana Pishaachi (Sonakshi Sinha), a vengeful spirit guarding hidden riches. Determined to uncover the truth behind these events, Shiva dives deeper into the mystery. What is the secret of Dhana Pishaachi? What connects it to Shiva’s dreams? The rest of the story reveals these answers.

Analysis

Stories involving ghosts, treasures, and divine interventions often intrigue audiences. Jatadhara tries to combine all three but struggles to deliver them convincingly. The film has all the right ingredients—a mythological backdrop, a demonic spirit, and a hero confronting supernatural forces—but lacks emotional depth and narrative coherence.

The screenplay often confuses rather than engages. Shiva’s decisions and their connections to the “Ashtalingas of Arunachalam” are poorly explained, leaving viewers lost. Some mythological elements, like Lord Shiva descending from Kailash to control the demon, come across as unintentionally comical.

The flashback sequence takes too long and slows the film’s pace. The climax, instead of building intensity, feels staged and disconnected. The fight with Dhana Pishaachi and sudden shifts in tone make the film inconsistent and unconvincing.

Performances

Sudheer Babu performs with sincerity, but the weak writing limits his impact. Sonakshi Sinha’s presence as Dhana Pishaachi is striking, but her role lacks depth. Shilpa Shirodkar and Divya Khosla Kumar do justice to their limited parts. Shubhalekha Sudhakar stands out in his brief role as Neelakantha Shastri. However, better characterization and dialogue could have elevated the emotional engagement.

Technical Aspects

Cinematography by Sameer Kalyani is adequate, and Rajeev Raj’s background score adds some tension but isn’t memorable. Editing by Karthik Srinivas feels uneven, with several scenes dragging unnecessarily. The visual effects, particularly during the climactic sequences, appear rushed and lack polish. More attention to design elements—especially the appearance of the sorcerers and the spirit—could have improved the film’s appeal.

Final Verdict

Jatadhara carries a powerful title and an intriguing premise involving treasures, spirits, and divine energy. However, the film fails to translate its potential into a gripping experience due to inconsistent storytelling, lack of emotional depth, and confusing execution. Despite Sudheer Babu’s efforts, Jatadhara ends up being a missed opportunity.