Review by: Chetan Nadiger
Film: Tatsama Tadbhava
Produced by: Pannaga Bharana, Spurthi Anil and Chethan Nanjundaiah
Directed by: Vishal Athreya
Starring: Meghana Raj, Prajwal Devaraj, Balaji Manohar, Aravind Iyer, Shruthi and others
When the trailer of ‘Tatsama Tadbhava’ the debut film by director Vishal Athreya was released, it attracted the attention of the viewers for two main reasons. First of all, it was Meghana Raj Sarja’s comeback film following her pregnancy hiatus and the other, Prajwal Devaraj’s portrayal of the cop character. Meghana and Prajwal are indeed the main reasons to watch the film.
‘Tatsama Tadbhava’ is a story which is broken up into five segments. The film tells the story of Arika (Meghana Raj) filing a missing complaint of her husband Sanjay (who remains anonymous through out the film). Arika says she and her husband had an argument after which she left the house and when returned back, he is nowhere to be seen. Inspector Aravind Ashwatthama (Prajwal Devaraj) starts investigating the case in various aspects. After two days it is found that Sanjay’s dead body is indeed in the cellar of the house. Who has killed Sanjay and for what reason? Forms the crux of the film.
‘Tatsama Tadbhava’ is not a simple whodunit murder mystery but a complicated psychological thriller with various twists and turns. The audience along with the cop may come to the conclusion about who the killer is? But proving the killer or solving the crime is not that easy. It is one of those films that needs to be watched from beginning to end; every single word, every single movement, even the tiniest detail tells a story.
Vishal Athreya has indeed written an intelligent script, but is not for commoners. The film is not only multi layered but also very complicated in terms of storytelling. The film is narrated in two different time zones, one in 2004 and in the current scenario. Though the film might look fresh, the common audience may find it difficult to understand. But what makes the film watchable are the only two reasons, Meghana and Prajwal.
Though Meghana Raj Sarja serves as the main focus of the story around which the rest of the cast revolves, Prajwal is seen in one of his most impactful roles to date. Unlike other cop roles, there are no one liners or action sequences for Prajwal. But the actor is a revelation as the smart cop with a strong eye for each and every detail. Meghana looks perfect in the role of Arika. Apart from that Balaji Manohar, Aravind Iyer, Girija Lokesh, Shruthi and others have done their bit. The lullaby song by Vasuki Vaibhav is a treat to hear.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, ‘Tatsama Tadbhava’ is the film for you.
