Telugu horror thriller Kishkindhapuri with Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead roles was released on 12th September 2025. Helmed by Kaushik Pegallapati and produced by Sahu Garapati, the movie was supported by a feeling of confidence in its content such that the team secured premieres in the Telugu states on a paid basis prior to the release of the movie. The initial reception of the audiences has been generally favorable praising some aspects and criticizing its shortcomings.
Having the rating of 2.75/5, Kishkindhapuri provides a fair experience to horror fans but fails to impress because of the common plot twists and a standard outbreak. We will take a closer look at the film.
Narration: Ghost Tours Turns into a Nightmare
It is the tale of Raghav (Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas) and Mythili (Anupama Parameswaran), two passionate ghost tour guides in the creepy town of Kishkindhapuri. Their work is to take the tourists to deserted areas and recount to them scary tales to cause excitement.
The fright begins when Raghav and his team go to an old deserted radio station named Suvarna Maya. In this case, the creepy tales that they share in the story come into reality when a ghost begins assaulting and killing the tourists. The story next switches to the desperate attempts by Raghav to protect the visitors and find out the sad story of the ghost.
Superstition, fear, and emotional trauma are brought up in the film, but the general plot is sufficiently banal horror.
Performances: Excellent Lead With Room to Improve
Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas has confidence in the shoulders of the film. His description of Raghav explains the combination of the excitement and the fright very well. His last scenes when the stakes rise high present some character traits of their own, although some of his acting could have been stiffer.
Mythili, the lead female character is portrayed by Anupama Parameswaran and is the caring and anxious woman. Her performance is not too demanding yet she provides what is needed and she matches the main actor.
The characters that support it, such as Tanikella Bharani, Prema, Hyper Aadi, Sudarshan, Makarand Deshpande and Srikanth Iyyengar, give the story some spices. Although some of the characters are not used properly, their acting is sufficient and natural.
Direction and Screenplay: Old Story, New Wrap
Even though the storyline is not completely novel, the direction of Kaushik Pegallapati makes it well rooted. The introduction of the setting and the first ten minutes create an introduction of Raghav to the routine ghost tours, but the introduction of the hero is generic. The tourist gang scenes introduce a little light humour but they do not create an impact.
The film’s thrills are uneven. The first scare scenes are not as sharp as they should be, and the attacks of the ghost cannot always produce the tension that viewers are seeking. But in the course of the story, this is altered. The turning point is around the time when Raghav finds out the painful past of the ghost and takes the risk.
The second part explores more emotional aspects, particularly, the feeling of motherhood associated with the past of the ghost. These scenes are moving and give gravity to the horror story. Although the climax is emotionally fulfilling, it seems predictable and lacks the chance of making a more vivid final impression.
Technical: Music and Visuals in the Support of the Story
Background music by Chaitan Bharadwaj helps uplift certain scenes of the film, particularly in moments of emotional narration and in creepy scenes. The sound design produces the atmosphere of spookiness despite some thrills beginning to seem selectable.
The graphics are done in an adequate manner with low lighting and practical effects contributed to the atmosphere. The settings of the abandoned places are appropriately creepy, but the visual impact of the appearance of the ghost is not that strong to provide a high-impact horror scene.
The screenplay is also enjoyed by the balanced combination of the elements of humor and horror, but there are some moments when the moods shift rather abruptly.
What Works in Kishkindhapuri
Positives:
- An inviting system that creates interest.
- The back story of the ghost is emotional.
- Some honestly exciting scenes.
- Good background score of Chaitan Bharadwaj.
The best aspects of the film are the initial set up, and emotional moments, in particular, when the back story develops. These aspects render it a viewing experience to horror film seekers who want to feel some sentiment as well.
Where the Film Falls Short
Negatives:
- Introductions and poor characterization of heroes in the first half.
- Incident of dullness in most of the startling scenes.
- Foreseeable climax which is lost in tension.
- Forced and unnatural comedy scenes.
The lack of strengths is chiefly caused by the slowness of the movie in some scenes and the inability to maximize on horror. There are sequences and attempts to make jokes and jokes do not fit the theatrical mood.
Final Review: A Horror to Watch with Beats It Has
Kishkindhapuri might not revolutionize the genre of horror; however, it provides a good experience to the viewers who would want to combine thrills and emotions. The acting, especially that of Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, keeps the movie in touch and the storyline provides scares with a touch of humanism.
The end of the film could have been more powerful, and even some horror aspects are not impressing, but its narrative style and emotional scenes provide it with a sufficient amount of weight to amuse the audience.
Provided that you are fond of horror thrillers with sentimental undertones, and you do not mind a few cliches, Kishkindhapuri is worth viewing.
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