“Aswathama” (2020) is a Telugu-language action thriller directed by Ramana Teja, featuring Naga Shaurya, who also penned the story. The film centers on Gana (Naga Shaurya), an NRI who returns to India for his sister Priya’s (Sargun Kaur Luthra) wedding. Tragedy strikes when Priya attempts suicide after discovering she’s inexplicably pregnant. Determined to uncover the truth, Gana embarks on an investigation, revealing a series of similar incidents involving young women. His pursuit leads him to a psychopathic antagonist (Jisshu Sengupta) with a sinister agenda. Despite its gripping premise, the film received mixed reviews. Critics praised the intense action sequences and Naga Shaurya’s performance but noted the screenplay’s predictability and lack of emotional depth. The Hindu highlighted the film’s “predictability” and “clichéd tropes,” while Cinema Express pointed out its “choppy editing and inconsistent screenplay.” Overall, “Aswathama” offers a blend of action and suspense but falls short in delivering a compelling thriller experience.
