Movie Title: Bhadrakaali
Director : Arun Prabu
Casting : Vijay Antony, Vaagai Chandrasekar, Sunil Kripalani, Cell Murugan, Trupthi Ravindra, Kiran, Rini Bot, Riya Jithu and Master Keshav and Others
Producer : Vijay Antony
Music Director : Vijay Antony
Cinematographer : Shelley Calist
Editor : Raymond Derrick Crasta
Release Date : Sep 19, 2025
Filmycycle.com Rating : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Bhadrakaali: Engaging political drama (3/5)
Starring Vijay Antony in the lead role, a film titled, Bhadrakaali the Telugu version of the Tamil political thriller Shakthi Thirumagan has raised curiosity among the audience with its promotional content. The film even marks as Vijay Antony’s 25th film as an actor, it has hit the screens on September 19,2025. Let’s Review it.
Synopsis:
Kittu (Vijay Antony), a power broker inside the Secretariat, wields influence that can turn a beggar into a millionaire or reduce a police officer’s rank overnight. Ministers, bureaucrats, and even senior officials lean on him to get things done always at a cost. But Kittu’s carefully built empire begins to unravel when he crosses paths with Abhyankar Shankar (Sunil Kriplani), a shrewd political strategist with his eyes set on the Presidency of India.Soon, a sensational revelation shakes the nation. Kittu is at the center of a staggering ₹6,236 crore scam. The man once seen as indispensable is suddenly branded the enemy. But is Kittu truly a corrupt manipulator? Or is there a larger, hidden game he’s playing? The film peels back layers of power, deception, and ambition to uncover the truth.
Performances:
Vijay Antony plays his part with measured restraint, perfectly suiting the weight of the character. His aide Maruthi (Cell Murugan) injects humor and levity, offsetting the otherwise serious tone.Sunil Kriplani is impressive as the calculating strategist Abhyankar Shankar, his quiet menace and tense face-offs with Vijay Antony adding intensity. The supporting cast makes good use of their limited screen time. Although the character of special officer Ram Pandey is well conceived, ineffective casting diminishes his presence. Tripti Ravindra’s part lacks depth, and the overabundance of supporting characters further clutters the storyline.
Analysis:
The film’s beginning establishes Kittu’s world with conviction, immediately drawing attention to his sway and authority. Director Arun Prabhu builds the premise with intrigue, using sharp, pointed dialogues that keep doubts and curiosity alive. The narrative moves at a brisk pace throughout, unveiling new layers at regular intervals and ensuring sustained engagement.
A few sequences stand out memorably the old man breaking down politics for a child, the shocking scam revelation, and Kittu’s initial rise to power. Thanks to crisp editing, these moments land with impact. On the flip side, though built on a strong foundation, the film isn’t without flaws. Its unrelenting seriousness allows little room for lighter moments or broader commercial appeal. The narrative also requires careful viewing overlooking even minor details can easily lead to confusion.
Technical Department:
Firstly, director Arun Prabhu crafts a politically charged narrative with shades of Shankar’s school of filmmaking. The film remains engaging overall, though a more refined approach in crucial portions could have elevated its effect.
Shelley R. Calist’s visuals complement the mood without being particularly striking, while Raymond Derrick Crasta Dinsa’s taut editing injects urgency. Vijay Antony’s background score maintains a steady tension, and the production values hold up decently.
Verdict:
Altogether, Bhadrakaali unfolds as a political revenge drama sprinkled with a handful of gripping moments. Vijay Antony’s composed performance and select impactful sequences leave an impression, yet the film falters with underwritten portions, an overcrowded character list, and inconsistent execution. Viewers inclined toward political narratives might find certain stretches worthwhile, but for others, it’s best approached with tempered expectations.
