Colors Swathi and Naveen Chandra-starrer Telugu film "Tripura", released on 6 March, has got mixed reviews and average ratings from film critics.
Directed by Raj Kiran, this horror comedy is about a village belle named Tripura (Swathi) whose weird dreams come true in real life. Her dad approaches a psychiatrist (Naveen Chandra) for her treatment. Tripura falls in love with Naveen and marries him. What happens one day when Tripura sees herself killing Naveen with a knife in her dream forms the rest of the story.
Critics say "Tripura" has an interesting story, but its dragging and lengthy screenplay mars its beauty. Colors Swathi and Naveen Chandra have delivered good performances, but Sapthagiri, JP, Dhanraj and Shakalaka Shankar steal the show with their comic timing.
"Tripura" has good production values, and the background score and cinematography stand tall on the technical front, add the critics. The film has garnered an average rating of 2.25 out of 5 stars. We bring you some critics' verdicts on the film. Continue to read Tripura movie review roundup:
Tripura is a half-baked horror-comedy banking more on Sapthagiri, JP, Dhanraj and Shakalaka Shankar than on the substantive characters.
Tripura has some interesting moments here and there. Swathi's performance, the concept and climax are basis assets. But it is the narration which drags the film way too long and spoils the gripping concept. All those who like suspense thrillers will end up liking it but for the rest it is just an below average affair and can watch this film if they have nothing else to do.
Director Raaja has not worked on the script keeping the dream concept in mind. There are many such subjects of spooky revenge and he has not able to catch the freshness in sequences. It is not good enough for a film to rely on lead actors and thin storyline for the audience to come to theatres. There should be tight screenplay and feel good narration, which was lacking in the case of Tripura. On the whole, Tripura - quite an impressive storyline is vitiated by an unimpressive screenplay.
Tripura surely has some intriguing elements such as dreams coming to life, a haunted house, an unsolved murder mystery etc. Problem lies in the screenplay that is pathetic at best. So many elements are thrown in to the film and none of them makes an impact. There is horror, there is comedy and there is suspense that should keep you on the edge of your seat.
The strength of the movie is that the director keeps the suspense element till the end effectively. Also the comedy spoof of Shakalaka Shankar as a wannabe star is funny. Colors Swathi and Naveen Chandra with their acting hold some interest too. Here and there the film offers some interesting moments but it is not gripping throughout because of its regular story and screenplay. Lengthy runtime also tests the patience. All in all, Tripura will work for those who don't expect much novelty and who enjoy comedy.
