Jagapathi Babu’s “Simbaa” REVIEW

Story:
Akhila (Anasuya), a devoted teacher and caretaker for her disabled husband, descends into turmoil after inexplicably murdering a stranger. As Police Officer Anurag (Vasishta Simha) and journalist Fazil (Srinath) investigate, Fazil develops a disturbing urge to kill and joins Akhila. Dr. Irani (Aneesh Kuruvilla) soon joins them, resulting in a series of murders. What drives them to these heinous acts? What compels them to kill? The enigmatic environmental activist Purushottam Reddy (Jagapathi Babu) holds the key to their dark transformation. Unravel the unsettling answers by watching the film.

Pros:
“Simbaa” offers a compelling and unique revenge storyline, interweaving themes of cellular and biological memory with a strong environmental message about tree planting. The film captivates by exploring the motivations behind why otherwise good individuals commit heinous acts. Anasuya delivers a standout performance, convincingly portraying both a dedicated teacher and a fierce avenger in her intense action scenes. Jagapathi Babu adds depth to the film with his portrayal of an environmental activist, making his episodes particularly memorable. Vasishta Simha is well-cast as a serious police officer, while Srinath’s role is both impactful and disturbing. Divi makes a notable impression as the heroine, and Aneesh Kuruvilla’s character design is executed with precision. Supporting actors Gautami and Kasturi also contribute effectively to the film’s overall performance.

Cons:
Despite its intriguing concept of biological memory and a valuable environmental message, *Simbaa* struggles with pacing issues and conventional storytelling. Many scenes unfold too slowly, and the film’s treatment of the revenge plot feels somewhat formulaic. The character transformations lack convincing depth, and the rationale behind their drastic actions is inadequately explored. The first half would benefit from a more concise approach, while the second half, particularly the prolonged flashback episodes, seems excessive. Some flashback scenes appear implausible and undermine the film’s credibility. Although the environmental message about tree planting is commendable, it comes across as overly preachy. The inclusion of unnecessary scenes detracts from the emotional core of the revenge drama. Streamlining the narrative and removing less engaging elements could have significantly enhanced the film’s impact.

Technical Aspects:
Although “Simbaa” boasts an impressive concept and message, its storytelling lacks engaging flow. Krishna Saurabh’s music is average, but the cinematography features appealing natural visuals. The editing is well-executed, and production values by Sampath Nandi and Rajender positively contribute to the film’s overall quality. Despite its strong points, the film’s execution doesn’t fully capture its potential impact.

Verdict:
“Simbaa” delivers an emotional revenge drama with a unique concept of biological memory and a significant environmental message. While it features well-executed action and emotional scenes, the slow pacing, missed opportunities in the first half, and some illogical, unnecessary scenes diminish its overall impact. The film’s concept and message are compelling, but the execution falls short, affecting its effectiveness. Despite its strengths, the film may not resonate as strongly due to these shortcomings.

#Rating: 2.75/5

Director: Murali Manohar Reddy
Starring: Jagapathi Babu, Anasuya, Divi, Kasturi, Srinath, and Kabir Singh
Music Director: Krishna Saurabh
Producers: Sampath Nandi, Rajender Samyukta