Overview:

Director: Dhruva Vayu

Producers: Deepti Kondaveeti and Prithvi Yadav (Big Hit Productions)

Starring: Dhruva Vayu, Pragya Nayan, Aadukalam Naren, Sanjay Krishna, Laxman Meesala, Muralidhar Goud

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Plot Summary: Kalinga is set in a cursed Kalinga kingdom where inhabitants are doomed to mutilate and consume their body parts. The story follows Linga (Dhruva Vayu), a village Sara seller, who is in love with Paddu (Pragya Nayan). Linga’s land is seized by a corrupt Patel and his violent brother. To win back his property and marry Paddu, Linga is given a mysterious forest farm, leading him on a treacherous journey. The film delves into treasure hunting, ancient curses, and the dark secrets of the Kalinga kingdom.

Movie Analysis: The film attempts to merge devotional themes with horror in a treasure-hunting narrative. The first half creates suspense with its love story and eerie elements, drawing viewers into the mystery. However, the second half is weakened by excessive narration and a lack of effective scares. Despite a visually impressive climax with strong graphics and music, the storytelling leaves several questions unanswered.

Performances:

Dhruva Vayu: More effective as a director than as the lead actor.

Pragya Nayan: Delivers a charming performance, adding depth to the love story.

Supporting Cast: Aadukalam Naren, Sanjay Krishna, Laxman Meesala, and others provide solid contributions.

Technical Aspects:

Background Music: A highlight, enhancing the film's atmosphere.

Cinematography: Visually striking with effective suspense-building shots.

Dubbing: Occasionally out of sync.

Art Design: The village and jungle sets are well-designed to evoke fear.

Overall Rating: 2.5/5 Kalinga presents an intriguing concept but struggles with execution. It’s a mixed experience for those interested in a horror story with historical elements.