Odela 2 Movie Review: A Supernatural Thriller That Struggles to Rise Above the Routine
Rating: ⭐1.75/5
Starring: Tamannaah Bhatia, Hebah Patel, Vasishta N. Simha
Director: Ashok Teja
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Overview:
Odela 2, the follow-up to the 2022 OTT release Odela Railway Station, arrives with hopes of delivering a gripping supernatural tale. With Tamannaah Bhatia taking the spiritual lead and Sampath Nandi penning the story, the film aims to explore good vs evil in a divine setting. Unfortunately, despite its potential, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Plot:
Set in the village of Odela, the story kicks off with the villagers sealing away the corpse of Tirupathi (Vasishta N. Simha), a brutal criminal responsible for a series of heinous crimes. Six months later, his spirit returns with vengeance, bringing a new wave of terror, especially targeting women. In desperation, the villagers summon Bhairavi (Tamannaah Bhatia), a mystical Shiva Shakti who arrives to confront the evil. As secrets about Tirupathi’s death begin to unfold, Bhairavi’s divine battle begins—but is it enough to save Odela?
What Works:
- Vasishta N. Simha puts in a strong performance as the antagonist. His presence during intense moments, especially his confrontations with Tamannaah, adds some weight to the narrative.
- Tamannaah, though entering late, tries to carry the emotional and spiritual core of the film. Her scenes in the final act, including the climax, manage to deliver some impact.
- A few moments stand out, particularly some of the murder sequences and visual representations of Lord Shiva that attempt to bring gravitas to the climax.
Where It Falls Short:
- The storyline is overly simplistic and follows a predictable path without offering any real twists or depth.
- Direction by Ashok Teja feels uneven. The film struggles with pacing, and the screenplay doesn’t build enough tension or atmosphere for a supernatural thriller.
- Tamannaah’s role, while central, lacks the emotional and devotional depth it needed. Some key scenes feel unconvincing due to weak writing.
- Supporting characters, like the one played by Murali Sharma, are underutilized and don’t contribute much to the narrative.
- Songs are placed awkwardly and add to the film’s sluggish pace, making it feel longer than it actually is.
Technical Aspects:
- Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score offers a few eerie notes but fails to elevate key moments.
- Cinematography by Soundararajan is basic, and editing by Avinash needed to be crisper—several scenes could have been trimmed.
- The visual effects are inconsistent and lack finesse, weakening the supernatural elements the film relies on.
Final Verdict:
Odela 2 tries to be a gripping spiritual thriller but ends up being a tedious watch. Despite some earnest performances and a few engaging moments, the film lacks the narrative strength and emotional core needed to make a lasting impact. It’s a marginal step up from its predecessor, but not enough to recommend unless you’re a die-hard fan of the genre.
Rating: ⭐1.75/5
