Bhaagamathie (2018) is a Telugu-language Indian supernatural thriller film directed by G. Ashok. The film stars Anushka Shetty in the titular role, alongside a supporting cast including Jayaram, Unni Mukundan, and Asha Sharath. It's notable for its strong female lead and its blend of horror, suspense, and political intrigue.
The plot centers around Chanchala (Anushka Shetty), an IAS officer who is arrested on charges of corruption and taken to an old, dilapidated mansion for interrogation. This mansion, Bhaagamathie, is infamous for its haunted history, and Chanchala soon finds herself entangled in the supernatural events surrounding the place. She experiences visions and flashbacks, revealing a dark past connected to the mansion's previous inhabitants and a tragic tale of injustice and betrayal.
The narrative cleverly unfolds through a series of flashbacks and hallucinations, gradually piecing together the mystery of Chanchala's involvement and the mansion's haunted legacy. The film expertly uses jump scares and suspenseful sequences to build a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. However, it also incorporates elements of social commentary, exploring themes of oppression, political corruption, and the abuse of power.
Anushka Shetty delivers a powerful performance as Chanchala, convincingly portraying her vulnerability, resilience, and the gradual unraveling of her sanity as she confronts the supernatural forces and her own buried memories. The supporting cast provides adequate support, although the focus firmly remains on Anushka's character arc. While the film excels in creating a chilling atmosphere and maintaining suspense, some might find the plot's pacing uneven in places, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag on slightly. The supernatural elements, while effectively utilized, are also somewhat predictable for seasoned horror viewers. However, the film's overall effectiveness lies in its compelling narrative structure, strong central performance, and successful blending of genres. Bhaagamathie garnered significant critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing itself as a noteworthy film in the Telugu horror genre and showcasing Anushka Shetty's versatility as an actress.
