Movie Review: Aghathiyaa (2025)

Aghathiyaa is a well-curated horror-mystery drama that seamlessly blends a mythological tale with a gripping screenplay and visually immersive storytelling. Director Pa Vijay has successfully woven multiple emotions—romance, suspense, betrayal, horror, and family drama—into a cohesive narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Plot Summary

The film follows Agathiyaa (Jiiva), a film production designer who leases an ancient bungalow as a shooting location. However, he soon discovers an eerie mystery surrounding the place. As Agathiyaa delves deeper, he uncovers secrets rooted in history, ultimately leading him on a path to resolve the enigma. The screenplay skillfully navigates between the present and a pre-independence-era flashback, incorporating elements of India’s rich cultural heritage and the legacy of its forefathers.

Direction & Screenplay

Pa Vijay has executed a compelling vision with Aghathiyaa, ensuring that no loose ends are left in the storytelling. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, balancing horror with moments of light humor and emotional depth. The film doesn’t rely solely on jump scares but instead builds an eerie atmosphere through its narrative structure. The mythological and historical elements add depth, making it more than just a conventional horror flick.

Performance & Casting

• Jiiva delivers a solid performance, effectively portraying a man caught between logic and supernatural occurrences. His expressions and screen presence add credibility to the role.
• Arjun Sarjaa is impressive, bringing gravitas to his character. His performance adds intensity, especially in the flashback portions.
• Shah Ra provides comic relief, seamlessly fitting into the narrative without disrupting the film’s eerie undertone.
• Radha Ravi plays a crucial role, lending his experience to heighten the mysterious ambiance.
• Raashi Khanna delivers a convincing performance, adding emotional depth to the story.
• Matylda makes a notable impact, portraying a significant role that adds to the supernatural elements of the film.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography (Dipak Kumar): The visuals capture the haunting beauty of the bungalow, creating an immersive experience. The interplay of light and shadows enhances the film’s horror elements.
• Editing (San Lokesh): The tight editing keeps the suspense intact, ensuring the audience remains engaged without unnecessary drags.
• VFX & Art Direction: The VFX and art teams have done an excellent job in setting the eerie atmosphere. The color grading and visual effects enhance the supernatural elements, making the haunted bungalow feel both realistic and unsettling.

Overall Verdict

Aghathiyaa is a watchable horror thriller that successfully combines mystery, history, and supernatural elements. While it doesn’t break new ground in the horror genre, its well-structured screenplay, strong performances, and atmospheric storytelling make it an engaging watch. The film strikes a balance between tension and light humor, ensuring it appeals to a broad audience.

Final Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)