Adbhutham is a 2021 Telugu-language sci-fi romantic drama, starring Teja Sajja and Shivani Rajashekar in the lead roles. Directed by Mallik Ram, this film attempts to blend romance with science fiction, offering a unique take on love and destiny.
The movie was released on Disney+ Hotstar instead of a theatrical release, making it one of the most anticipated direct-to-OTT films of 2021. The intriguing concept, combined with an emotional love story, made it stand out from conventional Telugu romantic dramas.
But did Adbhutham succeed in delivering an engaging, innovative cinematic experience? In this detailed review, we analyze the storyline, performances, IMDb rating, budget, and box office performance to determine if it lived up to expectations.
Adbhutham – Storyline & Plot Analysis
The film introduces us to Surya (played by Teja Sajja) and Vennela (played by Shivani Rajashekar), two individuals who are complete strangers yet connected by an unusual phenomenon.
Both of them happen to have the same phone number, and one day, they accidentally start communicating through messages. However, as they continue to chat and get to know each other, they discover an astonishing twist—they are living in two different timelines!
Surya is in 2019, while Vennela is in 2020, creating a time paradox that forms the crux of the film. Their connection becomes more than just a coincidence, leading to unanswered mysteries, emotional struggles, and a gripping sci-fi romance.
The film cleverly plays with fate, time travel elements, and love, making it more than just a typical romantic film. While the first half focuses on their growing bond and lighthearted moments, the second half delves deeper into suspense, drama, and an emotional climax.
Adbhutham Cast & Performances
Lead Cast
- Teja Sajja as Surya – Teja delivers a strong, natural performance, making his character relatable and engaging. His screen presence, expressions, and emotional depth enhance the film’s impact.
- Shivani Rajashekar as Vennela – Shivani, in her debut, plays her role convincingly. While some of her emotional sequences could have been more refined, her charm and chemistry with Teja make her performance effective.
Supporting Cast
- Sathya as the comic relief – He plays Surya’s friend and adds humor to the film, lightening the intensity of the storyline.
- Tulasi as Vennela’s mother – She portrays a caring yet worried mother, adding emotional weight to the film.
- Shivaji Raja and others – They play minor but significant roles, contributing to the film’s dramatic elements.
Overall, the performances in Adbhutham are commendable, with Teja Sajja leading the film strongly. However, Shivani Rajashekar’s performance could have been more nuanced, especially in emotional scenes.
Direction, Screenplay, and Cinematography
Direction
Director Mallik Ram does a decent job in blending romance with sci-fi elements. While the concept is intriguing, the execution feels slightly inconsistent at times. Some portions of the film drag, especially in the second half, affecting its overall pacing.
Screenplay
The screenplay is innovative, but the time-travel aspect feels loosely explained. The first half is engaging and entertaining, but the climax could have been more impactful. Certain predictable moments reduce the suspense, making it less thrilling than expected.
Cinematography
Cinematographer Vidya Sagar Chinta ensures that the film looks visually appealing. The color grading, framing, and transition between timelines are well-executed, making the sci-fi elements more immersive.
Music and Background Score
Music
The film’s music is composed by Radhan, and it plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth.
Notable Songs
- “Ninne Nenila” – A soulful romantic track that beautifully captures the growing connection between the lead pair.
- “Chitti Adugu” – A heart-touching song with melodious tunes.
Background Score
Radhan’s background score is one of the film’s highlights. The mysterious, thrilling, and emotional moments are amplified by the music, making the sci-fi narrative more compelling.
IMDb Rating
Upon its release, Adbhutham received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its unique concept but criticism for its execution and pacing issues.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Critics: Appreciated the concept and performances but felt the screenplay could have been sharper.
- Audience Response: Many viewers loved the sci-fi romance element but felt some parts were predictable.
Budget & Box Office Performance
Budget
The estimated budget of Adbhutham was around ₹5-7 crore, making it a moderate-budget film.
Box Office Collection
Since the film was released directly on Disney+ Hotstar, it did not have a traditional box office performance. However, based on its viewership numbers and streaming reception, it can be considered a moderate success.
- Digital Rights Sold For: ₹8-10 crore (approx.)
- OTT Reception: Good viewership, especially among Telugu audiences.
Had it released in theaters, Adbhutham might have faced challenges due to its niche sci-fi theme but could have gained traction based on word-of-mouth.
OTT Release and Digital Reception
The OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar helped the film reach a wider audience. Many viewers who enjoy sci-fi romance appreciated the film’s concept, performances, and visuals.
On streaming platforms, Adbhutham performed better than expected, proving that sci-fi and romance can work well in Telugu cinema when executed properly.
Conclusion
Adbhutham attempts something new in Telugu cinema, blending science fiction with romance. While not perfect, it’s a commendable effort that offers an engaging watch for OTT audiences.