Introduction
IIT Krishnamurthy is a 2020 Telugu-language suspense thriller directed by SreeVardhan and produced by Prasad Nekuri. The film stars Dandamudi Pruthvi, Maira Doshi, and Vinay Varma in key roles. Released directly on Amazon Prime Video, IIT Krishnamurthy attempts to blend mystery and thriller elements into a gripping narrative. The story revolves around an IIT student who is on a mission to find his missing uncle, leading to a series of shocking revelations. Despite its intriguing premise, the film received mixed-to-average reviews due to its execution and screenplay.
Honest Review
IIT Krishnamurthy is a suspense thriller that revolves around Krishnamurthy (played by Dandamudi Pruthvi), an IIT Bombay student who returns to Hyderabad in search of his missing uncle. As he investigates the disappearance, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, deception, and mystery. The film tries to keep the audience engaged with its twists and suspenseful moments but falls short in some areas.
The biggest strength of IIT Krishnamurthy is its storyline, which has the potential to be a gripping thriller. The mystery elements are introduced well, and the initial buildup creates curiosity. However, as the film progresses, the screenplay becomes inconsistent. Some of the twists feel predictable, and the pacing is uneven, making certain portions of the movie feel slow.
Dandamudi Pruthvi, in his debut role, delivers a decent performance but lacks the emotional depth required for intense thriller moments. His portrayal of Krishnamurthy is good in certain sequences but appears underwhelming in others. Maira Doshi, who plays the female lead, does a fair job, though her character could have been given more significance. Vinay Varma, who plays a crucial role as an investigative officer, is one of the stronger performers in the film, bringing gravitas to his character.
The cinematography by Naresh Kumaran is commendable, capturing the tension and suspense effectively. The background score adds to the mystery, helping to elevate certain scenes. However, the dialogues lack the impact needed for a strong thriller, making some sequences feel bland. The editing could have been sharper, as some scenes tend to drag without adding much value to the plot.
While the film has moments of intrigue, its second half loses momentum. The suspense builds well in the first half but is let down by a weak climax. The resolution of the mystery does not provide the satisfaction expected from a suspense thriller. Additionally, certain logical loopholes in the script affect the film’s credibility.
Cast
The cast of IIT Krishnamurthy includes a mix of debutants and experienced actors.
- Dandamudi Pruthvi as Krishnamurthy, an IIT student searching for his missing uncle.
- Maira Doshi as Janhavi, Krishnamurthy’s love interest.
- Vinay Varma as the investigative officer, playing a significant role in solving the mystery.
- Satya in a supporting role, adding a comic element to the otherwise serious narrative.
- Ankith Koyya as a key character in the story.
IMDb Rating
IIT Krishnamurthy holds an IMDb rating of 5.7/10, indicating mixed reviews from audiences. While some viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to create a suspenseful thriller, others criticized it for its slow pacing and predictable twists. The film’s rating reflects its potential but also highlights its shortcomings in execution and storytelling.
Budget
The film was made on an estimated budget of ₹3-4 crore, keeping production costs low while focusing on a mystery-driven narrative. The budget constraints are visible in certain aspects, such as the limited number of locations and minimalistic production design. Despite this, the cinematography and technical aspects manage to give the film a decent visual appeal.
Box Office Success
Since IIT Krishnamurthy was released directly on Amazon Prime Video, it did not have a theatrical box office collection. However, the digital streaming rights were reportedly sold for around ₹5-6 crore, ensuring a profitable return for the producers. The film managed to gain decent viewership on the OTT platform, particularly among fans of suspense thrillers. While it did not achieve widespread popularity, it found a niche audience that appreciated its attempt at an investigative thriller.
Final Verdict
IIT Krishnamurthy is a decent attempt at creating a suspense thriller, but its execution falls short of expectations. The film has an interesting premise, but the screenplay and character development weaken its impact. Dandamudi Pruthvi delivers an average performance in his debut, while Vinay Varma stands out as the investigative officer. The cinematography and background score enhance the film’s tension, but the weak dialogues and slow pacing reduce its overall effectiveness. The direct-to-OTT release helped it reach a broader audience, but its mixed reviews prevented it from becoming a standout thriller. If you enjoy mystery-driven stories and are looking for a passable thriller, IIT Krishnamurthy might be worth a one-time watch. However, those expecting a gripping and unpredictable thriller may find it underwhelming.