Shakhahaari

Shakhahaari is a 2024 Indian Kannada-langauage murder mystery film written and directed by debutant Sandeep Sunkad. The film features Rangayana Raghu, Gopalakrishna deshpande, Vinay UJ and Nidhi Hegde in the lead roles. The film's score and soundtrack is composed by Mayur Ambekallu while Vishwajith Rao handled the cinematography and editing by Shashank Narayana.

The film was released on 16 February 2024. The film opened to positive reviews from critics and audience.

Plot
When the lives of some innocent people start getting intertwined in unforeseen situations they find themselves trapped in a murder mystery. This mysterious butchery unfolds in a vegetarian restaurant run by a virtuous Chef Subbanna.

Cast

 * Rangayana Raghu as Chef Subbana Bhat
 * Gopalkrishna Deshpande as Police Inspector
 * Vinay Uj as Vijay
 * Nidhi Hegde as Saugandhika
 * Sujay Shastry as Shastry
 * Prathima Nayak as Inspector Mamtha Kini
 * Harini Srikanth as Subhadra
 * Shreesharsha Gobhatt as Harsha

Production
The film explored a entirely new avatar of Rangayana Raghu which sparked curiosity and interest among people.

Before the release of the film, Rangayana Raghu was awarded with the title of "Abhinayaasura" by the team in the presence of Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar and Duniya Suri for his contribution in the past 35 years.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack and background score for the film was composed by Mayur Ambekallu in his debut.

Theatrical
Shakhahaari was theatrically released in India on 16 February 2024 and received positive reviews from critics as well as audience. The film had competed 50 day run in selected theatres in Bengaluru.

Home media
The film was available for digital streaming in US and UK on Amazon Prime Video from 22 May 2024. In India it started streaming from 23 May 2024.

Reception
The film received positive reviews with praise for acting of Rangayana Raghu, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, direction and music.

Harish Basavarajiah of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and described it as "A riveting crime thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat". Pratibha Joy of OTTPlay rated the film 3.5/5 and wrote "Rangayana Raghu and Gopalkrishna Deshpande excel in film that oscillates between thriller and love story" Vivek M.V of The Hindu in his review said "While faltering near the end, director Sandeep Sunkad makes a promising debut with ‘Shakhahaari’, a film that puts two vulnerable characters in the middle of a murder mystery." A Sharadhaa of Cinema Express appreciating the director and wrote "Director Sandeep’s debut film may seem deceptive to those who have watched it, but he has executed the movie with precision, gradually building momentum as the story unfolds." Sujay B M of Deccan Herald in his review said "Despite its flaws, ‘Shakhahaari’ is worth a watch for its creative plot carried effectively on Raghu’s able shoulders."