User:Askamist/Rakshasa Tantra (film)

Shakhahaari is a 2024 Indian Kannada-langauage murder mystery film written and directed by debutant Sandeep Sunkad and 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.

The movie 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 infolds 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 title of the movie was released by veteran director Yograj Bhat on 29 August 2023. Rangayana Raghu holding ladle in one hand and blooded sickle (Macchu) in the other hand indicates the mystery withheld inside the character in the film. The movie explored a entirely new avatar of Rangayana Raghu which sparked curiosity and interest among people.

Before the release of the movie, Actor 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 album and score were composed by Mayur Ambekallu.

Release and reception
The movie was released on 16 February 2024 to positive reviews with praise for acting of Rangayana Raghu, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Direction and Music. The movie completed 50 days in few centers across Karnataka.


 * Harish Basavarajiah of The Times of India rated the movie 3.5 out of 5 and described it as "A riveting crime thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat".
 * Shashi Prasad of The South First in his review said "Shakhahaari gets a thumbs up for the unique blend of suspense, performances, and the making of it."
 * Pratibha Joy of OTTPlay rated the movie 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 The Indian Express appreciating the director 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 of The 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."
 * Kairam Vaashi of The Galatta Plus in his review described the movie as "With an engaging screenplay and solid performances, this Kannada film is not to be missed"