“Atharva,” the latest crime investigation drama revolving around the Clues team, is a captivating Telugu box office sensation. Directed by Mahesh Reddy and featuring talented actors like Karthik Raju, Simran Chaudhary, and Ayraa Jain, the film exudes confidence and promises an exhilarating experience for viewers. Produced by Subhash Nutalapati’s Peggo Entertainments, “Atharva” has already generated significant buzz before its December 1 premiere.

The story of “Atharva” follows Karna, a determined aspiring investigator who is passionate about solving murder mysteries. Despite his asthma hindering his dreams of joining the police force, Karna’s friends push him to apply for a detective position in the Clues team. With his exceptional intellect, he unravels a theft case, impressing everyone around him. When faced with his college friend Nitya, a crime reporter, Karna struggles with revealing his feelings. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Nitya’s friend Joshni, a popular film star, and her boyfriend Shiva are tragically shot. The police hastily conclude that Shiva is the culprit due to insufficient evidence, but Nitya believes otherwise. Encouraged by Nitya, Karna embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, delving into the backgrounds of Joshni and Shiva to solve the mystery of their murders.

Karthik Raju delivers an unforgettable performance as a Clues team investigator, showcasing a wide range of emotions with confidence. Simran Chaudhary’s talent shines through, although it could have been better utilized. Ayraa Jain’s portrayal of Joshni, the film star, is commendable and adds depth to the story. The supporting cast maintains a strong presence, contributing to the overall quality of the performances.

One of the major strengths of “Atharva” is its fast-paced screenplay, ensuring that viewers are constantly engaged. The interval and climax sequences are particularly impactful, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The film expertly incorporates unexpected twists, further enhancing the viewing experience.

While there are some minor flaws, “Atharva” remains a compelling crime investigation thriller. Director Mahesh Reddy deserves praise for his unique approach, focusing on the efforts of a Clues team officer rather than relying on conventional leads. The film successfully sustains its intrigue, making it an ideal choice for repeat viewings. Although the initial pace of the first half may be gradual, it effectively sets the foundation for the plot and builds tension around a robbery case. The murder of Joshni introduces a captivating twist right before the interval, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

While some narrative choices may appear overly dramatic or preachy, they do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the film. The second half may start off slightly slow, but it quickly regains momentum, delivering intense and exciting sequences leading up to the climax. The screenplay maintains a rapid pace and surprises viewers with unexpected twists. In the concluding scenes, the narrative expertly weaves together previously introduced elements, setting the stage for the eagerly awaited sequel, “Atharva 2.” Director Mahesh Reddy’s skillful storytelling techniques leave a positive impact on the audience, reminiscent of the reception to Viswak Sen’s “Hit: The First Case.”

From a technical standpoint, “Atharva” excels. The KCPD song in the first half provides entertainment, while Charan Madhavanei’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s mood. Sri Charan Pakala’s songs are enjoyable, but it is the background score that truly stands out, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. The sharp and crisp editing, particularly noticeable in the second half, contributes to the film’s impact.

Despite its flaws, “Atharva” begins strongly and maintains its momentum with a fast-paced screenplay and an unpredictable climax. It is a thrilling and intriguing thriller that ultimately succeeds, surpassing its exaggerated sequences to deliver an entertaining experience.

In conclusion, “Atharva” is a confident and well-executed film that promises an exhilarating ride for crime thriller enthusiasts. With its captivating story, solid performances, and technical prowess, “Atharva” proves to be a must-watch for Telugu cinema lovers.

Cinemirchi.com Rating 3/5