The internet has become an integral part of daily life, used almost every minute and essential for survival in the modern world. However, beneath its familiar surface lies a darker realm—the elusive and mysterious world of the dark web. Despite widespread awareness, much about it remains in secrecy. Shedding light on this intriguing subject is the recently released film Kapati, directed by Ravikiran and Chethan, and produced by Dayal Padmanabhan, with Sukrutha Wagle in the lead role.
The film opens with two mysterious figures stashing a bag of cash in a grand yet desolate mansion. Once a lively party hub, the house now echoes with silence, home to Priya (Sukrutha Wagle), a fashion designer battling depression, her paralyzed brother, and their alcoholic father—a former national-level cricketer.
Seizing an opportunity, intruders Chakri (Sathvik Krishnan) and Suman (Dev Deviah) take refuge in the abandoned storage room, setting up a hidden web operation. Suman, a nurse recently back from the US, introduces Chakri, a small-time car thief, to the dark web’s violent underbelly. He explains its four stages—starting harmless but escalating to psychological torment and extreme gore. Targeting Priya’s home for their Stage 3 content, they succeed, but greed drives Chakri to push further. As the twisted game unfolds within her own walls, can Priya escape before it’s too late?
The first half of the film builds strong momentum, keeping the audience engaged with a gripping narrative, thrilling elements, and well-paced revelations. The suspense unfolds compellingly, ensuring viewers remain fully invested in the story. However, the second half, which delves into the dark web, rushes through key details too quickly, fizzling out the buildup from earlier. Despite this, the film retains its thriller essence, keeping the audience hooked throughout.
In their debut film, the directors craft a gripping thriller that highlights how the internet, when misused by the mentally disturbed, can lead down a dark path. Despite the intensity of the subject, the film maintains its gripping nature without resorting to excessive gore—a commendable feat, especially since most of the movie is confined to a single location. The tension remains unbroken. However, while it effectively showcases the dangers of the dark web, the climax doesn’t entirely do justice to the film’s premise, undercutting its impact.
The film boasts strong performances that do justice to the story. Sukrutha Wagle, as Priya, delivers a commendable performance, carrying the film effortlessly on her shoulders. Dev Devaiah and Sathvik Krishnan fit their characters perfectly, adding depth to the narrative. On the technical front, Johan Shevanesh’s music plays a crucial role in maintaining intensity, especially in moments that require a thrilling boost. Additionally, cinematography and editing work effectively to keep the film visually engaging and true to its vision.
Kapati sheds light on how technology, while progressive in many ways, also harbors a dark side lurking beneath the surface. For fans of infotainment thrillers, this film offers a fresh take on the dark web, making it a worthwhile watch.
