Title: Mruthyudevathe, Producer: Saraswathi (Varshita Productions), Director: Naveen Mahadeva, Music: Shivaprasad, Cinematography: Anirudh, Cast: Naveen Mahadeva, Vinaya Prasad, Sarika Rao, Himasri, Diana, Mahin, Pavan Shetty, Soorya, and others.
“Duddu Adhikara Odata Ide, Jeeva Mattu Jeevana Alla” (Money and power rule today, not life and humanity) is a powerful statement that appears midway through the film and perfectly reflects the current state of society. Through this message, first-time director Naveen Mahadeva highlights the growing concern of criminals escaping justice through influence and money while morality is pushed aside.
Running for nearly 150 minutes, Mruthyudevathe feels stretched at several points, which works against the film. However, it also contains several commendable moments that deserve appreciation.
The film focuses on how innocent young women become victims of lust-driven men. At the same time, it explores the depth of a mother’s affection and emphasizes that ultimate punishment awaits wrongdoers, even without the intervention of police or political power.
Director Naveen Mahadeva adopts a calm and restrained narrative style, delivering justice at the appropriate moment. The film strongly conveys that those who disrespect women with malicious intentions will eventually face the consequences of their actions. Three lust-driven men and one woman meet tragic ends in the story.
Arathi (Sarika Rao), persuaded by her friend Deepa (Diana), agrees to join an outing with Keshu and Anush. Unaware of the men’s true intentions, the two women embark on the trip. Keshu is Deepa’s boyfriend, while Arathi is in love with Anush.
After arriving at a resort, Deepa is shocked to find Anush in her room. This creates confusion and tension, while Arathi is nowhere to be found. It soon becomes evident that Keshu and Anush planned to exchange their girlfriends during the trip. While Anush succeeds in fulfilling his intentions, Keshu fails to lure Arathi.
The following morning, Arathi leaves on a bicycle ride to fetch a country chicken (“Nati Koli”) for preparing a traditional chicken Saaru. Upon her return, Keshu openly expresses his desire for her. After a struggle, Arathi attempts to escape, falls from a steep hill, and survives without serious injuries. As Keshu and Anush search for her, Deepa’s spirit appears and reveals the suffering she endured, urging Arathi to seek revenge.
Meanwhile, Nati Koli Mahadeva (played by producer-director Naveen Mahadeva), a crafty individual who is also attracted to Arathi’s beauty, enters the picture. Arathi cleverly gains his support in carrying out her mission. What follows forms the climax of Mruthyudevathe.
Sarika Rao, Himasri, and Diana deliver commendable performances in their respective roles. Pavan Shetty makes a strong impression as the villain, while Mahin effectively portrays a timid character. Vinaya Prasad lends dignity and emotional depth to her role as a mother. Naveen Mahadeva appears natural on screen and carries his character with ease.
The title song, “Mruthyudevathe,” stands out for its strength and impact. However, the cinematography could have been more polished and visually engaging.
Despite its slow pace and lengthy runtime, Mruthyudevathe offers a meaningful message and a serene narrative style. For viewers who appreciate quiet, message-oriented cinema with a moral core, the film is worth a watch.
