Hunt (2024) Movie Review
Director: Mahesh Surapaneni
Starring: Sudheer Babu, Srikanth, Bharath, Manjula Ghattamaneni
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Music: Ghibran
Release Date: Blank
IMDb Rating: Blank
Synopsis
Hunt is a Telugu remake of the Malayalam psychological thriller Mumbai Police. The story follows ACP Arjun (Sudheer Babu), who loses his memory after a tragic accident. As he is tasked with solving a murder mystery, he confronts dark secrets about his past alongside his close friends Commissioner Mohan (Srikanth) and ACP Aryan (Bharath).
Directorial Choices
Mahesh Surapaneni takes a calculated approach in Hunt, using a blend of suspense and emotional depth. His decision to focus on the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, rather than relying on typical action sequences, is commendable. The slow-revealing narrative keeps the audience intrigued while also emphasizing Arjun’s internal struggle. However, certain scenes feel overly drawn out, reducing the film’s pacing.
Influences and Inspirations
Surapaneni’s direction bears influences from classic psychological thrillers, particularly in how tension is built through minimalistic dialogue and eerie silences. The film’s structure mirrors those seen in Kahaani and Ratsasan, where unraveling mysteries are intertwined with character studies. These influences are evident in the deliberate pacing and the complex character dynamics.
Comparison to Previous Works
Compared to Surapaneni’s earlier ventures, Hunt stands out as a more mature and nuanced effort. While his previous films were largely commercial, Hunt sees him experimenting with layered storytelling and a more subdued tone. The evolution in his directorial style is noticeable, particularly in his handling of sensitive themes such as friendship and repressed emotions.
Director’s Signature Elements
Surapaneni’s signature style in Hunt includes long takes, stark close-ups, and a gradual buildup of tension. These elements were present in his previous works but are more refined here. His focus on visual storytelling, coupled with restrained background scores, enhances the unsettling atmosphere. This distinctive style, while appreciated by some, might feel slow to others used to faster-paced thrillers.
Verdict
Hunt is an ambitious attempt that succeeds in delivering a compelling psychological thriller. Mahesh Surapaneni’s direction brings depth to the narrative while exploring complex themes. Though the film may feel a bit slow at times, it is a refreshing change from formulaic commercial cinema. If you appreciate films that prioritize storytelling and character depth over flashy sequences, Hunt is worth your time.
Rating: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: Ratings may vary based on individual perspectives.
FAQs
Q: How is Mahesh Surapaneni’s direction in Hunt?
A: His direction is calculated and focuses on psychological depth, though it can feel slow at times.
Q: Does Hunt borrow from other psychological thrillers?
A: Yes, it draws influences from classics like Kahaani and Ratsasan.
Q: How does Hunt compare to the director’s previous films?
A: It’s more mature, focusing on nuanced storytelling rather than commercial elements.
Q: Are the director’s signature elements evident?
A: Yes, with long takes, close-ups, and tension-building techniques.
Table: Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Depth in storytelling and character arcs | Pacing can feel slow for some audiences |
Mature and nuanced direction | Lacks the mass appeal of commercial cinema |
Refined visual storytelling | Some scenes are overly drawn out |