“Virupaksha”, a spine-tingling cinematic experience, marked its first anniversary recently. Directed by Karthik Varma Dandu and co-written with Sukumar, this film delves into the eerie realms of black magic, supernatural occurrences, and ancestral curses. Let’s revisit the haunting tale that gripped audiences and left them with goosebumps. One Year of Virupaksha marks an electrifying experience of such an intense film.
One Year of Virupaksha:
The story unfolds in the village of Rudravanam in 1979. Venkata Chalapathy and his wife fall victim to the villagers’ wrath, who blame their eerie rituals for multiple deaths. The dying woman curses Rudravanam, setting the stage for destruction within twelve years. Their young son, Bhairava, is spared and grows up in an orphanage.
Fast forward to 1991. Siddhaiah mysteriously disappears after a supernatural crow attack. Anasuyamma, accompanied by her son Surya, returns to Rudravanam to contribute land for a school. Here, love blossoms between Surya and Nandini, the daughter of Sarpanch Harishchandra Prasad. But the village harbors dark secrets.
The Supernatural Unleashed
Siddhaiah, afflicted with a sinister pox, dies in the temple’s inner sanctum—a sacrilege. The head priest declares that the Goddess and her children (the villagers) are desecrated. To prevent further calamity, the village is sealed in eight directions for eight days. Surya, who hasn’t been back in twelve years, reenters Rudravanam to deliver medicine to Nandini. But fate has other plans.
Sudha, Nandini’s close friend, elopes with her lover Kumar. Tragically, Kumar dies, and Sudha meets a gruesome end. The village becomes a battleground of supernatural forces, and Surya must unravel the mystical secrets before it’s too late.
Cast and Reception
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Sai Dharam Tej, Samyuktha, Sunil, Rajeev Kanakala, Brahmaji, Ajay, and Ravi Krishna. Their performances, coupled with atmospheric cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen, added to the film’s eerie charm.
Critics praised “Virupaksha” for its gripping narrative, spine-chilling sequences, and strong characterizations. The film struck a chord with horror enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike. Its box office success—grossing ₹105 crores—solidified its position as a commercial hit.
Legacy and Remake
The impact of “Virupaksha” extends beyond the screen. Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan is set to remake the film, introducing its haunting tale to a new audience.
As we celebrate one year of “Virupaksha”, let’s raise a toast to the filmmakers, cast, and crew who conjured a world of fear and fascination. May the echoes of Rudravanam continue to haunt our memories, reminding us that some mysteries are best left unsolved.