Psych Siddhartha Movie Review:
By anrwriting ✍🏽 Film critic
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
After spending nearly 19 years in the industry as a television anchor and an occasional actor, Sri Nandu takes a decisive step forward with Psych Siddhartha not just as the lead actor, but also as a producer. Despite his long journey, Nandu has been searching for a defining success as an actor, and this film represents a deeply personal attempt to reinvent himself.
Directed by Varun Reddy, Psych Siddhartha drew attention during its promotional phase with its unconventional tone and promise of a fresh cinematic grammar. But does the film live up to that intrigue? Let’s take a closer look.
Story:
Siddhartha Reddy (Sri Nandu) is a man pushed to the brink. Betrayed by the woman he loved deeply, Trisha (Priyanka Srinivas), and deceived by a trusted business partner (Sukesh Reddy), Siddhartha finds himself in utter financial and emotional ruin so much so that he struggles even to pay his rent.
When his life seems directionless and broken beyond repair, Shravya (Yamini Bhaskar) enters his world. What follows is Siddhartha’s psychological and emotional transformation, and the path his life ultimately chooses to take forms the core of the narrative.
Performances:
If there is one clear standout, it is Yamini Bhaskar. In many ways, she emerges as the driving force of the film. Director Varun Reddy designs her character with depth and nuance, and Yamini slips into the role effortlessly. Her performance, especially in scenes where her character grapples with emotional intimacy and vulnerability, is handled with notable maturity and restraint.
Sri Nandu effectively represents the Gen-Z mindset both in attitude and body language. His physical transformation, appearance, and overall demeanor suggest genuine effort and commitment. While the role demands internalized conflict more than overt dramatics, Nandu largely delivers with sincerity.
Priyanka Srinivas is convincing as Trisha, while Narsing, who plays Siddhartha’s friend, has a decent screen presence, though a stronger performer could have elevated the character further. Young actor Pradyumna also leaves a positive impression.
Technical Aspects:
Editor Prateek adopts an unconventional editing style that feels fresh, though at times it borders on being overly experimental. While not always seamless, it undeniably adds a distinct texture to the narrative.
The cinematography leans heavily into an indie aesthetic, with several scenes shot in a guerrilla-style format. This raw visual approach complements the film’s psychological undertones, though it may feel rough to audiences accustomed to polished visuals.
Director Varun Reddy deserves credit for attempting something Telugu cinema has rarely explored. His intention to break away from familiar storytelling formats is evident, and to a large extent, successful. Most commendable is his sensitive handling of child abuse, a subject approached with restraint and responsibility.
By introducing a new cinematic grammar particularly through fourth-wall-breaking sequences Varun Reddy demonstrates creative courage. However, whether this grammar resonates widely remains debatable. Indian theatrical audiences often expect a minimum level of commercial sheen, even in serious films, and Psych Siddhartha deliberately distances itself from that comfort zone.
Analysis :
Generating curiosity through promotions alone is no easy task, and Nandu and his team manage to achieve that partially. The first half, being highly experimental, may not appeal to all sections of the audience. However, the second half compensates with stronger emotional balance and sensitivity.
Verdict:
Overall, Psych Siddhartha is a film that consciously targets viewers seeking novelty and unconventional storytelling. Regular audiences may need patience during the first half, but those who stay invested will find the latter portions emotionally rewarding.
Psych Siddhartha stands as a bold indie attempt that challenges narrative norms. While it may not cater to mainstream tastes, it marks a sincere and courageous step forward for both Sri Nandu and director Varun Reddy.
