Dongalunnaru Jagratha

Story: Raju (Sri Simha Koduri), a mechanic married to Neeraja (Preethi Asrani), leads a double life of a thief without her knowledge. The soon-to-be father who steals stereos and valuables from breaking into cars gets into grave trouble when he breaks into a black colour SUV. The owner of the custom-built car, Chakravarthi (Samuthirakani), a doctor, uses it as a trap machine. After all his failed attempts to break free, Raju receives a call from the doctor, who begins to toy with him physically and psychologically. Why did the doctor trap him? Did Raju survive?

Review: Sri Simha Koduri, who is known for his unique films like Mathu Vadalara and Thellavarithe Guruvaram, has once again played a character with a difference. Playing Raju, his initial attempts and the emotions he exhibits to get out of the car would elicit a reaction from the audience. The actual story starts evolving once the doctor enters the scene, talking over a call on the car stereo. The makers have done a fine job keeping the movie short one hour and thirty minutes. Preethi Asrani, as Neeraj, played her part to her limitation, while Samuthirakani, as the doctor, impresses with his voice and screen presence. Srikanth Iyengar plays a supporting role as a police officer. Director Satish Tripura did a fine job evoking emotion from a confined space inside the car. The climax could have been better as it creeps into familiar territory. Music by Kaala Bhairava, cinematography by Yeshwanth C, art direction by Gandhi Nadikudikar and editing by Garry B complemented the narrative.

Inspired by 4x4, an Argentine-Spanish crime thriller Dongalunnaru Jagratha is an interesting attempt in the genre of survival mystery. Directed by Satish Tripura, the film featuring Sri Simha Koduri, Samuthirakani, Srikanth Iyengar, and Preethi Asrani is thought-provoking.