Satyam Rajesh stepped into the limelight as a leading man with “Ma Uri Polimera,” which made its debut on OTT platforms to widespread acclaim. The subsequent installment, “Maa OoriPolimera 2,” hit theaters last year and swiftly soared to blockbuster status. Establishing himself as a hero, Satyam Rajesh carved out a distinct persona. Now, with his latest outing “Tenant,” he returns to the screen, inviting audiences to witness if he can secure a hat-trick of successes.
Tenant Story: Gautham (played by Satyam Rajesh) starts as a content software engineer, finding love and marrying Sandhya (portrayed by Megha Chowdhury), his second daughter. Their family thrives initially, but turmoil sets in, leading to a rift. Tragically, Sandhya passes away, prompting Gautham to dispose of her body clandestinely by immolation. Is Gautham culpable for Sandhya’s demise? What drove him to such drastic measures against his beloved wife? Alternatively, could he be innocent? Delve into the mystery behind Sandhya’s death and Gautham’s actions in “Tenant” to uncover the truth.
Performances: Satyam Rajesh delivers a solid performance in “Tenant,” particularly shining in emotional sequences, showcasing his adeptness at conveying sentiments through expressions, despite limited dialogue. However, some viewers may feel that his character could have been further developed for added depth. Megha Chaudhary captivates with both her looks and acting prowess, particularly standing out in the song “Na Kathalo” with her poignant expressions. Ester Noronha impresses as the police officer, showcasing growth from her previous roles.
Chandana Payyavula’s portrayal evokes emotion, demonstrating commendable acting skills. Bharat Kant’s portrayal of Rishi is acceptable, while Anchor Chandu excels in his role, bringing justice to his character. Ramya Ponduri‘s portrayal of Kavya’s duplicitous nature is satisfactory. Overall, the ensemble cast fits their respective roles well, contributing to the movie’s cohesion and effectiveness.
Technical Aspects: Director Y. Yugandhar effectively highlights the societal failure to protect women in his film. While he adeptly handles suspense in the first half, the portrayal of injustice toward both couples simultaneously in the latter half elongates the narrative, albeit still conveying the intended message effectively. Cinematographer GeminJomAyaneth excels in capturing rich frames, ensuring a visually engaging experience throughout. Sahitya Sagar’s music enhances the film’s appeal, with even a single song proving enjoyable to both listen to and watch. The production values complement the story seamlessly, contributing to the overall coherence and impact of the film.
Analysis: “Tenant” presents a compelling premise, offering a unique viewing experience that prompts introspection. Watching it without preconceptions can elicit a distinct emotional response and stimulate thought. With a concise runtime of just ninety minutes, it’s worth considering a trip to the theaters this weekend to explore the film’s message and impact firsthand.
Verdict: The murder mystery thriller serves as the primary draw for viewers, captivating them with its engaging screenplay. This aspect remains the focal point of the movie. Throughout, anticipation builds, withholding twists until the very end, ensuring a consistently thrilling experience.
The director skillfully navigates the narrative, keeping audiences guessing until the final moments. The second half proves even more intriguing than the first, culminating in a highly emotional climax. The film aims to convey a message of vigilance to its audience, particularly to newcomers in the genre.
Bottom Line: Murder Suspense thriller still captivates with its fresh moments.
Rating: 2.5/5