Budugu

Budugu (2015) is an Indian psychological thriller movie that combines elements of suspense, drama, and horror. Directed by Manmohan, this Telugu-language film features Indu Anand, Sreedhar Rao Chennamaneni, and Indraja in lead roles, offering a gripping narrative that captures the audience's imagination through thought-provoking storytelling and intriguing plotlines.

The film revolves around the life of an eight-year-old boy named Budugu, portrayed by child artiste Master Prem Babu. His parents, essayed by Sreedhar Rao Chennamaneni and Indu Anand, are deeply concerned and disturbed by the drastic and unusual behavioral changes in their son's attitude. They are seen going from pillar to post to medical practitioners, seeking professional help to explain the strange alterations in their child's mental and emotional disposition.

As the narrative unfurls, we see the parents grappling with an array of unexplainable incidents and engaging in a gripping search for answers around Budugu's unexpected transformation. Their quest brings them face-to-face with multiple theories and perspectives, underlining the social taboo surrounding mental health in general and the mental well-being of children in particular.

The role of Indraja, who brilliantly plays a psychiatrist in the film, becomes pivotal in understanding the mysterious illness that has struck Budugu. As a professional, she wades through the prejudices and dogmas that the parents have, bringing in a rational and scientific approach to tackle the issue at hand. The plot traces her interactions with Budugu and the numerous secrets it unearths.

"Budugu" is a cinematic examination of the relationship between nature and nurture. Dominated by the underlying themes of psychological disturbances and supernatural intimations, the movie adeptly avoids resorting to cliché horror storytelling. Instead, it keeps the audience engaged with a flawlessly woven mix of emotions, drama, and suspense. It unriddles the true essence of circumstances that are sometimes mistaken to be supernatural phenomenons.

The movie stands out for its compelling performances, especially by Indu Anand and Sreedhar Rao Chennamaneni, due to their convincing portrayal of angst-ridden parents. The compelling performance of Master Prem Babu as Budugu deserves a special mention. He effortlessly slips into the character of an innocent child dealing with a psychological issue, delivering a mature performance that defies his age.

The writing of the movie takes a special bend towards understanding mental health issues, making a powerful commentary on parental anxiousness, the social stigma associated with psychological disorders, and the importance of professional help. The viewers are made to navigate the labyrinth of the human psyche, thanks to the gripping script and skillful direction.

The movie also excels in the technical department. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the tension, the drama, and the unsettling eeriness effectively. The beautiful imagery further accentuates the suspense. The sound design and the background score perfectly complement the shifting moods of the story, thus enhancing the overall narrative of the movie.

On the whole, Budugu offers a well-composed tale of mystery, introducing the audience to the often unexplored genre of psychological horror. It is an engrossing movie that challenges typical horror movie stereotypes and provides a plausible scientific explanation to misunderstood phenomena. The film stirs up a powerful dialog around mental health concerns, especially in children, as it provides an engaging, suspense-filled ride to the audience. Watch Budugu for its gripping plot, exceptional performances, and the layers it unravels about the complexities of the human mind.