Nanna Prakara

The 2019 Indian crime thriller Nanna Prakara is a subtle exploration of karma and how the past can directly impact the future. Director Vinay Balaji succeeds at weaving an intricate narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, while also philosophizing about some of life's deepest questions. The title Nanna Prakara translates to "My Version", in which the film intricately marries the concept of differing perspectives and the complexities of human ethos, effectively taking the audience on a thrilling ride.

In the film, screens veteran Priyamani's character, Kushi, is a homemaker leading a standard life oblivious to what fate has in store. On the other hand, Kishore, played by the versatile actor Kishore Kumar G., is a persevering police officer who's been assigned to a case that puts everyone's lives into an unanticipated spin.

Ashok takes up the role of Kenny, a man shrouded in mystery that continually keeps you guessing, while Vaishnavi Chandran, playing the part of Maya, is a woman with a troubled past that moulds her into an anxious and suspicious person in the present day. Niranjan Deshpande's portrayal of a carefree, easy-going character adds an extra dimension to the mix, driving home the point of causality.

Set in the backdrop of a small town, the opening scene follows the gruesome discovery of a dead body all beaten and bloody, which sets in motion the rest of the plot. Each clue leads to more questions as the law enforcement, led by officer Kishore, tries to unravel the mystery. The masterfully crafted storyline maintains its grip on the audience as multiple suspicious characters with intriguing backstories are introduced, each having a viable motive for the murder.

As Kushi navigates through this tempest, the fire in her eyes and the audacity in her spirit catch eyeballs, offering a different perspective of a woman battling personal demons while refusing to succumb to societal binds. Meanwhile, Kishore's careful, methodical police work reveals a character that is both duty-bound and incredibly human, hinting at a past that continues to haunt him. While the characters of Ashok and Vaishnavi add further intrigue and depth to the plot.

The director infuses multiple plot twists, artful use of suspense, cliffhangers and red herrings to keep the audience engaged. With an impressive screenplay that seamlessly transitions between the past and the present, Nanna Prakara builds a story around different perspectives keeping in line with its title and increasing the elusive allure of the mystery.

Every actor passionately embodies their character- from body language to delivery, making each role believable, relatable, and compelling. The brilliant performances subtly bring out the nuances that add to the film’s charm, injecting life into the director's vivid imagination.

Besides the striking performances and the well-executed story, viewer’s are complemented with B. Ajaneesh Loknath's soundtracks and the background score designed to increase the intensity of every scene. The seamless editing, realistic sound effects and vivid cinematography work harmoniously, significantly contributing to the film's raw and authentic feel.

In essence, Nanna Prakara is an intelligent, multi-layered thriller that methodically unravels the mystery, slowly giving the audience glimpses into the truth, while also stressing the philosophy of karma and destiny. The movie as a fine blend of commercial entertainment and philosophical exploration makes it worth a watch for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy pondering on life's complex mysteries. The thrill of the chase combined with the background score and the gripping performances make this film an engaging and entertaining experience, proving it to be a commendable addition to Indian cinema.