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  • Amit Jadhav

Calling Sahasra (2023) Movie Review: Haunting Quest for Identity and Rescue



Have you ever received a call from a stranger, your phone pulsating with a message meant for someone else? That's the unsettling and intriguing premise of "Calling Sahasra," a Telugu thriller that weaves a web of mystery, personal demons, and the indomitable human spirit.


Ajay Srivastav, played with soulful intensity by Sudhir, is a software engineer haunted by the unsolved disappearance of his sister. His pain manifests in "Rescue," an app he builds to empower women in distress. But fate, it seems, has other plans. Swathi (Dollysha) enters his life, offering solace and a chance at normalcy. Yet, Sara's ghost lingers, whispering through cryptic messages and a haunting name: Sahasra.


Who is Sahasra? Is she a figment of Ajay's fractured mind, or someone inextricably linked to his sister's fate? This question becomes the driving force of the narrative, propelling Ajay through a labyrinth of phone calls, coded clues, and encounters with shadowy figures lurking in the dark web.


Director Arun Vikkiraala builds suspense meticulously, layering red herrings and cliffhangers with the deftness of a seasoned magician. The narrative, like a puzzle box, slowly reveals its secrets, keeping you guessing until the final, heart-stopping twist.


"Calling Sahasra" transcends the confines of a simple thriller. It's a meditation on loss, the elusive nature of identity, and the power of technology to both empower and entrap. Ajay's quest for Sahasra mirrors his own desperate search for closure, for meaning in the face of unspeakable tragedy.


Sudhir delivers a nuanced performance, conveying Ajay's trauma and determination with equal measure. Dollysha's Swathi provides a grounded counterpoint, her warmth and unwavering support a beacon of hope in Ajay's storm-tossed world. While the film's pacing dips slightly in the middle, the climax more than compensates, packing a visceral punch that lingers long after the credits roll.


Calling Sahasra is a haunting and thought-provoking thriller that will stay with you long after the final scene. With its superb performances, intricate plot, and timely themes, it's a film that demands to be seen and discussed. So, answer the call and delve into the mystery of Sahasra. You might just discover something about yourself along the way.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of 5 stars

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