Raakaasa Review: Sangeeth Sobhan’s Comedy Carries a Familiar Fantasy Ride
Sangeeth Sobhan delivers solid laughs in this fantasy comedy about a mysterious haunted fort, but predictable storytelling and weak music stop Raakaasa from becoming a memorable entertainer.
Cast: Sangeeth Sobhan, Nayan Sarika, Getup Srinu, Tanikella Bharani, Brahmaji, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vennela Kishore, and others.
Director: Manasa Sharma
Producers: Niharika Konidela & Umesh Kumar Bansal
Music: Anudeep Dev
Following the massive success of Committee Kurrollu, producer Niharika Konidela returns with Raakaasa, a comedy-fantasy thriller. Teaming up with the rising star Sangeeth Sobhan and debutant director Manasa Sharma, the film arrived with significant hype. However, in a crowded summer season, does this “monster” tale offer something new, or is it just a ghost of films past?
The Storyline
The plot follows Eera Babu, aka Veeru (Sangeeth Sobhan), who returns from the USA with dreams of marrying his childhood sweetheart, only to find her wedding invited to someone else. After a failed attempt to sabotage the nuptials, a drunken Veeru ends up spending the night at a mysterious, “haunted” fort on the outskirts of his village. His accidental stay triggers a chain of events that forces him to confront local legends, hidden residents, and a dark mystery that has loomed over the village for generations.
Performances
Sangeeth Sobhan: Once again proves he is a natural. His comedic timing, particularly his facial expressions in the second half, carries the film. While he excels here, he is reaching a point where he needs to explore diverse genres to avoid the “comedy-only” label.
The Leading Ladies: Nayan Sarika and Raadhya (in a cameo) provide adequate support, but their characters lack depth. They are unfortunately sidelined by a script that doesn’t give them much to do.
The Comedy Squad: Getup Srinu shines in a full-length role, utilizing his mimicry to salvage thin writing. Vennela Kishore provides much-needed laughs in the latter half. Conversely, Brahmaji is criminally underutilized; a character with his potential deserved much sharper dialogue.
Veterans: Ashish Vidyarthi, Tanikella Bharani, and Annapurnamma add gravity to the film, making the most of their screen time.
Technical Analysis
The technical side is a mixed bag. The Production Design is the star here; the fort set and the intricate props used during the adventure sequences are visually impressive and punch well above their budget. Raju Edurolu’s cinematography captures the atmospheric tension of the second half beautifully.
However, the Music by Anudeep Dev is a letdown. The songs fail to leave an impression, and the background score is frequently overbearing, drowning out the nuance of certain scenes. Anwar Ali’s editing keeps the film lean, ensuring the “déjà vu” feeling doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The Good, The Bad, and The Verdict
High Points
Genuine Humour: When the comedy lands—especially in the first half of the second act—it’s genuinely hilarious.
Sobhan’s Screen Presence: He makes even the most cliché scenes watchable.
Visual Polish: The “adventure” vibe in the fort feels grand despite limited resources.
Low Points
The “Anji” Hangover: The film borrows heavily from the tropes of 2004’s Anji and the recent Shambala, making the “mystery” feel predictable.
The Climax: The decision to give the antagonist a “humane” backstory feels forced and dated. Sometimes, a monster is just a monster, and the emotional pivot here falls flat.
Dated Gags: Jokes regarding “Brahmins and Biryani” in 2026 feel out of touch and uninspired.
Final Thought
Raakaasa is a classic case of “old wine in a shiny new bottle.” While Manasa Sharma shows promise in handling adventure sequences, the writing relies too heavily on established formulas. It is a passable entertainer for those seeking a few laughs this summer, but it lacks the “Raakaasa” (monster) impact it promised.
Bottomline: A routine fantasy ride that survives on Sangeeth Sobhan’s shoulders.
THE SOUTH INDIA TIMES REVIEW
THE SOUTH INDIA TIMES RATING:3.5/5.
