Maadeva movie review: Action packed emotional content

Review: In a non-linear narrative style screenplay, the character of ‘Maadeva’ is gradually revealed. Maadeva (played by Vinod Prabhakar) is an executioner at the Abbalagere Central Prison, responsible for hanging convicts. He is portrayed as an emotionless, speechless man—almost like a wild beast or a living corpse. There’s a story within the story explaining why he became this way.

In the very prison where Maadeva works, Parvati’s (Sonal’s) mother is an inmate. In an attempt to help her mother, Parvati approaches Maadeva, and through her interaction, she transforms him back into a human being. As the story progresses, this same Maadeva becomes a demon. That is the essence of the film.

Set in the 1970s–80s, the film successfully captures the atmosphere of that era. The VFX visuals support this setting effectively. The director’s decision to cast the hero in the role of a hangman is an unconventional and unique idea. However, in certain parts—especially during the action sequences—the film resorts to familiar tropes. Two fight scenes in particular feel unnecessarily stretched, which lengthens the runtime and tests the audience’s patience.

As Maadeva, Vinod Prabhakar delivers a compelling performance. Though his character is immersed in a story centered around fights, Vinod manages to showcase the strength of his acting through this role. He shines in portraying complex emotional layers. Across the entire film, he has only about four to five minutes of dialogue, yet he expresses powerfully through his eyes and body language, presenting himself in a completely new avatar. He especially stands out in the emotional scenes. The transformation of Maadeva into a demon in the climax is effectively depicted.

Shruti, who had previously taken on a character unlike her usual roles in ‘Bhajarangi 2’, plays a similarly unique role in ‘Maadeva’, and she utilizes the opportunity well. Srinagara Kitty, who plays the villain, could have had a stronger character arc—the writing of his role could have been more robust. Sonal does justice to her part. The ‘Robert’ film pair (Vinod and Sonal) looks appealing on screen together. The song ‘Edeli Tangaali’ is well-composed and pleasant.