28 Degree Celsius Review

There are very few medical thriller movies in India - we actually need more films in the genre. 28 Degree Celsius is the latest, and is based on a unique condition where an individual will die if the ambient temperature drops below 28-degree Celsius. It was a great idea on paper.

An orphan Karthik (Naveen Chandra) falls in love with his classmate Anjali (Shalini Vadnikatti) while studying in a medical college. The two register their marriage in a court after Anjali's family disapproves of their relationship. One day, Anjali suddenly becomes paralyzed. Upon diagnosis, it is discovered that she has a rare health condition, and must live in an environment where the temperature stays around 28 degrees Celsius.

The medical college arranges for the newlyweds to live and work at a hospital in Georgia, USA - an environment suitable for Anjali's condition, where she can also undergo advanced treatment. However, despite all the ideal arrangements, something goes wrong.

The film starts off well, with many romantic moments that you'll enjoy watching. There is a deep love between the romantic duo - the girl leaves her parents to marry him, and the boy becomes even more devoted to her after he learns about her strange health condition. Their chemistry is palpable on screen.

However, once the couple move to the USA to address her health issues, things begin to go wrong cinematically. The movie introduces several supernatural elements such as spirits, possessions and superstitions - all of which come across as unconvincing. Many characters through whom these elements are portrayed feel underdeveloped and are left hanging.

[Note: Spoilers ahead.]

For example, after Anjali dies, Karthik notices signs of her presence in their apartment - through household items and arrangements. His friends also witness apparitions and believe it's Anjali. Then, a female colleague of Karthik, who harbours feelings for him, senses Anjali's presence. Later, a girl in the neighbourhood appears to be possessed by Anjali. Finally, it's revealed that the neighbourhood girl was obsessed with Karthik and orchestrated everything.

But here lies a major plot hole: while the girl's motive is explained, what about Karthik's friends and his colleague? Why did they pretend or react as if they, too, experienced something supernatural? This is left unresolved, and the movie ends without answering these questions.

Moreover, what begins as a promising medical thriller is derailed by the establishing of the chaotic supernatural elements, then their dismissal, and the ultimate reveal that Anjali's death was, in fact, a murder.

Naveen Chandra delivers a commendable performance as Karthik, effectively portraying the character's emotional turmoil and unwavering commitment to Anjali. Shalini Vadnikatti embodies Anjali with grace. The two share a natural chemistry, and look and act convincingly like real medicos - not the typical filmi versions with obligatory spectacles and lab coats.

Among the supporting cast, Priyadarshi Pulikonda stands out with his impeccable comic timing and unique dialogue delivery that blends Telugu with the Dakhni dialect. In fact, he comes across as funnier than Viva Harsha.

The movie is technically good. The cinematography by Vamsi Patchipulusu captures the essence of the film's diverse settings, from the academic halls of the medical college to the locales of Georgia. The musical score by Shravan Bharadwaj and the background score by Sricharan Pakala enhance the movie's key moments. The editing by Garry B H is coherent and smooth.

It's a pity that despite all that technical opulence 28 Degree Celsius feels boring and confusing, thanks to the convoluted story. Wait for the OTT release, if you are a die-hard romantic.