Ravanasura

A trend in Tollywood is emerging where movies attempt to cover every genre in two hours. They start out as lighthearted comedies, but through a series of micro-deceptions and distortions, they ultimately become dark sagas. The shift in mood typically happens, of course, in the big pre-interval revelation. Das Ki Dhamki was a recent example. Now Ravanasura follows up, with a story that trapezes from an office comedy to a noir, sadistic, action thriller. Does this circus act work? Don't hold your breath.

The movie starts with a gruesome murder. The perpetrator, who is caught on ca....