Kannada Thriller Shikhandi Released on May 15 to Mixed Reviews
On May 15, 2026, the new Kannada paranormal thriller film 'Shikhandi' was released in theatres, drawing mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. The film, which opens its story in a Bengaluru-based real estate office, received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from both film critics and users.
Directed by Gurumurthy V, the movie stars Yuvraj Gowda, Nikhil Maliyakkal, Raj Deepak Shetty, and Khyathei. The narrative attempts to blend elements of commercial drama, horror, and ancient mythology.
The story begins in Bengaluru, where an energetic office setup introduces a team of young architects led by Surya, played by Yuvraj Gowda, and Naveen, played by Vijay Chendur. The team is commissioned to design and build a multispeciality hospital in a remote village in Ballary. The project is funded for Sangeetha, played by Khyathei, who is the daughter of a wealthy doctor and businessman.
As the team relocates to the village, the plot thickens. A romance develops between Surya and Sangeetha, while a subplot involving Sangeetha's father and a rival businessman adds tension. The film introduces an animated mythological sequence about the legend of Shikhandi, an ancient tale of reborn vengeance. The conflict escalates when an orphan clashes with a ruthless man known for unconventional destruction, awakening mysterious powers.
The suspense intensifies when the architects discover an abandoned temple during a trek, leading to a tiger encounter and paranormal disturbances at their accommodation. Critics noted that while the first half of the film is slow to settle into its core plot, the second half is significantly tighter. The introduction of prominent characters played by Raj Deepak Shetty and Bala Rajwadi after the interval helps the film find a consistent rhythm.
While the performances of the fresh-faced cast were praised as decent, the film's technical execution received mixed feedback. Reviewers pointed out that uneven dubbing occasionally detracted from the emotional impact of key scenes. Overall, the film was described as an interesting concept that could have benefited from a tighter screenplay, yet remains a decent one-time watch for fans of the genre.
