Show Time (2025) Movie Review: A Telugu Crime Thriller That Struggles to Grip
Introduction
"Show Time," a Telugu crime thriller released on July 4, 2025, directed by Madhan Dakshinamurthy, attempts to weave a tense narrative around an accidental death and a clash of egos. Starring Naveen Chandra, Kamakshi Bhaskarla, V.K. Naresh, and Raja Ravindra, the film promises a high-stakes legal showdown but falls short due to its sluggish pacing and uneven execution. With a runtime of 108 minutes, it is available for streaming on Sun NXT and Airtel Xstream Play. This article delves into the film’s plot, performances, strengths, and shortcomings, offering a balanced perspective on its impact.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Surya (Naveen Chandra), a hot-headed gym trainer, who finds himself at odds with Lakshmi Kanth (Raja Ravindra), an ambitious and crooked police officer. The narrative kicks off with Surya and his wife Shanti (Kamakshi Bhaskarla) hosting a lively late-night family gathering, which draws the ire of the police for creating a nuisance. A confrontation with Lakshmi Kanth escalates into an unexpected scuffle, resulting in an accidental death that only Surya, Shanti, and their family lawyer Varada Rajulu (V.K. Naresh) know about. As Surya seeks to protect Shanti from criminal charges, the family is drawn into a web of lies, guilt, and paranoia, while Lakshmi Kanth relentlessly asserts his authority. The film unfolds over a single night, aiming for a slow-burn thriller vibe but often stumbles in maintaining momentum.
Performances
Naveen Chandra delivers a commendable performance as Surya, capturing the intensity and desperation of a man caught in a moral and legal quagmire. His ability to portray raw emotion aligns well with the film’s crime-thriller roots, making him a standout. Kamakshi Bhaskarla holds her own as Shanti, bringing depth to a character grappling with guilt and fear, though her role feels underutilized. V.K. Naresh provides solid support as the lawyer, adding a layer of calm pragmatism, while Raja Ravindra’s portrayal of the antagonistic cop is suitably menacing but occasionally veers into caricature. The ensemble cast performs admirably, but the script’s limitations prevent them from fully elevating the material.
Strengths
Concept and Premise: The idea of a single-night crime thriller centered on an accidental death and an ego-driven conflict is intriguing and has potential for high tension. The minimalistic setup, inspired by films like Ayyappanum Koshiyum, suits a low-budget production.
Acting: The performances, particularly by Naveen Chandra and Kamakshi Bhaskarla, are a highlight, injecting life into an otherwise lackluster narrative.
Cinematography and Music: T. Vinod Raja’s cinematography captures the claustrophobic tension of the night setting, while Sekhar Chandra’s background score complements the thriller elements, though it’s not particularly memorable.
Shortcomings
Pacing and Screenplay: The film’s most glaring flaw is its sluggish pacing and meandering screenplay. Scenes like the prolonged antakshari sequence or Surya’s extended phone call about food arrangements feel unnecessary and derail the narrative’s momentum. Reviewers have noted that the 108-minute runtime feels stretched, with trivial moments diluting the suspense.
Lack of Engagement: Despite its promising premise, the story fails to evoke curiosity or thrill. The screenplay lacks depth, and the climax feels underwhelming, with some describing it as “lazy” or “funny” rather than impactful.
Amateurish Execution: While the concept is solid, the execution is inconsistent. The storytelling lacks the polish needed to maintain audience engagement, and the suspense often feels forced or ineffective.
Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews. The Hindu praises Naveen Chandra’s performance but criticizes the amateurish execution and loose ends, noting that the film feels tiresome despite its short runtime. Times of India gives it a 3-star rating, recommending it for fans of slow-burn thrillers but acknowledging its stretched screenplay. On BookMyShow, audience reactions are polarized, with some calling it a “time waste” and others appreciating the climax’s humor, though not its overall impact. Posts on X echo this sentiment, describing the film as “partly funny and partly silly,” with limited suspense. IMDb reviews highlight disappointment in the laggy screenplay and lack of narrative progression, giving it a middling 5.0 rating.
Streaming and Accessibility
"Show Time" is available for streaming in HD on Sun NXT (as of July 25, 2025) and Airtel Xstream Play. It is presented in Telugu with subtitles, catering to a regional audience but accessible to thriller enthusiasts globally.
Verdict
"Show Time" is a film with a promising concept but falters in its execution. While Naveen Chandra and the cast deliver strong performances, the slow pacing, stretched screenplay, and lack of gripping suspense make it a one-time watch at best. It may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow-burn crime thrillers or are fans of the lead actors, but it doesn’t live up to its potential. For those seeking a taut, engaging thriller, "Show Time" flatters to deceive, offering moments of intrigue but ultimately leaving audiences wanting more.
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