28 Degrees Celsius (2025) Movie Review: A Chilling Romance with a Unique Twist
Directed by Anil Viswanath, starring Naveen Chandra and Shalini Vadnikatti, "28 Degrees Celsius" is a Telugu romantic thriller that hit theaters on April 4, 2025, and began streaming on Amazon Prime Video by April 29, 2025. With a 7.0 rating on IMDb, this film promises a blend of romance, suspense, and an unusual medical premise. Does it deliver on its intriguing concept? Let’s dive into the details.
"28 Degrees Celsius" introduces us to Anjali (Shalini Vadnikatti), a young woman grappling with a rare medical condition following a brain injury: her body temperature must remain precisely at 28°C to survive. This fictional ailment sets the stage for a narrative that’s as much about survival as it is about love. Enter Karthik (Naveen Chandra), who becomes Anjali’s protector, navigating the challenges of her condition while their romance blossoms. Directed by Anil Viswanath, known for the gripping Polimera franchise, the film attempts to weave a thrilling tale of love under pressure, set against the backdrop of a trip to Georgia for Anjali’s treatment. But as mysterious threats emerge, the stakes rise, pulling the couple into a web of danger.
The film’s premise is undeniably its strongest suit. The idea of a life-threatening condition tied to maintaining an exact body temperature is both novel and unsettling, creating an inherent tension that could have been a masterstroke in the hands of a deft storyteller. The narrative begins promisingly, establishing Karthik and Anjali’s relationship with a tenderness that feels genuine. Naveen Chandra, a talented actor known for his versatility in Telugu cinema, brings a quiet intensity to Karthik. His portrayal of a man torn between protecting the woman he loves and confronting external threats is one of the film’s highlights. Chandra’s ability to convey vulnerability and determination through subtle expressions adds depth to a character that could have easily felt one-dimensional.
Shalini Vadnikatti, as Anjali, delivers a mixed performance. While she looks striking in western costumes and handles the emotional beats of her character with sincerity, there’s a disconnect in her portrayal of a “typical Telugu girl,” as noted by some reviews. Her chemistry with Chandra is functional but lacks the spark needed to make their romance truly captivating. This is particularly evident in the film’s more intimate moments, which feel somewhat staged rather than heartfelt. Supporting actors like Abhay Bethiganti, Harsha Chemudu, and V. Jayaprakash add some color to the story, but their roles are underwritten, leaving little room for impact.
Viswanath, who has previously helmed solid thrillers like Polimera and Polimera 2, brings moments of suspense that keep you engaged. The sequences in Georgia, where Karthik and Anjali face challenges from their neighbors, are particularly tense, hinting at the director’s knack for building atmosphere. The cinematography complements these moments, with shadowy interiors and a muted color palette enhancing the film’s moody tone. The scattered papers and chaotic visuals in the promotional imagery, as seen in the OTT Trackers post, are reflective of the film’s attempts to create a sense of disarray and danger.
However, "28 Degrees Celsius" stumbles in its execution. The twists, which should have been the film’s backbone, are neither surprising nor riveting enough to sustain the thriller aspect. As the story progresses, the pacing falters, with subplots involving the couple’s neighbors and external threats feeling contrived rather than organic. The screenplay struggles to balance the romantic and thriller elements, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed. For a film centered on such a high-stakes medical condition, there’s surprisingly little exploration of Anjali’s internal struggle or the science behind her ailment, which could have added depth and authenticity.
The film’s runtime, while not excessive, feels bloated due to repetitive scenes and a lack of narrative momentum. The final act, which should have delivered a gripping climax, instead unravels into predictable territory, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The music, while serviceable, doesn’t elevate the emotional or suspenseful moments as it should, further dampening the film’s impact.
Despite its flaws, "28 Degrees Celsius" isn’t without merit. It’s a film that dares to experiment with an unconventional premise, and for that, it deserves some credit. Fans of Naveen Chandra will appreciate his committed performance, and there are enough thrilling moments to keep you engaged, even if they don’t fully coalesce into a satisfying whole. For those looking for a light, undemanding watch on Amazon Prime Video, it might suffice, but don’t expect a genre-defining masterpiece.
Rating: 3/5
"28 Degrees Celsius" is a film with a fascinating idea that never quite reaches its full potential. It’s a decent one-time watch for thriller enthusiasts but falls short of being the riveting experience it could have been.
"28 Degrees Celsius" is a film with a fascinating idea that never quite reaches its full potential. It’s a decent one-time watch for thriller enthusiasts but falls short of being the riveting experience it could have been.
