Vaamana Movie Review - Kannada Movie

Vaamana (2025) Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity in Kannada Cinema

The Kannada film industry, often celebrated for its raw storytelling and powerful performances, has seen its share of highs and lows in 2025. One of the most anticipated releases of the year, Vaamana, directed by debutant Shankar Raman S., hit theaters on April 10, 2025, and has now made its way to PrimeVideo as of May 13, 2025, streaming in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. With a compelling premise centered on vengeance and the influence of past lives, the film promised a gripping action-drama. However, after watching Vaamana, it’s clear that the film falls short of its potential, delivering a disjointed narrative that struggles to balance its ambitious ideas with coherent execution.

Vaamana stars Dhanveerrah (Dhanveer Gowda) as Guna, a man driven by a thirst for revenge against antagonists tied to his past. The official synopsis describes the film as an exploration of “the emotions and lifestyles of ordinary people,” with Guna’s actions shaped by his past life, which reverberates into his present and future. The supporting cast includes seasoned actors like Sampath Raj, Achyuth Kumar, Adithya Menon, and Avinash, with Reeshma Nanaiah marking her first onscreen collaboration with Dhanveerrah. On paper, the setup sounds intriguing—a blend of emotional depth, action, and a touch of mysticism. But in practice, Vaamana stumbles at almost every turn, leaving audiences with a frustrating cinematic experience.

Let’s start with the positives, as there are a few elements worth noting. Dhanveerrah, standing tall at 6’3”, brings a commanding physical presence to the role of Guna. His action sequences, which were heavily praised by Kannada star Darshan Thoogudeepa in an early review, are indeed a highlight. Darshan, who attended a special screening, noted that the first half of the film is packed with “mass elements,” catering to fans of high-octane action. The stunt choreography, particularly in the first half, is well-executed, with Dhanveerrah throwing himself into the fights with conviction. For fans of action-driven cinema, these moments provide some adrenaline-fueled entertainment.

Additionally, the film’s premise had the potential to stand out. The idea of a past life influencing the protagonist’s present actions could have added a layer of depth to the narrative, blending traditional revenge tropes with a more philosophical undertone. The Kannada audience, known for embracing experimental storytelling, might have welcomed such a concept if executed well. Unfortunately, Vaamana fails to capitalize on this intriguing idea, instead getting bogged down by clichés and poor writing.

One of the film’s biggest shortcomings is its screenplay, which feels like a confused mess. The story jumps between timelines and emotional beats without giving the audience enough time to connect with Guna’s journey. Plot holes abound, and the motivations of the characters—particularly the antagonists—remain unclear. The film tries to juggle multiple themes, including family drama, revenge, and the supernatural, but none of these threads are developed with the care they deserve. The result is a narrative that feels disjointed and, at times, incoherent.

The dialogues are another weak point. Many lines come across as cringe-worthy, with over-the-top melodrama that feels out of place in a film aiming for emotional authenticity. For instance, Guna’s monologues about his past life are delivered with such heavy-handedness that they elicit unintentional laughter rather than empathy. This is particularly disappointing because the Kannada industry has produced films with sharp, impactful dialogues in the past—Vaamana simply doesn’t measure up.

Dhanveerrah’s performance, while physically impressive, lacks the emotional depth needed to carry a film of this scale. Critics on IMDb, where the film holds a dismal 3.1/10 rating, have described his acting as “wooden” and “emotionless.” While he shines in the action sequences, his inability to convey the inner turmoil of Guna’s character leaves the audience disconnected from his journey. This is especially evident in the second half, which, according to Darshan, focuses on a “compelling storyline.” Unfortunately, the storyline isn’t compelling enough to salvage the film, and Dhanveerrah’s limited range becomes more apparent as the emotional stakes rise.

The supporting cast, despite featuring talented actors like Sampath Raj and Achyuth Kumar, is underutilized. Their characters lack depth, serving as little more than plot devices to move Guna’s revenge forward. Reeshma Nanaiah, who plays the female lead, is given a role that feels like an afterthought, with her character reduced to a stereotypical love interest with little agency.

Visually, Vaamana is a mixed bag. The cinematography captures some atmospheric moments, particularly in the action sequences, but the overall direction feels lost. Shankar Raman S., who also penned the story, struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The film veers between gritty realism and overblown melodrama, leaving the audience unsure of what it’s trying to be. The background score is serviceable but forgettable, failing to elevate the film’s emotional or action-packed moments.

It’s worth noting that Vaamana did generate significant buzz before its release. The teaser and trailer, along with the songs, managed to create anticipation among Kannada audiences. The film opened to a positive response from fans in Karnataka, likely due to Dhanveerrah’s growing popularity and the promise of a mass entertainer. However, word-of-mouth quickly turned negative, with many labeling it a “painful movie experience.” The decision to release the film on PrimeVideo just a month after its theatrical run suggests that the makers are hoping to recoup losses by targeting a broader, multilingual audience. While the availability in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi might attract some curious viewers, it’s unlikely to change the film’s overall reception.

In conclusion, Vaamana is a disappointing addition to Kannada cinema in 2025. It had the potential to be an entertaining action-drama with a unique twist, but it fails to deliver on almost every front. The weak screenplay, cringe-worthy dialogues, and lackluster performances overshadow the few bright spots, such as the action sequences and Dhanveerrah’s physicality. For those looking for a meaningful cinematic experience, Vaamana is better left unseen. If you’re a die-hard fan of action films and can overlook the film’s many flaws, you might find some enjoyment in the stunts—but even then, proceed with caution.

Rating: 2/5
A missed opportunity that leaves you wishing for more. Skip this one unless you’re a completist of Kannada cinema.