Shining Pictures’ Shambhala (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; A) is the story of a meteor hitting Shambhala village and its aftermath. Vikram (Aadi Saikumar), a geoscientist and an atheist, is called to Shambhala to investigate the happenings because unexpected incidents take place there after the meteor’s fall. The locals fear that the meteor is an evil force. After Vikram’s arrival, multiple deaths take place in Shambhala. The petrified villagers blame Vikram for his disbelief in their traditions. What is the truth?
Ugandhar Muni has penned a story which has an interesting premise but it runs out of steam quite early on. His screenplay dips in the first half and although the drama picks up post-interval, it does not have the strength to engage the viewers or keep them involved throughout. The AI part of the drama is weak. Emotions are conspicuous by their absence. Climax is routine and unimpactful. Dialogues are dull.
Aadi Saikumar does well as Vikram. Archana Iyer is quite good in the role of Devi. Swasika is adequate as Vasantha. Ravi Varma does a fair job as Ramulu. Rama Raju (as the priest), Shiju Menon (as the village chief), Harsha Vardhan (as Dr. Chakravarthy), Shiva Karthik, Annapoorna, Laxman Meesala, Indraneel, Shailaja Priya and the others pass muster.
Ugandhar Muni’s direction is dull. Sricharan Pakala’s music is weak. Lyrics are so-so. Background music ought to have been more effective. Praveen K. Bangarri’s camerawork is nice. Rajkumar’s action and stunt scenes are functional. J.K. Murthy’s art direction is okay. Shravan Katikaneni’s editing is loose. Dubbing is alright.
On the whole, Shambhala is a flop fare.
Released on 9-1-’26 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Avanika Films. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.