'Rudra Garuda Purana' review: Mystery thriller let down by convoluted plot

Rishi endeared himself to the masses in ‘Operation Alamelamma’ as a vegetable vendor who assists the police in a case. He seems to have come full circle with Rudra Garuda Purana, where he plays the titular upright cop.

The film blends themes like corruption, injustice, rivalry, and redemption, and Rishi does full justice to the role of Rudra. Director K S Nandeesh gives him full play to get into the skin of a cop investigating the disappearance of a politician’s son.

The film per se falls short of being engaging and entertaining. The problem lies in Nandeesh’s reliance on the occult, supernatural elements, puranic traditions, and a formulaic structure.

The film is loosely inspired by the 1955 disappearance of Pan Am Flight 914, which resurfaced decades later. Here, we see Express Bus 17A meeting with an accident that kills students and the driver. Is it a freak accident or the work of demonic forces?

To investigate a related incident, Rudra is recalled from his demotion and assigned to probe the disappearance of Manu, a politician’s son, from college. He learns from Manu’s college mates that Manu and his love interest, Katyayani, had taken the 17A Express Bus. But one learns that the bus service was discontinued nearly 25 years ago, following the accident.

Nandeesh, whose maiden film Dear Vikram was criticised for ‘lacking focus’ and being a ‘total misfire’, falls into the same trap with his sophomore effort. And the film is agonisingly long to keep audiences engaged.