Trataka Review: Too much bloodshed makes this an unpleasant watch

Shiva Ganesh’s Trataka, whose title is derived from a yoga pose, is quite in contrast to its name. The two-and-a-half hour film is all about blood, murder and the mystery behind a series of murders.

Director: Shiva Ganesh
Cast: Rahul Ainapur, Ajith Jayraj, Yash Shetty, Hridaya Avanthi

The story about three friends--police officers Jaidev aka Deva (Rahul Ainapur) and Ravi (Ajith Jayraj), and Sharath (Yash Shetty), a doctor--gets a twist when Deva’s brother Nikhil is found murdered. And so, the chase begins. Into the bargain, a number of people, who are associated with Nikhil, are also killed. Deva suffers from Complex Partial Seizure, but does not disclose this to higher officials. According to Ravi, the disease has led him to the murders, including his own brother’s. A depressed Deva attempts suicide by jumping off a building. However, he is saved by his friends in the nick of time. 

He is taken care of by Dr Pavithra Radhakrishna (Hridaya Avanthi), who has been studying his case, and helps him get over the disease through Trataka. As he recovers, he realises that he is not the real killer and that there is someone else behind this. Who is the culprit and how does Deva track him? This forms the crux of Trataka.

The film, set in the dark, has an interesting script, but fails to thrill with its narration. Only a couple of twists here and there manage to keep up the suspense. At no point does the film make you sit at the edge of your seat. In fact, too many murders and much bloodshed make it unpleasant watch.

As for the artistes, every actor is given prominence. All of them appear to be director’s actors. While special mention must be given to music director Arun Suradhaa, cinematographer Vinod Bharathi’s work doesn’t help the film. Despite the film’s plot revolving around murder and the consequent effects on mental health, Trataka’s tale just isn’t gripping enough.