Chandan Shetty, popular for his infectious rap songs and vibrant music in various films, has now sparked considerable interest with his debut feature Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare. The actor steps into the role of Ramu, a janitor entangled in the web of scandals and secrecy that shrouds a prestigious school.

Director: Arun Amuktha

Cast: Chandan Shetty, Amar, Sinchana Koteshwara, Bhavana Appu, Manoj Vivan, Manasvi, and Sunil Puranik

Director Arun Amuktha's narrative takes us into the dark underbelly of privilege and power within an elite educational institution. Behind the facade of pristine buildings and well-heeled students lies a world rife with drugs, alcohol, and moral decay. The film critiques the pitfalls of affluent parenting and the pervasive influence of social media, painting a cautionary tale for both parents and youngsters alike.

Amidst this elitist environment, the tragic suicide of a student named Sharda (Sinchana Koteshwara) is swept under the rug by the school's administration. The rich kids continue their reckless ways, unaware of the looming consequences. Into this murky world steps Ramu (Chandan Shetty), who joins the college as a peon and eventually uncovers dark secrets surrounding Sharda's death. His investigation leads to dangerous revelations about the school's privileged few, ultimately exposing their guilt.

The plot thickens when a mysterious game appears on a girl's stolen mobile, manipulating her and her peers into moral challenges. As they confront their past wrongs, the game transforms them, teaching valuable lessons about accountability and humanity. Ultimately, the truth behind Sharda's tragedy is unveiled, revealing an unexpected twist involving a character, who has more to him than meets the eye.

With a runtime of 160 minutes, Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare discusses societal issues within education, challenging viewers to reflect on the consequences of unchecked privilege and the transformative power of redemption. However, the film is long and unfolds at a deliberate pace, seeking to balance introspection with suspense. Vijay Krishna's music score, particularly highlighted by Chandan Shetty's energetic party anthem, injects a vibrant pulse into the narrative, complementing the film's thematic depth.

Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare stands as an attempt to confront societal malaise, urging audiences to reflect on the consequences of unchecked privilege and the transformative power of self-awareness amidst chaos. While the film's concept seems commendable on paper, it suffers from pacing issues that could affect viewer engagement. The first half is largely dedicated to character introductions, potentially testing patience before the plot gains momentum in the more gripping second half. Trimming certain scenes might have turned the film into a sharper, more compact, and more impactful thriller with a potent societal message.

Chandan Shetty showcases a good performance in his dual-shaded role as Ramu, though his screen time feels somewhat restrained. The supporting cast includes Amar, Bhavana Appu, Manoj Vivan, and Manasvi as the privileged quartet, with Prashanth Sambargi playing a police officer and supported by Sunil Puranik, Arvind Rao, Bhavya, Bala Rajwadi, and Cockroach Sudhi, adding to the ensemble dynamics.