Eesha Movie Review: A Standard Ghost Hunt Elevated by a Gripping Climax

Release Date: December 25, 2025

Rating: 2.75/5

Genre: Horror-Thriller

The Plot: Skeptics vs. The Supernatural

Kalyan (Trigun), Vinay (Akhil Raj), Nayana (Hebah Patel), and Aparna (Siri Hanumanthu) are four inseparable childhood friends who share a common mission: debunking myths and exposing "fake godmen" who exploit people's superstitions. Their journey leads them to the Andhra-Odisha border to challenge the mysterious Adi Dev (Pruthviraj) Baba.

In a classic move, Adi Dev throws a challenge: "If you can prove spirits don't exist, I'll stop my work." To prove him wrong, the four friends agree to stay in a notorious, abandoned bungalow for three nights. What follows is a series of spine-chilling encounters. Do spirits truly exist? What is the story of Punyavathi, the spirit inhabiting a tribal man (Mime Madhu)? Whether the friends make it out alive forms the rest of the story.

Analysis: Familiar Territory with a Twist

The "Skeptics in a Haunted House" trope is well-traveled in Indian cinema, and Eesha follows this routine blueprint. However, director Srinivas Manne manages to inject some fresh chills despite the predictable setup.

The First Half: Much of the beginning is dedicated to establishing the friendship between the leads and their skepticism. While the build-up is okay, relying on dialogue to explain the scares in the bungalow feels a bit flat. However, the Interval Bang delivers a strong twist that sets a high bar for the second half.
The Second Half: This is where the movie finds its footing. The back-story of the spirit Punyavathi and the psychological angle of "why the dead refuse to accept their death" provides an interesting depth to the climax. While the flashback of Adi Dev could have been stronger, the tension remains high until the end, concluding with a hint at a Season 2.

Performances: The "Mime" Factor

The Leads: Trigun, Hebah Patel, Siri Hanumanthu, and Akhil Raj deliver natural performances. Their chemistry as a group of friends is believable, making the stakes feel higher when they are in danger.
Mime Madhu: He is the undisputed star of the film. Playing a tribal man possessed by an ancient spirit, his body language, facial expressions, and "Mime" skills create a truly eerie atmosphere. He provides the genuine "horror" in this horror movie.
Pruthviraj: The veteran actor sports a unique look as Adi Dev, bringing gravity to the role of the mysterious Baba.

Technical Merits

Background Score: RR Dhruvan’s music is a major asset, effectively amping up the jump scares and the tension during the silent moments.
Cinematography: Santosh’s visuals capture the gloom of the abandoned bungalow and the misty border regions quite well.
Production: The film looks polished, staying true to its genre requirements.

The Highs & Lows

✅ What Works:

Spine-chilling horror sequences in the second half.
Mime Madhu's haunting performance.
An engaging and thought-provoking climax.

❌ What Doesn't:

A routine plot and predictable narrative.
Missing logic in a few "scientific" explanations.
The Godman’s backstory feels slightly rushed.

Final Verdict

Eesha is a decent horror-thriller that sticks to the basics. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it succeeds in providing enough thrills and chills for genre fans, especially in the latter half. If you enjoy atmospheric horror with a touch of mystery, this one is worth a watch this holiday weekend.

Rating: 2.75/5