Trikala Movie Review:An Intriguing Tale of Karma and Rebirth

Release Date: May 28, 2026

Cast: Ajay, Shraddha Das, Master Mahendran, Sahithi Avancha, Nandha Durairaj, Aamani, Sai Dheena, Robo Shankar, Rowdy Rohini, ETV Prabhakar, Ambati Arjun, Spyder Sanjay, Kalloori Vinoth

Director: Mani Thellagutie

Producer: Radhika Srinivas

Music Director: Shajith Humayun

Cinematographer: Pavan Chennal

Editor: Mani Thellagutie

Story:
Trikala is a fantasy thriller rooted in the Sanatana Dharma concepts of karma and rebirth. The story begins centuries ago when a royal dynasty is cursed for committing cow slaughter. As a result, every male heir in the lineage is born with a deformity.

The narrative follows Vaitharan (Ajay), the final heir of the cursed dynasty. The story further unfolds through Nidhi (Sahithi Avancha), a young woman who unexpectedly connects with Shiva (Master Mahendran), a boy from Anakapalli, through a mysterious phone call. As dark forces attempt to awaken the spirit of Trikaaluni, trapped inside an eggshell, the fate of the cursed village of Shankarampalli hangs in the balance.

Plus Points:
Trikala stands out for its unique fantasy-thriller concept rooted in the Sanatana Dharma themes of karma and rebirth. The film opens on an intriguing note, with the backstory of a cursed royal dynasty creating curiosity among viewers. The second half works better than the first, as several unanswered questions are addressed and the narrative gains some clarity. Ajay delivers a powerful performance and leaves a strong impact, while Aamani shines in an emotional role, particularly in a key sequence that is handled effectively. Master Mahendran, Shraddha Das, and Tanikella Bharani also perform well in their respective roles. The suspense elements and fantasy backdrop manage to keep the audience engaged in parts, making the film watchable despite its shortcomings.

Minus Points:
Despite having an interesting premise, Trikala struggles with its execution. The screenplay often becomes confusing, especially in the first half, where abrupt scene transitions make it difficult to follow the narrative. The film spends excessive time on buildup, which slows down the pacing and affects engagement. Several portions feel routine and predictable, reducing the impact of the otherwise fresh concept. The karma-related storyline involving Ajay’s character lacks sufficient clarity, leaving some questions unanswered. Technical issues such as poor lip-sync and inconsistent dubbing further affect the viewing experience. Additionally, the film lacks a strong regional identity, making it feel disconnected at times. While the idea is promising, the weak narration prevents it from reaching its full potential.

Technical Department:
The production values and visual effects are adequate for the genre, though some visuals appear artificial. Shajith Humayun’s music is decent, with the “Amma” song standing out. Pavan Chennal’s cinematography is satisfactory. However, the editing by Mani Thellagutie could have been sharper. While the core idea is commendable, the execution falls short due to inconsistent storytelling and technical shortcomings.

Verdict:
Trikala is a below-average fantasy thriller that offers an interesting premise but struggles with execution. Strong performances from Ajay and Aamani, along with a few engaging moments, work in the film’s favor. However, the confusing screenplay and routine treatment prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Rating: 2/5