Rakshasa Movie Review: A Time-Loop Horror That Dares to Be Different

Introduction: A Bold New Direction for Kannada Horror Cinema

In a landscape dominated by conventional horror tropes and recycled formulas, Rakshasa: Chapter 2 emerges as a refreshing experiment. Directed by Lohith H, this Kannada-language film fuses horror with a time-loop narrative—a rare blend that breaks genre norms. Though presented as a sequel, the film boldly arrives before its predecessor, building a layered mystery that begs to be unraveled in reverse.

Plot Summary: A Haunting That Transcends Time

Rakshasa: Chapter 2 kicks off with a chilling legend—the tale of Brahmaraksha, an ancient evil whose curse spans generations. The story quickly blurs the line between past and present, centered around a mysterious chest (“pettige”) that acts as a conduit between timelines. As terror resurfaces in modern times, a disillusioned ex-cop, Satya (Prajwal Devaraj), is reluctantly drawn back into the chaos.

When a gang of dangerous criminals unleashes havoc, Satya steps in—haunted not only by real-world crime but by supernatural forces tied to unresolved past events. The narrative travels through places like KSR Railway Station and Ongole, building an unsettling atmosphere where time itself becomes a prison.

The Time-Loop Mechanism: Fresh, Frightening, and Psychological

What truly sets Rakshasa apart is its clever use of the time-loop structure. Unlike typical horror films that rely solely on jump scares, this movie explores psychological horror—where characters are forced to relive traumatic moments, unable to escape fate. The events unfold in a crucial one-hour window (9:30–10:30 PM), heightening suspense and urgency.

These recurring events are more than just gimmicks—they become metaphors for unresolved guilt, karmic debt, and unfinished business. Satya’s journey through time reflects a deeper internal struggle, making each loop emotionally and narratively rich.

Performances: A One-Man Show with Strong Support

Prajwal Devaraj shoulders most of the film’s emotional and dramatic weight. Playing Satya, he manages to keep repeated scenes from feeling repetitive, infusing each loop with new layers of intensity. His character’s internal battle between duty, guilt, and destiny drives the film forward.

While actors like Arna Rathod and Sonal Monteiro make brief appearances, they hint at expanded roles in the forthcoming prequel. Shobraj and other supporting cast members offer effective, though understated, performances that contribute to the eerie tone without overshadowing the central arc.

Technical Aspects: Sound, Light, and Time Working in Harmony

Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score deserves a special mention. It doesn’t just support the narrative—it shapes it. The haunting, cyclical sound design reinforces the feeling of being stuck in a loop. Meanwhile, cinematographer Jaybin P Jacob uses light and shadow to transform spaces like police stations into claustrophobic dreamscapes.

Editor Ravichandran C has the tough task of maintaining continuity across multiple loops, and he delivers. The result is a narrative that, while complex, remains coherent and engaging.

Themes: Fate, Fear, and the Eternal Struggle

At its core, Rakshasa is more than a horror flick—it’s a meditation on fate, consequence, and the cyclical nature of trauma. From celestial events like eclipses to cryptic warnings from Satya’s mother, the film embeds spiritual and mythological cues that point toward deeper truths.

The central idea is simple yet profound: Some horrors don’t end. They evolve, returning to haunt those who’ve tried to bury them.

Final Verdict: A Promising Start to a Unique Horror Saga

⭐ Rating: 3/5

Rakshasa: Chapter 2 is an ambitious film that dares to mix genres and subvert narrative norms. It’s not perfect—some characters feel underdeveloped, and the absence of the prequel leaves certain threads incomplete. But its bold storytelling, unique structure, and psychological depth make it worth watching, especially for fans craving something new in Kannada cinema.

This is not just a horror film—it’s a prologue to something potentially much bigger. And now, all eyes are on the prequel to complete the puzzle.