Movie Title – GUARD (Revenge for Love)
Film Genre – Horror Thriller
Banner : Anu Productions
Producer – Anasuya Reddy
Director – Jaga Peddi
Cast – Viraj reddy Cheelam, Mimi Leonard,Shilpa Balakrishna
Music Director (Songs) – Pranay Kaleru
Music Director (Bgm) – Sidharth S adasivuni
Cinematographer : Mark Kenfield
Stunt Director- Puven Panther
Editor – Raj Meda
Release date; 28/2/2025
www.moviemanthra.com Rating: 3/5
Guard is the latest Telugu horror-suspense thriller filmed entirely in Australia. The film marks the debut of Viraj Reddy Cheelam in the lead role. Directed by Jaga Peddi and produced by Anasuya Reddy under Anu Productions, the film also stars Mimi Leonard and Shilpa Balakrishnan as the female leads. Check out the film’s review here.
Plot:
Sushanth (Viraj Reddy Cheelam), a compassionate security guard in Australia, is still coping with the loss of his parents in a tragic accident. His life takes a turn when he falls in love with Dr. Sam (Mimi Leonard), and their relationship blossoms. However, Dr. Sam becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit. What does the spirit want? Will Sushanth be able to help Dr. Sam? What is Dr. Sam’s past? What happens in the end? Forms the story of the movie.
Performances:
Debutant actor Viraj Reddy Cheelam delivers a confident debut as Sushanth. He showcased his acting potential and screen presence. Mimi Leonard shines as Dr. Sam, effectively balancing vulnerability and strength in her portrayal. Shilpa Balakrishnan, as the ghostly entity, delivers a decent performance. Kamal Krishna provides moments of levity with his comedic timing. The rest of the cast made their presence felt.
Technical Aspects:
Guard stands out for its visual appeal, with cinematographer Mark Kenfeild capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Australia, giving the film a refreshing and unique aesthetic. The background score by Sidharth S Adasivuni is gripping, heightening the suspense and adding depth to key moments. The production design is excellent and the writing is excellent. The editing could have been better. The production values are good.
Plus Points:
Performances
BGM
Thrilling Scenes
Cinematography
Minus Points:
Predictable Plot
Verdict:
Guard is a commendable effort for a debutant director and lead actor. Its strengths lie in its visual grandeur and well-executed screenplay. However, the film falters due to its predictable plot and reliance on familiar horror tropes. While it succeeds in creating moments of suspense and intrigue, the lack of originality and predictable twists prevent it from reaching its full potential. While seasoned horror fans may find the plot too conventional, the film’s captivating visuals, strong performances, and high production quality make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a visually appealing cinematic experience.
Punchline: Guard Is A Visually Striking Yet Predictable Thriller
