Shambhala Review : Aadi Saikumar’s Mythic Thriller Hits Edge-of-Seat Twists

Shambhala, the Telugu supernatural thriller starring Aadi Saikumar, has generated buzz from its December 23, 2025, paid premieres ahead of the Christmas release. Directed by Ugandhar Muni, it merges science, mythology, and horror in a 1980s village setting. Early reviews praise its gripping narrative and technical polish.
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Storyline

A meteor crashes into the superstitious village of Shambhala, triggering eerie supernatural events linked to an ancient Shiva legend. Atheist scientist Aadi Saikumar investigates amid rising panic, uncovering terrifying truths that blend mythology and science through high-tension twists from interval to a thrilling climax.
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Positives

Aadi Saikumar delivers his career-best performance, especially in emotional and action sequences post-interval, marking a strong comeback. Supporting actors like Archana Iyer, Swasika Vijay, Ravi Varma, and Shailaja Priya excel in horror and depth, while the script builds unrelenting suspense with emotional highs.
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Negatives

Runtime stretches to 2 hours 24 minutes, with some pre-interval pacing feeling slow amid dense exposition. Predictable elements in the first half dilute initial thrills for impatient viewers.
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Technicalities

Praveen Bangari’s cinematography captures mystical visuals stunningly, complemented by Sri Charan Pakala’s gripping score and solid VFX for asteroid and horror effects. Production by Shining Pictures meets pan-India standards, earning an ‘A’ certificate for bold action.
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​Final Verdict

Shambhala succeeds as a thrilling supernatural entertainer with comeback potential for Aadi, thriving on premiere word-of-mouth and strong bookings. Worth theaters for fans of genre blends.
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Rating : 3.5/5
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