Movie Title: Criminal Or Devil
Language: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Action
Director: Krishna Annam
Producers: A.K. Entertainments
Actors: Krishna Annam, Neha Deshpande, Arjun Yajath, Akshatha Srinivas
Runtime: 2h 14m
Rating: 7.4/10
Directed by Krishna Annam, Criminal Or Devil attempts to deliver a dark, intense thriller packed with suspense and emotional stakes. With the filmmaker himself in the lead role, the film tries to blend personal trauma, revenge, and moral conflict into a gripping narrative but falls short due to its uneven storytelling and clichéd developments.
Plot Summary
The story centers around a common man whose life is upended by an injustice that turns him into a vengeful figure operating on the fringes of legality. As he walks the thin line between being a criminal and a devil in society’s eyes, he takes justice into his own hands, targeting those responsible for his downfall. The plot slowly unravels as the protagonist’s past, motivations, and mental struggles come to light.
Direction and Screenplay
Krishna Annam, wearing multiple hats as director, writer, and lead actor, shows ambition in storytelling but struggles with consistency. The screenplay is stretched, especially in the second half, and lacks the tightness required for a high-stakes thriller. Key plot points feel predictable, and emotional depth is only superficially explored. The direction offers a few intense moments, but overall the narrative flow is sluggish and repetitive.
Performances
Krishna Annam delivers a passable performance in the lead role but is limited by a script that doesn’t allow much range. Neha Deshpande and Arjun Yajath try to bring gravitas to their supporting roles, though their characters are underwritten. Akshatha Srinivas adds some freshness, but again, the lack of strong character arcs holds back the cast.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography is competent, with a few well-framed action sequences, but nothing particularly stands out. The background score tries to amplify tension but often comes across as overbearing. Editing could have been much tighter several scenes drag and reduce the film’s overall impact. The production design and visual tone attempt to capture a gritty realism, though budget constraints are noticeable.
Strengths
- Ambitious premise rooted in personal trauma and revenge
- Some intense moments, especially in confrontational scenes
- Decent performances from the supporting cast
Weaknesses
- Weak and predictable screenplay that lacks suspense
- Inconsistent pacing, especially in the second half
- Underdeveloped characters with minimal emotional engagement
- Overuse of background music, dulling the impact of critical scenes
Final Verdict
Criminal Or Devil aspires to be a raw and thought-provoking thriller, but its potential is undermined by uninspired writing and uneven execution. While the film raises questions about justice and morality, it never fully commits to exploring them in a meaningful way, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunity.
Recommended for
Viewers who enjoy revenge dramas with a psychological edge and are willing to overlook narrative flaws might find Criminal Or Devil moderately engaging. Others may find it too generic and underwhelming to leave a lasting impression.