Evaru

Venkat Ramji's 2019 Telugu film is a loose adaptation of a Spanish thriller. A senior police officer has been killed by the woman he is alleged to have raped, and at first sight it looks like clear self-defence. The investigation is given to sub-inspector Vikram, who ends up alone with her to take a statement. Almost the whole film takes place in that interview; each new detail invalidates the previous account and the viewer has to change sides repeatedly. The plot is built on reversals and none of the characters is as innocent as they claim. It is kept short and the pace does not drop. The scenes between Adivi Sesh and Regina Cassandra are its body. Who it's for: viewers who like single-location thrillers and plots built on surprise. Who it's not for: anyone uncomfortable with sexual violence used as plot material.