Operation Pama Review: A High-Stakes Game of Cat-and-Mouse That Hits the Mark (Rating: 2.5)

Operation Padma, produced by Ghattamaneni Aravind Babu, Raghava Mandalapu, and Rambabu Mandalapu, was released in theatres today. A gripping investigative procedural that blends high-stakes political intrigue with the gritty realism of private espionage, the film is directed by Karthikeya V.

Story

The narrative centers on a political earthquake: Nandi Kishore, a former Home Minister and party loyalist, resigns to become a whistleblower. By exposing a massive scam within the Civil Supplies department, he transforms into the state's conscience keeper, earning immense public adoration but also a target on his back.

To silence him, a shadowy mastermind hires Kuldeep, a cold-blooded assassin who has never failed a mission. In response, a specialized team of private detectives—led by Vasu, Ramana, Padma aka Sudha, Rupa, and Avantika—launches Operation Padma. What follows is a high-octane race against time where the detectives must utilize undercover missions and psychological warfare to outmaneuver a killer who is always one step ahead.

Performances & Technical Departments

The film's strength lies in its grounded yet stylish characterizations. Ranadheer Beesu is chilling as Kuldeep, portraying an evil genius whose presence looms large even when he isn't on screen. The detective ensemble, particularly Raghupathi Reddy Gunda and Rajitha Sandy, brings a sense of desperate urgency to the mission. The female characters are notably written with swagger, breaking tropes by being both tactically brilliant and visually striking.

Stunts are by Akhil Nakirekanti. The hand-to-hand combat sequences are a highlight, favoring visceral, realistic impact over over-the-top antics. The cinematography by Kalyan Sami and Pavanmani captures the tension of surveillance through sharp, moody visuals that heighten the cat-and-mouse atmosphere. Subhash Anand’s score pulses with the heartbeat of a thriller, while JK Frames ensures the second half remains a lean, mean investigative machine. Director Karthikeya V manages a complex web of characters while maintaining a clear, driving focus on the central conspiracy.

Analysis

Operation Padma is more than a standard action flick; it is a detailed study of an investigative procedural. The first half, spanning roughly 90 minutes, takes its time to build the world, introducing a human element through a romantic subplot involving exes and a miffed girlfriend. While this adds emotional stakes, the film truly finds its stride when it pivots into the core mission.

The psychological weight of the film comes from the collision of two unstoppable forces. On one side is an assassin who has never missed; on the other is a team of detectives who "don't care about death," fearing defeat far more than the grave. This philosophical clash elevates the tension beyond simple gunfights. The treatment is remarkably earnest, especially in the secondin hour, where the director strips away all extraneous elements to focus solely on the high-stakes game of chess between the good and the the bad.

Verdict

Operation Padma is a slick, intelligent, and emotionally resonant thriller that respects the audience's intelligence. The film is grounded in a political scam. The treatment flavours the action with stylish panache.

Rating: 2.5/5