Criminal or Devil
Criminal or Devil, starring Adah Sharma in a lead role alongside Viswanth, is a suspenseful horror thriller that aims to captivate audiences with its intriguing premise. Directed by Krishna Annam and produced by Giridhar, the movie attempts to blend supernatural elements with nail-biting suspense. However, its journey has been far from smooth, both at the box office and in terms of digital release.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around a gripping narrative filled with mystery and suspense. Adah Sharma’s character finds herself entangled in a series of supernatural events that lead to shocking revelations. Viswanth’s role adds depth to the plot, as his character plays a pivotal part in unraveling the truth. Despite the film’s promising premise, critics felt the execution lacked the finesse needed to keep audiences engaged.
Box Office Struggles
Released on May 24, 2024, Criminal or Devil was expected to make an impact due to its gripping storyline and Adah Sharma’s strong screen presence. Unfortunately, the film turned out to be a major flop, failing to draw attention or secure significant box office earnings. Even with Viswanth’s debut pairing with Adah Sharma, the film couldn’t create a buzz among moviegoers.
OTT Acquisition and Release
Months after its theatrical release, the film faced a unique challenge: no OTT platform showed interest in acquiring its digital rights. However, Aha, known for streaming a variety of Telugu films, stepped in and purchased the digital rights for a nominal price. This acquisition marks another addition to Aha’s growing collection of low-budget Telugu films.
Fans of Adah Sharma and suspense thrillers can now watch Criminal or Devil on Aha starting October 26, 2024. While the film went largely unnoticed during its theatrical run, its OTT release might provide it with a second chance to reach a broader audience. Whether the digital platform’s reach can turn around the film’s fortunes remains to be seen.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Lead Actress | Adah Sharma |
| Lead Actor | Viswanth |
| Director | Krishna Annam |
| Producer | Giridhar |
| OTT Platform | Aha |
| OTT Release Date | October 26, 2024 |
Production Cost
The film’s budget was relatively modest, aligning with the trend of low-budget Telugu films. Despite this, the production team aimed to deliver a visually engaging thriller. However, the lack of effective marketing and execution hindered its potential to perform well at the box office.
Trailer
Final Thoughts
Criminal or Devil is a film that struggled to make an impact in theaters but now has an opportunity to find its audience on Aha. With its OTT release, fans of the genre and the lead actors can explore this horror thriller and judge its merits themselves. Time will tell if the film gains traction and appreciation on the digital platform.