Odela 2, the 2025 Telugu supernatural thriller, is the sequel to Odela Railway Station (2022), directed by Ashok Teja and written by Sampath Nandi. Starring Tamannaah Bhatia, Hebah Patel, and Vasishta N. Simha, the film dives deeper into the dark legacy of the cursed village of Odela, blending horror, mythology, and social commentary.
Despite a strong premise and Tamannaah’s powerful performance, Odela 2 received mixed reviews, with critics pointing out its weak screenplay, excessive violence, and reliance on outdated horror tropes.
In this review, we’ll break down the plot, performances, and why this sequel failed to live up to expectations.
Plot Summary: A Village Haunted by Evil
The story picks up after the events of Odela Railway Station, where Radha (Hebah Patel) killed her abusive husband Tirupati (Vasishta N. Simha), a serial rapist and murderer. Instead of cremating his body, the villagers perform Samadhi Shiksha, an improper burial ritual that traps his soul, turning him into a vengeful evil spirit.
Six months later, Tirupati’s ghost begins possessing men in the village, continuing his reign of terror by targeting newlywed brides. The horror escalates when a possessed schoolgirl arrives at the police station carrying Radha’s severed head, signaling that the spirit has grown stronger.
Desperate for help, the villagers turn to Radha, now imprisoned, who reveals the existence of her estranged sister Bhairavi (Tamannaah Bhatia), a Naga Sadhu and devotee of Lord Shiva. Bhairavi, known as Shiva Shakti, has been meditating in the Himalayas, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 10 crore times to gain divine powers.
Bhairavi arrives in Odela just before the interval, setting the stage for an epic battle between divine justice and supernatural evil. With the help of a Muslim fakir (Murali Sharma) who strangely quotes Hindu scriptures, she attempts to weaken Tirupati’s spirit.
The second half delves into Shiva Tattva (divine energy), with Bhairavi confronting the village’s superstitions and patriarchal fears. The climax unfolds at the Odela Mallanna temple, where Bhairavi, empowered by Lord Shiva, faces Tirupati’s spirit in a visually intense but underwhelming showdown.
Despite her efforts, the film ends on an ambiguous note, hinting at a third installment.
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What Works in Odela 2?
1. Tamannaah Bhatia’s Stellar Performance
- As Bhairavi, Tamannaah delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying both divine fury and emotional depth.
- Her transformation into a Naga Sadhu is convincing, and she carries the film’s weight despite its flaws.
2. Atmospheric Horror & Cinematography
- Soundararajan’s cinematography creates a haunting, eerie vibe, especially in the village and temple sequences.
- The use of dark lighting and shadows enhances the supernatural elements.
3. B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s Music
- The background score (especially the chants of “Om Namah Shivaya”) adds intensity.
- The song “Yemulada Rajanna” stands out with its devotional energy.
4. Social Commentary on Patriarchy & Superstition
- The film touches on toxic masculinity, blind faith, and village politics, but these themes aren’t explored deeply enough.
What Doesn’t Work?
1. Weak Screenplay & Predictable Plot
- The story lacks originality, relying too much on cliched horror tropes (possessions, jump scares).
- The second half drags, with repetitive violence and underdeveloped side characters.
2. Excessive Gore & Misplaced Horror
- Instead of psychological terror, the film relies on graphic violence (severed heads, brutal killings).
- The horror feels exploitative rather than frightening.
3. Underwhelming Climax
- The final battle between Bhairavi and Tirupati’s spirit is visually chaotic but lacks emotional impact.
- The divine intervention feels rushed, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
4. Murali Sharma’s Odd Character
- His role as a Muslim fakir quoting Hindu mantras feels forced and unconvincing.
Behind the Scenes & Production
- Filming Locations: Shot in Varanasi, Hyderabad, and Ramoji Film City.
- Climax Scene: The temple showdown used 800 junior artists and heavy VFX.
- CBFC Rating: Received an ‘A’ certificate due to extreme violence and horror.
Critical Reception: What Did Critics Say?
- The Times of India (2.5/5): “Tamannaah shines, but the film is uneven.”
- Cinema Express (1.5/5): “Less horror, more havoc.”
- The Indian Express (2/5): “Shaky sequel needing more sensibility.”
- The Hindu: “Tamannaah can’t save this outdated sequel.”
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers and Tamannaah’s performance, Odela 2 has some engaging moments. However, its weak script, excessive violence, and lack of real scares make it a disappointing sequel.
Rating: 2/5 – A visually striking but flawed horror film.
Where to Watch?
Released in theaters on April 17, 2025, and streaming on Amazon Prime Video from May 8, 2025.
Did you watch Odela 2? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!