Maadeva Movie Review : A Gritty Old-School Action Drama That Demands a Strong Stomach

By Susmita Sameera

Vinod Prabhakar plays the titular role of Maadeva, a stoic and emotionally numb hangman. In a striking opening scene, he calmly executes a death-row inmate and then nonchalantly sits down to eat biryani at the same spot — a chilling glimpse into his hardened soul. This detachment persists throughout his daily life: he shows no concern for a pregnant woman needing a seat or a child playing nearby. Maadeva is a man who has long shut himself off from all emotion.

Enter Parvathi (played by Sonal Monteiro), a compassionate and determined young woman. With her mother imprisoned, Parvathi seeks help from someone on the inside — Maadeva. Her warmth and persistence clash with Maadeva’s cold indifference. The heart of the story lies in this emotional tug-of-war: Can Parvathi melt the ice around Maadeva’s heart? Can this broken man learn to feel again? Or will his haunting past continue to consume him, keeping him trapped in emotional darkness?

As Maadeva’s journey unfolds, we dive into his backstory — personal trauma, village conflicts, and the reasons behind his emotional numbness. Alongside the central plot are several compelling subplots, including Parvathi’s family struggles and the looming presence of multiple antagonists. Chief among them is Samudhra (played by Srinagar Kitty), a formidable foe — along with a surprise villain who adds an unexpected twist to the narrative.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its stellar cast and powerful performances. Vinod Prabhakar delivers one of his best, portraying the shades of a broken man with intense depth, reminiscent of Upendra in Anatharu. His action impresses, but it’s his monstrous side that’s hardest to watch. Sonal Monteiro charms as the kind-hearted village girl, offering a strong contrast. Srinagar Kitty is stylish and menacing as the villain. The most crowd-favourite moments come from OG ladies of Kannada — Shruthi in a chilling never-seen-before role, and Malashri’s whistle-worthy cameo in all her glory. Achyuth Kumar and the rest of the cast fit their roles perfectly.

This is an old-school action drama set in the 1980s, centred around a hangman, so viewers should be prepared for some intense and unsettling scenes. While the film delivers strong visuals, engaging music, well-placed songs, and a well-woven mix of family and romantic drama, it can’t be called a full-fledged family entertainer due to a few extremely disturbing moments. That said, fans of gritty, hard-hitting action will find plenty to enjoy — especially massy dialogue moments like “I come to kill, not to save,” which add to the film’s raw appeal. If you’re comfortable with a bit of gore and love old classic-style action dramas, this one is worth a watch.