Kaashmora review round-up: Karthi's performance notable in this forgettable film

Karthi's much-awaited Tamil supernatural thriller Kaashmora has hit the screens and it is creating quite a buzz. The actor is seen in a triple role along with Nayantara and Sri Divya. He is seen as a black magic specialist, an ancient warrior and another mystery role that was not revealed earlier. Sri Divya plays the role of a PhD student researching on sorcery.

Kaashmora poster.

Nayantara is seen in a never-before look donning the role of princess Rathna Mahadevi. With streaked hair, flowing costumes and elegant jewellery the actress looks splendid. Even Karthi sports a new look in his warlord avatar where he is seen with an eagle tattoo on his forehead.

A multi-genre film, it is not just a period drama but also has elements of horror, action, comedy and supernatural.

The film is set in different time frames. The film goes back 700 years to narrate the story of Raj Nayak, a warrior of the Vikrantaka Kingdom, who tries to forcibly marry princess Rathna Mahadevi after battle victories begin to give him a heady sense of pride.

In the present it narrates the story of Kaashmora, a self-proclaimed exorcist, who earns his livelihood by fooling people with superstitions. What happens when Kaashmora is faced with the ghost of Raj Nayak forms the rest of the story.

Directed by Gokul, Kaashmora has received a mixed response from the critics and the audience so far.

PressKS.com has given the film a rating of 3.5 out of 5. The website lists down the positive points of the film as
Karthi's performance in the multiple roles, the horror comedy genre and the flashback into the ancient world. But it finds the lengthy comedy scenes a negative aspect of the film.

Telugu360.com in its review says, "With average first half, decent second half Kaashmora may do decently in India. In overseas too, if promoted well, this movie might have a decent run. If you are a person who likes a horror movie filled with some humor, some fantasy and grandeur, Kaashmora is for you. You may watch it once." They rate the film as 2.75 out of 5.

Hemanth Kumar in his blog idreampost.com reviews the film and says, "Kaashmora works to a certain extent because of Karthi’s comic timing, but it is an emotionally hollow film which, perhaps, won’t stay in your memory long after watching it. Leave aside the visual effects of the film, the problem lies with the lack of drama and highs in storytelling. This is as bland as it gets."

Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express gives the film two and a half stars and says, "Kaashmora is not a bad film. Director Gokul has tried hard to remain true to the film’s multi-genre tag and the movie does manage to keep the audience entertained for the majority of its run time, which is 2.32 hours. In order to satisfy all types of audience, Gokul appears to have compromised on storytelling, as at times the film loses its grip on the viewers."

Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle praises Karthi's performance in the film, "Karthi has been given a big role in the film and he has delivered on multiple fronts: both as the anti-hero and the restless spirit. Karthi has done a lot of hard work and it shows."

Here's what the audience had to say about the film: