A Quirky Premise with Middle-Class Charm

Bakasura Restaurant, a Telugu horror comedy released on August 8, 2025, brings comedians Praveen and Harsha Chemudu to the forefront in a tale that blends supernatural shenanigans with relatable dreams. Directed by SJ Shiva, the film follows Paramesh (Praveen), a software employee yearning to escape his mundane job and open a restaurant. Living with his carefree bachelor friends in Hyderabad, he dives into a risky venture—shooting ghost-hunting videos for YouTube to fund his dream. A misadventure involving a Tantra Sastra book unleashes a food-obsessed spirit, Bakka Suri (Harsha Chemudu), sparking a chain of comedic chaos and mild scares.

The film’s premise is fresh, intertwining middle-class aspirations with a ghostly twist. The idea of a gluttonous spirit haunting a group of bachelors is intriguing, promising a mix of humor and horror. However, while the setup hooks you early, the execution struggles to maintain momentum, leaving audiences with a mixed bag of laughs and lackluster thrills.

Standout Performances by Praveen and Harsha

Praveen shines as Paramesh, delivering a sincere and grounded performance that anchors the film. His portrayal of a frustrated everyman chasing a dream resonates, especially in emotional scenes where he reflects on middle-class struggles. Harsha Chemudu, as the titular Bakka Suri, steals the show with his impeccable comic timing, though his screen time feels limited. His character’s backstory, while touching, is rushed and could have added more depth with better writing. Supporting actors like Shining Phani and Vivek Dandu bring energy to the bachelor crew, while Krishna Bhagavan’s return adds nostalgic charm, though his role lacks punch. The heroines, unfortunately, are sidelined with little to contribute.

A Tale of Uneven Execution

Director SJ Shiva shows ambition in crafting a family-friendly horror comedy with a dash of social commentary. The first half entertains with witty banter and playful ghost interactions, but the second half falters. Pacing issues and repetitive scenes, like an out-of-place dargah sequence, drag the narrative down. The humor, while effective in parts, often feels forced or overstretched, and the horror elements fail to deliver genuine scares. The film’s attempt to balance comedy, horror, and emotion results in a tonal inconsistency that undermines its potential.

Technical Aspects: A Mixed Platter

Vikas Badisa’s background score complements the mood, with songs like Nee Lungi Jaateeyam fitting the quirky vibe. Bala Saraswathi’s cinematography captures the eerie settings adequately, but the editing by Marthand K. Venkatesh could have been sharper to trim bloated scenes. The production design is functional, though the visual effects for the ghost are underwhelming, reducing the spooky impact.

Verdict: A Fun but Flawed Feast

Bakasura Restaurant is a light-hearted attempt at horror comedy that banks on the charm of Praveen and Harsha Chemudu. It serves up laughs and relatable moments but stumbles with uneven pacing, weak scares, and a predictable storyline. With a runtime of 2 hours and 38 minutes, it overstays its welcome, yet fans of Telugu comedy may find it a decent weekend watch. If you’re craving a quirky, low-stakes film, give it a shot—just don’t expect a full-course meal. Rating: 2.5/5

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