The highly anticipated movie “Euphoria,” directed by the renowned Gunasekhar, has hit the screens, and audiences are eager to see if the acclaimed filmmaker has lived up to their expectations. With a stellar cast featuring Bhumaika, Sara Arjun, Vignesh Gavereddy, Gautam Menon, Rohit, Adarsh Balakrishna, Nazar, Ravi Prakash, and Naveen Reddy, the film is produced by Gun Team Works, under the guidance of producers Neelima Guna, Yukta Mukhi, and Ragini Guna. The film’s music is composed by Kala Bhairava, while the cinematography is handled by Praveen K. Pothan, and editing by Praveen Pudi. “Euphoria” was released on February 6, 2026, and aims to address pressing social issues through its narrative.
Gunasekhar, a name synonymous with excellence in the Telugu film industry for over three decades, has garnered fame for his historical, social, and action dramas such as “Okkadu,” “Rudramadevi,” and “Ramayanam.” However, he has faced challenges in recent years, with his last film, “Shaakuntalam,” failing to resonate with audiences. “Euphoria” marks a fresh attempt to connect with the youth, addressing the alarming issue of drug addiction and its consequences.
The story revolves around Chaitra, played by Sara Arjun, a top student preparing for the IAS exams. Despite her affluent background, her life takes a dark turn when she visits a pub at the invitation of a friend. There, she encounters a group of young men, led by Vikash (Vignesh Gavereddy), who manipulate her into a dangerous situation, ultimately leading to her tragic assault. The aftermath sees Chaitra reporting the crime to her parents, which sends shockwaves across the state and draws the attention of Commissioner Jayadev (Gautam Menon), who is determined to solve the case.
The film highlights the powerful backgrounds of the perpetrators, who hail from wealthy families, including the children of politicians and business tycoons. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into the complexities of the case, especially when a character named Vindhya Vemulapalli (Bhumaika) reveals her involvement, raising questions about her motivations and the justice system. The film captures the societal struggles and the emotional turmoil faced by those affected by such heinous crimes.
Inspired by real-life incidents, including a notorious gang rape case in Hyderabad, “Euphoria” aims to depict the grim realities of drug abuse among today’s youth and the subsequent impact on their lives and families. The film reflects on how incidents of assault, particularly against minors, continue to provoke outrage and highlight the urgent need for societal change.
While the first half of the film maintains a gripping pace, showcasing familiar newsworthy moments of violence, it is also met with moments that threaten to dilute the engagement. The portrayals of assaults are unsettling, but they serve a purpose: to evoke the viewers’ emotions and drive home the film’s message. Bhumaika’s character, a mother grappling with her child’s choices, offers a poignant perspective on the consequences of crime, as she navigates the judicial system to seek justice.
The performances stand out, particularly Sara Arjun as Chaitra, who delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of a rape survivor, effectively conveying the struggles faced by victims in society. Bhumaika’s role as a mother is equally compelling, capturing the essence of a woman torn between love for her son and the necessity of justice. Vignesh and Gautam Menon also deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the narrative.
Despite some flaws, “Euphoria” is ultimately a film that resonates with contemporary issues and serves as a reflection of societal woes. Gunasekhar’s endeavor to shed light on these critical themes makes “Euphoria” a significant cinematic experience for today’s youth, emphasizing the need for awareness and change.
