Tunnel, the Telugu dubbed version of Tamil film Thanal, starring Atharvaa Murali and Lavanya Tripathi, is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Marketed as a survival thriller, the film explores dark, suspense-filled events that unfold in one night. Does Tunnel manage to engage viewers with its story, direction, and performances? Here’s our detailed Tunnel Movie Review.
Plot Overview
Tunnel revolves around Akhil (Atharvaa Murali) and Anu (Lavanya Tripathi), who are in love. However, Anu’s father refuses their marriage since Akhil hasn’t completed higher studies. Determined to prove himself, Akhil secures a constable job along with his friends. During their first posting, they encounter a shocking and dangerous situation.
While walking one night, the young constables witness a mysterious man emerging from a drainage cover. Following him leads them to a slum, where they uncover a gang’s secret activities. With no cell signal to call for help, survival becomes their only option. How they attempt to escape, who the gang leader is, and what truths lie hidden in the darkness form the crux of the story.
Performances and Characters
- Atharvaa Murali delivers a convincing performance as a determined young man caught in life-threatening circumstances.
- Lavanya Tripathi plays Anu, though her role remains limited beyond the initial love track.
- The six constables, including Ashwin Kakumanu, Shah Ra, Barani, and Dileepan, contribute well within their scope.
- The villain’s character is introduced with intensity, but his later absence from key stretches reduces the impact. His flashback adds some weight, yet the character arc feels underutilized.
Tunnel Movie Review: Direction and Screenplay
Directed by Ravindra Madhava, Tunnel uses the “events-in-one-night” concept to build suspense. However, the screenplay takes nearly 45 minutes to establish itself, testing viewers’ patience. While the darkness-based setup holds intrigue, the execution lacks clarity—making it difficult for audiences to fully grasp what is happening on screen.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography (Sakthi Saravanan): Captures the night sequences well but often fails to provide enough clarity in darker shots.
- Music (Justin Prabhakaran): Background score is decent but not strong enough to elevate the tense mood.
- Editing (Kalavannan): Neat, though a tighter cut could have improved pacing.
Tunnel Movie Review: Strengths
- Interesting survival thriller concept.
- Decent performances by lead cast and supporting actors.
- Some suspenseful moments work.
Tunnel Movie Review: Weaknesses
- Overuse of darkness hampers clarity.
- Lack of emotional depth and weak love track.
- Pacing issues, especially in the first half.
- Limited character development outside the core group.
Tunnel Movie Review: Verdict
Tunnel (Amazon Prime) Movie Review: Despite a promising premise and strong performances, Tunnel struggles with execution. The excessive reliance on dark visuals, lack of emotional engagement, and uneven screenplay weaken its impact. While thriller enthusiasts may find parts intriguing, the film falls short of delivering a gripping survival thriller experience.
Movie Details
- Movie Name: Thanal (Tunnel in Telugu)
- Release Date: October 17, 2025
- Cast: Atharvaa Murali, Lavanya Tripathi, Ashwin Kakumanu, Shah Ra, Barani, Dileepan
- Director: Ravindra Madhava
- Music: Justin Prabhakaran
- Cinematography: Sakthi Saravanan
- Production Banner: Annai Film Production
FAQs on Tunnel Movie Review
1. What is Tunnel about?
Tunnel is a Telugu dubbed survival thriller where six constables encounter a dangerous gang during a night shift.
2. Is Tunnel available on OTT?
Yes, Tunnel is streaming on Amazon Prime from October 17, 2025.
3. Who are the lead actors in Tunnel?
Atharvaa Murali and Lavanya Tripathi play the lead roles.
4. Who directed Tunnel?
The film is directed by Ravindra Madhava.
5. Is Tunnel worth watching?
It has an engaging premise but suffers from weak execution. Thriller lovers may find some parts appealing.
Disclaimer on Tunnel Movie Review
This review of Tunnel is based on the movie’s content, performances, and technical aspects. It reflects an analytical perspective and does not promote or criticize the film beyond professional assessment.
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