Anushka Shetty is an ex-IAS, currently a suspect and convict charged for murdering her lover, Unni Mukundan. While she serves temporarily serves her term in prison. The higher officials take her to an abandon bungalow named Bhaaghamaathie Palace to conduct some private investigation on her.
The main reason the officials keep her locked up there is because, they wanted some illicit information about the state's Central Minister Jayaram Subramaniam, under the Chief Minister's orders. And as Anushka was an ex-IAS officer and was close to Jayaram, they pry her for various kinds of information to no vain as she keeps repeating that he was a genuinely nice person.
The officials then emotionally try to torture her so that she will open up about something which will be worthy enough to tarnish the Jayaram's reputation. They continue to keep Anushka locked inside the house, who keeps requesting the police officers to let her go as she feels like some outside force spirits are haunting her. In the meantime she is suddenly seen wearing the clothes of Bhaaghamaathie and behaving like her. The rest of the plot revolves around finding out who's Bhaaghamaathie, did something really possess Anushka? why she kills Unni Mukundan, will they all escape the haunted palace?
Anushka Shetty who is the protagonist of the film, has recreated the majesty that she had exuded in Aarunthadi. The versatile actress fit the role like a glove pulling it off with such ease. Though her character has different shades which will is revealed towards the end of the film, her roles isn't that exciting as we have seen her in such roles before.
Predominately known for his works in Malayalam, Unni Mukundan plays Anushka's romantic interest. He looks charming through out the film and has pulled of his character really well. Actor Jayaram's honest character coupled with his innocence works well with the crowd. Asha Sarath plays a tough cop and has aced it.
G Ashok has done a pretty decent job in the directorial department even though many loose ends are evident. His attempt at keeping the audience in suspense and guessing till the crucial point works well. Yet, he could have shown a little attention to the screenplay, as it was dragging, had many loop holes, and mainly it lacked the essential thrill which is provided in a horror/thriller genre based film.
S Thaman has provided the tunes for the film, and his background score is on point and in sync with the movie. R Madhi's cinematography skills come to fore, and his shots provide the much needed grandeur and dark edge to the movie.
In short, Bhaaghamaathie, is a good attempt at a thriller.