Asthitva (2016) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 Oct 2026
Asthitva (2016) Review
Asthitva (2016) — a Kannada drama movie directed by Nuthan Umesh. The cast includes Yuvaraja, Prajwal Pooviah, Madhusudhan Rao. The plot revolves around Ram, an orphan (Hindu) who is convincted of murder. When he is released, he takes on the identity of Raheem (Muslim), a dead MBBS aspirant. He begins to live under a false identity, but will he be able to stay free from the web of lies he spins? Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 19 Aug 2016. Runtime: 2h 25m.

Asthitva(2016)
Kannada · Drama
2h 25m · 19 Aug 2016
Writer: Jeeva Shankar, Nuthan Umesh
Ratings
📖 Story
Asthitva is a Kannada thriller that revolves around the mysterious circumstances surrounding the life of its protagonist. The narrative delves into themes of identity and existence, exploring the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by the lead character. As the story unfolds, layers of suspense and intrigue are revealed, keeping the audience engaged through its twists and turns.
Asthitva attempts to blend elements of psychological thriller with emotional drama, presenting a story that is intriguing in concept but uneven in execution. The screenplay struggles with pacing issues, particularly in the first half, which feels slow and laden with excessive exposition. However, the second half picks up momentum, delivering some gripping sequences that hold the viewer's attention.
The narrative structure is straightforward but lacks the finesse needed to elevate the suspense to a compelling level. The film's songs and background score are minimalistic; while the music does not stand out, the BGM effectively supports the tense atmosphere in key moments. The absence of memorable songs might be a drawback for audiences expecting a more traditional commercial format.
Overall, the film's content and story have potential, but the screenplay and pacing issues prevent it from fully realizing that potential. The direction shows promise, though the technical aspects like cinematography and editing could have been sharper to enhance the thriller elements.
Yuvaraja: Delivers a sincere and earnest portrayal of the protagonist, effectively conveying the character's internal conflict.
Prajwal Pooviah: Offers a restrained performance, complementing the lead with subtle emotional depth.
Madhusudhan Rao: Provides a strong supporting role with convincing intensity.
Shain Shetty: Adequate in his role, though limited by the script's scope.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Intriguing core concept
- ✓Effective background score during suspense sequences
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing in the first half
- ✕Lack of memorable songs or music
- ✕Screenplay lacks tightness and finesse
- ✕Technical aspects like cinematography could be improved
🎬 Direction & Writing
Nuthan Umesh shows potential in handling a thriller narrative but needs to work on pacing and screenplay tightness to maintain audience engagement throughout the film.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
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💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics
The film received mixed reviews, with critics appreciating the concept and performances but criticizing the slow pace and lack of technical polish. Audience reactions were similarly divided, praising the suspense elements but noting the film's uneven execution.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Asthitva release in theatres?▾
Asthitva released on 19 August 2016 (2016).
Is Asthitva a hit or flop?▾
Asthitva is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Asthitva online? OTT release date?▾
Asthitva OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Asthitva?▾
Asthitva directed by Nuthan Umesh. Produced by B.S. Vishwa Cariappa.
Who are the main cast members of Asthitva?▾
Asthitva stars Yuvaraja, Prajwal Pooviah, Madhusudhan Rao, Shain Shetty.
What is the genre and runtime of Asthitva?▾
Asthitva — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 145 minutes, Language: Kannada.
