Shivangi Lioness, written and directed by Devaraj Bharani Dharan, is a 2025 Telugu-language drama-thriller that unravels a suspenseful tale of harassment, accusation, and redemption. Led by Anandhi in a powerful performance alongside Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and John Vijay, this film delivers an intense, emotionally-layered experience that’s earned praise for its originality and central theme of female resilience .
🎬 Synopsis & Premise
Sathyabhama (Anandhi) is a software engineer whose life spirals out of control due to persistent workplace harassment. Things escalate dramatically when she’s wrongly accused of murder and her husband’s death hides a darker conspiracy. The film navigates her harrowing journey as she recounts a decisive day during intense police interrogation led by Sarika Singh (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) .
🎭 Cast & Crew
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Director/Writer: Devaraj Bharani Dharan
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Lead Cast:
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Anandhi as Sathyabhama
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Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Sarika Singh
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John Vijay as Monster K
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Supporting: Koya Kishore, Akshara Nunna (CBI Officer Rani)
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Cinematography: Bharani K Dharan
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Editing: Samjith Mohammed
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Music Score: A. H. Kaashif
🗓️ Release & Runtime
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Theatrical Premiere: 7 March 2025
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Runtime: 122 minutes (2 hrs 2 mins)
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Online Streaming: Debuts on Aha Tamil from 18 April 2025
🎭 Performance & Thematic Depth
Anandhi’s Captivating Lead
Anandhi anchors the film with a portrayal that balances vulnerability and fierce resolve. Critics and audiences alike hailed her performance as the emotional engine driving the story forward
Strong Supporting Cast
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, though in a limited screen presence, conveys depth and moral clarity as the investigating officer. John Vijay’s portrayal of the menacing Monster K adds impactful tension to the narrative
🎥 Direction, Style & Narrative Technique
Devaraj Bharani Dharan adopts a unique storytelling method—using phone calls and ambient sounds to build suspense. While this lends authenticity and intimacy, some viewers reported that repeated usage slowed the pacing .
Sound design and cinematography play crucial roles: tight close-ups, immersive backgrounds, and sparse dialogue emphasize the psychological toll on Sathyabhama—qualities often praised in reviews
🌟 Critical & Audience Reception
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Times of India: Rated 3/5, acknowledging the bold narrative and compelling performance, though noting structural repetitiveness
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IMDb: 8.0/10 from 101.6K votes, evidence of strong viewer approval
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Ratingraph: Averaged 8.3/10, though small sample sizes suggest moderate popularity
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iBOMMA Review: Praised intense storytelling and sound design while pointing to occasional pacing issues
Overall, Anandhi’s performance and relevant themes were widely celebrated, buoying an experimental film that avoided traditional tropes
📺 OTT Arrival & Wider Audience Reach
After an initial theatrical run with mixed responses, Shivangi Lioness finds new life on Aha Tamil from 18 April 2025. Tamil dubbing alongside Telugu makes this distinct thriller available across a broader demographic, thanks to its compelling central performance and social relevance .
⚖️ Strengths & Limitations
| ✅ Strengths | ⚠️ Weaknesses |
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| Intense lead performance by Anandhi | Repetition in phone-driven structure |
| Effective sound and visual storytelling | Pacing dips and narrative fatigue |
| Socially resonant themes of justice | Limited action for thriller purists |
| Realistic, immersive atmosphere | Small screen time for supporting cast |
🎯 Verdict: Why Watch Shivangi Lioness?
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Compelling central performance—Anandhi shines in a role far from typical.
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Bold filmmaking style—engages through dialogue, tension, and audio detail.
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Important social themes—highlighting workplace harassment and systemic injustice.
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Survivor-at-its-core narrative—a relatable story of resilience and truth.
In short: Shivangi Lioness is a gripping thriller best experienced for its emotional depth and stylistic flair. Some stylistic choices may polarize viewers, but its strong lead and meaningful plot make it a must-see for fans of character-centric storytelling.
🎯 FAQs
Q: Who plays the lead role in Shivangi Lioness?
A: Anandhi portrays Sathyabhama, the software engineer at the center of the story
Q: Where can I watch the film online?
A: It streams from 18 April 2025 on Aha Tamil, including Tamil dubbing .
Q: What’s the runtime?
A: The film runs approximately 122 minutes
Q: Does it have action-packed sequences?
A: No—it’s a survival thriller emphasizing emotional and psychological suspense over physical action.
Q: How well-reviewed is the film?
A: Critics rated it 3/5, applauding performance and themes; IMDb shows 8.0/10, indicating solid audience appreciation .
