Shivangi Lioness Movie Review : A unique survival thriller

Story: Sathyabhama (Anandhi), a resolute software engineer, finds herself ensnared in a web of workplace harassment, societal prejudice, and a series of unforeseen incidents. Her life takes a harrowing turn when she is accused of murder. As the investigation unfolds, she recounts the events to a sharp-witted officer (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), revealing the challenges she endured. How did she survive in the face of relentless adversity?

Review: Shivangi Lioness, directed by Devaraj Bharani Dharan and featuring Anandhi, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and John Vijay, attempts to tell a story of resilience and justice through an unconventional narrative approach. At its core, the film revolves around a woman battling systemic injustice and personal turmoil, with a strong emphasis on how she navigates a single day filled with challenges. Themes of female empowerment, oppression, and survival are explored in a manner that resonates with real-world struggles.

The filmmakers take an experimental approach by keeping much of the storytelling driven by phone conversations. A significant portion of the movie unfolds through dialogue exchanges with unseen characters, relying heavily on environmental sounds and off-screen interactions to push the narrative forward. While this technique adds realism and an immersive quality, some sections of the audience might find it less engaging. The sheer number of problems the protagonist encounters in a single day may also feel overwhelming, potentially leading to narrative fatigue.

Anandhi carries the film on her shoulders with an intense and emotionally charged performance. She convincingly portrays the protagonist’s distress, determination, and resilience, keeping the audience engaged even as the unconventional storytelling approach starts to feel repetitive. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, in the role of an investigating officer, makes a strong impression despite her limited screen time. The supporting cast adds credibility, even though most of their presence is conveyed through voices rather than on-screen appearances.

The film's sound design plays a crucial role in sustaining engagement, as much of the action occurs off-screen. Background noises, ambient sounds, and meticulously crafted dialogues contribute to the tension. The cinematography, though minimalistic, effectively captures the protagonist’s turmoil through close-ups and carefully framed shots. The editing ensures a seamless narrative flow, though some sequences could have been trimmed for better pacing. A. H. Kaashif’s background score enhances the mood without overpowering the film’s grounded tone.

While Shivangi Lioness takes a bold and distinctive approach to storytelling, its unconventional structure may not appeal to everyone. However, Anandhi’s gripping performance, the relevance of the film’s themes, and the inspiring portrayal of a woman standing up against adversity redeem the experience, making it a compelling, if not entirely flawless, watch.