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Firefly (2025 film)

Firefly is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language drama film written and directed by Vamshi Krishna Srinivas, who also stars in the lead role. Produced by Niveditha Shivarajkumar, daughter of Shivarajkumar, under her debut production venture, the film features Rachana Inder, Achyuth Kumar, and Sudharani in key roles, with supporting performances by Sheetal Shetty, Anand Ninasam, and Chitkala Biradar.[1] The film explores themes of grief, loneliness, and self-discovery through a non-linear narrative.[2] It was released in theatres on 24 April 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajkumar, Niveditha’s grandfather.[3]

Plot

Vivekananda, nicknamed Vicky (Vamshi Krishna Srinivas), returns to India from the United States after four years. He faces a tragedy with the death of his parents, Murthy (Achyuth Kumar) and Padma (Sudharani). After falling into a coma for three months, Vicky loses his job and struggles with depression, insomnia, and irritability.[4] His surreal journey to cope with grief leads him to meet Neha (Rachana Inder) through a dating app, whose pragmatic outlook contrasts with his emotional turmoil.[2] Using a reverse screenplay, the film depicts Vicky’s introspective path to self-discovery, blending quirky humor and emotional drama.[5]

Cast

  • Vamshi Krishna Srinivas as Vivekananda aka Vicky, a melancholic young man dealing with grief
  • Rachana Inder as Neha, a woman Vicky meets through a dating app
  • Achyuth Kumar as Murthy, Vicky’s father
  • Sudharani as Padma, Vicky’s mother
  • Sheetal Shetty
  • Anand Ninasam
  • Chitkala Biradar
  • Shivarajkumar as himself (cameo appearance)[6]

Production

Firefly marks the directorial and acting debut of Vamshi Krishna Srinivas, who also wrote the screenplay.[1] The film was produced by Niveditha Shivarajkumar, daughter of Shivarajkumar, marking her first venture as a producer.[7] Announced in June 2023, the project was launched with a ceremonial event attended by Shivarajkumar, who later filmed a cameo.[6] Filming occurred in multiple schedules, with the first completed by September 2023 and the entire production wrapped by August 2024.[8][9]Cinematography was by Abhilash Kalathi, music by Charan Raj, and editing by Suresh Arumugam.[2]

Release and Reception

Firefly was released in theatres across Karnataka on 24 April 2025.[3] Critics gave mixed reviews, praising its visual style and innovative storytelling but noting uneven emotional depth. The Hindu described it as a “visually experimental character study” but criticized its flat dialogues.[2] The Times of India rated it 3.5/5, calling it a “refreshing take on handling loneliness and grief.”[4] India Today highlighted its light-hearted depiction of depression and praised the supporting cast.[10] Conversely, OTTplay noted that the film prioritized style over substance.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b "Shiva Rajkumar launches daughter Niveditha's first Kannada film Firefly". India Today. 15 June 2023. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d Vivek MV (24 April 2025). "Firefly movie review: Vamshi's directorial debut is a visually experimental character study". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Niveditha's maiden production Firefly gets release date". Cinema Express. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b Sridevi S (24 April 2025). "Firefly Review: A refreshing take on handling loneliness and grief". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  5. ^ Abhilash PS (24 April 2025). "Firefly Kannada Movie Review: Vamshi's debut reverse screenplay emotional drama". Prajavani. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Shivarajkumar to do cameo in daughter Niveditha's debut production Firefly". The New Indian Express. 19 December 2023. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Shivarajkumar's daughter Niveditha turns producer, launches debut venture". The Hindu. 24 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  8. ^ "First schedule of Firefly, debut production of Shivraj Kumar's daughter, concluded". News18. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  9. ^ "It's a wrap for Niveditha Shivarajkumar's maiden production Firefly". Cinema Express. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  10. ^ Sanjay Ponnappa (24 April 2025). "Firefly Review: A light-hearted film depicting the complexities of depression". India Today. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  11. ^ Pratibha Joy (24 April 2025). "Firefly movie review: Vamshi goes for all flash and little substance in directorial debut". OTTplay. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.

Firefly at IMDb