Firefly (2025 film)
| Firefly | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Vamshi Krishna Srinivas |
| Written by | Vamshi Krishna Srinivas |
| Produced by | Niveditha Shivarajkumar |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Abhilash Kalathi |
| Edited by | Suresh Arumugam |
| Music by | Charan Raj |
Production companies | Sree Mutthu Cine Services and Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 132 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
Firefly is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language drama film written and directed by debutant Vamshi Krishna Srinivas, who also stars in the lead role. Produced by Niveditha Shivarajkumar, under her debut production venture Sri Mutthu.[1] the film features Achyuth Kumar, Sudharani Anand Ninasam and Rachana Inder in key roles. 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, the matinee idol of Kannada Cinema.[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
- Achyuth Kumar as Murthy, Vicky’s father
- Sudharani as Padma, Vicky’s mother
- Anand Ninasam as Vicky’s Uncle
- Sheetal Shetty as Counselor
- Rachana Inder as Neha, a woman Vicky meets through a dating app
- Moogu Suresh as Rajanna
- Sundar as Venky
- Veena Sundar as Jyoti
- Sihi Kahi Chandru as Doctor Chandru
- Chitkala Biradar
- Shivarajkumar as Pizza delivery boy(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] IMDb rating - 7.5/10
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "Niveditha's maiden production Firefly gets release date". Cinema Express. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Abhilash PS (24 April 2025). "Firefly Kannada Movie Review: Vamshi's debut reverse screenplay emotional drama". Prajavani. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Shivarajkumar's daughter Niveditha turns producer, launches debut venture". The Hindu. 24 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "First schedule of Firefly, debut production of Shivraj Kumar's daughter, concluded". News18. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "It's a wrap for Niveditha Shivarajkumar's maiden production Firefly". Cinema Express. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ Sanjay Ponnappa (24 April 2025). "Firefly Review: A light-hearted film depicting the complexities of depression". India Today. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ 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.