An open-ended reveal in the very first scene distinguishes Room Boy as a film willing to take risks. The shocking premise—a room boy implicated in the massacre of seven individuals at a lodge, with the crime documented on CCTV—immediately engages the audience in investigative mode. From that point, the narrative unfolds primarily through surveillance visuals, making the viewer a participant in the police investigation. The story progresses along two tracks: the police inquiry on one side and the discovery of additional CCTV footage from the suspect’s residence on the other. These parallel narratives gradually intertwine, enriching the mystery with added intrigue. Despite featuring a limited cast, the screenplay skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, maintaining suspense until the conclusion.
Central to the film is Likith Surya, who not only produces but also stars in the project. His notable physical transformations across timelines enhance the authenticity of the story’s varying moods. His performance is complemented by the understated yet impactful roles of Raghu Shivamogga and Yash Shetty, whose short appearances contribute significantly to the narrative. Room Boy is particularly notable for its unconventional use of CCTV visuals. While this bold choice anchors the storytelling and steers clear of excessive dramatics, the non-CCTV sequences sometimes lack polish. Nonetheless, the film’s concise runtime of just 94 minutes guarantees a rapid pace, minimizing distractions or superfluous content.
The cinematography and editing are crucial, transforming the static and often tedious nature of surveillance footage into something visually engaging. The seamless integration of raw CCTV frames with cinematic shots maintains the tension throughout. Director Ravi Nagadadinni, along with producer-actor Likith Surya, deserves recognition for venturing into new territory within mainstream crime thrillers. Room Boy may not be perfect, but its innovative approach to storytelling is refreshing, captivating, and undeniably audacious.