In Rakshana, a determined female police officer embarks on a gripping mission to unravel the truth behind a series of mysterious suicides.  Facing insurmountable obstacles and battling against societal expectations, she fearlessly delves into the darkness, determined to expose the shocking secret that lies at the heart of these tragedies.

Story:

ACP Kiran (Payal Rajput) is thrown into a maelstrom of grief and suspicion when her close friend takes her own life.  But Kiran senses something amiss, a gut feeling that this wasn't suicide, but a cold-blooded murder.  Driven by an unwavering determination to find justice for her friend, Kiran dedicates herself to cracking the case, tirelessly chasing every lead and pursuing every clue.

However, her relentless pursuit of the truth puts her on a collision course with her superiors, particularly DGP Venkateswara Rao (Shivannarayana), who disapproves of her unorthodox methods.  As Kiran digs deeper, she uncovers a sinister pattern, linking her friend's death to other seemingly unrelated suicides.  The trail leads her to Arun (Maanas) and Ram (Vinod Bala), figures who hold the key to unraveling the web of deceit.  The film hinges on the crucial connection between these individuals and the heart-wrenching mystery surrounding the suicides.

Analysis:

Payal Rajput takes a bold step, ditching the glamorous roles for a powerful performance as a dedicated police officer in Rakshana. Her screen presence is impactful, conveying both vulnerability and strength with a powerful gaze and upright posture.  She embodies the role with authenticity, nailing the emotions, expressions, and dialogue delivery with ease, even choosing to go unglamorous for a natural look.

The supporting cast delivers solid performances, with Sivannarayana fitting seamlessly into the role of the DGP. Manas, Roshan Basheer, and Vinod Bala make their presence felt, while Rajiv Kanakala brings his gravitas to a smaller role.

Director Prandeep Thakore draws inspiration from real-life events to craft a crime thriller, beginning with an intriguing narrative and impactful investigation sequences.  The dialogues feel authentic, transporting viewers into the world of a bustling police station.  However, the film falters with a slow pace, testing the patience of audiences. The story is decent, but the screenplay and direction could have benefitted from a more dynamic approach.

While the investigation initially draws the viewer in, it becomes bogged down by the focus on Payal's friend, hindering the forward momentum.  The director could have incorporated more twists and turns to keep the suspense high.

The background score by Mahati Swara Sagar creates an impactful atmosphere but could have been more intense at times. Editing by Gary.BH could have been tighter, as the slow pacing detracts from the overall experience. The cinematography by Anil Bandari complements the narrative effectively.  However, the CGI and VFX are below par, while the production values are satisfactory.

Verdict:

Payal Rajput delivers a powerful and convincing performance as the determined police officer in Rakshana. However, while the film benefits from her strong portrayal, it could have been even more impactful with a faster-paced screenplay and a more intense script.  Director Prandeep Thakore has a compelling story, but a few tweaks in the narrative could have added an extra layer of depth and excitement, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.