One/4 is a small-budget Telugu crime thriller that quietly makes its mark through realism, restraint, and emotional honesty. Directed by Palani K, the film avoids flashy twists or stylised violence and instead focuses on how ordinary lives can spiral out of control when trust is placed in the wrong hands. Anchored by strong performances and grounded storytelling, One/4 proves that scale is no substitute for substance.
A Simple Life That Takes a Dark Turn
The story revolves around Kiran (played by Venkatesh Peddapalem), a kind-hearted and uncomplicated young man whose world is limited to his family, routine work, and a gentle, unspoken attraction toward a girl he meets through his sister. Kiran is not a hero in the conventional sense—he has no swagger, no ambition for power, and no appetite for trouble. This ordinariness becomes the film’s greatest strength.
Kiran’s life takes a turn when he befriends a group of four mechanics, led by Temper Vamsi. To him, they appear harmless—fun-loving, working-class men trying to get by. Their casual friendliness disarms Kiran, who lowers his guard without realising that these men are hiding far darker double lives.
When Trust Becomes a Liability
The narrative deepens with the introduction of Pavithra (played by Heena Soni), Kiran’s neighbour. Pavithra lives alone while her husband works in Dubai, navigating loneliness and emotional vulnerability in quiet ways. Her interactions with Kiran and her misplaced trust in the wrong people slowly place her in danger.
What begins as harmless conversations and casual associations soon snowballs into a chain of disturbing events. Small, seemingly insignificant decisions carry devastating consequences. The film effectively shows how crime doesn’t always announce itself loudly—it often slips in through familiarity, convenience, and misplaced faith.
Performances That Feel Real, Not Performative
Venkatesh Peddapalem delivers a calm, convincing performance as Kiran. He captures the character’s journey from innocence to guilt and finally to quiet determination with impressive restraint. His portrayal feels authentic because it never tries to “perform” heroism. Kiran’s fear, regret, and moral conflict are all internal, making his arc deeply relatable.
Heena Soni is the emotional backbone of the film. As Pavithra, she balances vulnerability with resilience, portraying a woman caught between loneliness and survival. Her performance adds emotional weight to the story and ensures that the stakes feel personal rather than abstract.
Temper Vamsi stands out as the antagonist. His villainy is subtle and unsettling. He shifts seamlessly from a friendly facade to a predatory presence without resorting to exaggerated theatrics. This understated menace keeps the tension alive and makes the danger feel disturbingly real.
Supporting performances by Aparnna Mallick, RX 100 Karan, Narendra Varma, Aparna Shetty, Madhusudan Rao, and others help flesh out the world without distracting from the core narrative.
Technical Strengths Keep It Grounded
Technically, One/4 maintains its commitment to realism. Subhash Anand’s background score enhances the tension without overpowering scenes, knowing exactly when to stay silent. The music supports the mood rather than dictating it.
Guna Shekhar’s cinematography captures Vizag’s seaside setting with natural light and a lived-in texture. The visuals feel raw and unpolished in the best way, reinforcing the film’s grounded tone.
Action choreography by Kung Fu Chandra and Joshua avoids over-the-top stunts. The violence is brief, brutal, and believable—always serving the story rather than spectacle.
Where the Film Truly Succeeds
What sets One/4 apart is its treatment of negative characters and moral ambiguity. The interactions between Kiran and the mechanics are written with deceptive simplicity, making their eventual reveal all the more chilling. The film doesn’t preach or over-explain; it trusts the audience to connect the dots.
Rather than offering easy resolutions, One/4 focuses on accountability and consequences. It asks uncomfortable questions about responsibility, silence, and the cost of inaction—without turning preachy.
Jay-Ho Verdict
One/4 is not a film for those seeking fast-paced thrills or dramatic twists every few minutes. It is a slow-burn, character-driven crime thriller that values realism over spectacle. Its strength lies in its emotional honesty, strong performances, and unsettling portrayal of how ordinary lives can unravel.
For viewers who appreciate grounded storytelling and realistic crime dramas, One/4 is a compelling watch that lingers long after the credits roll.
Rating: 3.5/5
