The Telugu crime thriller Shivangi Lioness, starring Varalakshmi Sarathkumar and Anandhi, is now gearing up for its digital debut after its theatrical release on March 7th, 2025. Despite being a much-anticipated release, the film’s box office collections fell short of expectations. However, the movie is now set to find new life through its OTT release — and the Tamil-dubbed version is taking the lead in this next phase.
Shivangi OTT Release Date
Shivangi is all set to be premiered on 18 April 2025 on Aha Tamil.
Upon its theatrical release, Shivangi Lioness was met with mixed reviews. While many appreciated the bold narrative structure and themes, some critics felt that the pacing and over-reliance on phone conversations hindered the film’s visual storytelling. Despite the criticism, both Anandhi’s performance and the concept of the film were praised, especially for tackling sensitive issues like harassment and the trauma of false allegations.
According to the latest announcement, Shivangi Lioness will be available for streaming on Aha Tamil starting April 18, 2025. The announcement post on Aha Tamil’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle reads: “It’s thriller time, guys. #Shivaangithelioness premieres from 18th April on namma @ahatamil.”
Interestingly, the Tamil version is set to release on OTT before the original Telugu version, a decision likely driven by strategic insights into regional viewership trends and performance metrics.
When and Where to Watch Shivangi
You can watch this crime thriller on Aha Tamil from 18 April 2025.
With its Tamil OTT release scheduled for April 18th, Shivangi Lioness has a second chance to find its audience. Digital platforms often provide a wider reach, especially for experimental films that may not perform well in theaters but resonate with niche audiences at home.
OTT viewership also tends to be more open to unconventional storytelling, and Shivangi Lioness could find appreciation among fans of psychological thrillers and socially relevant narratives.
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar is already making headlines with her upcoming project, a courtroom drama titled “The Verdict”, co-starring Suhasini Maniratnam. Shot extensively in the United States, the film is slated for release by the end of May 2025. Her choice of diverse roles from intense action to emotional dramas continues to solidify her as one of South India’s most versatile actresses.
Shivangi Movie Story
Shivangi Lioness is not a conventional crime thriller. It dives deep into themes of workplace harassment, false accusations, and a woman’s struggle to reclaim her voice amidst chaos. The story revolves around Sathyabhama, portrayed by Anandhi, a software engineer who finds herself trapped in a horrifying chain of events.
Sathyabhama’s professional life takes a dark turn when she becomes the target of workplace harassment. Instead of receiving support, her character and integrity are questioned by those around her. As she battles these personal and professional challenges, her life turns upside down when she is suddenly and falsely accused of murder.
To clear her name, Sathyabhama recounts the events of a fateful day to Sarika Singh, a police officer played by Varalakshmi Sarathkumar. Through a series of phone conversations and narrative flashbacks, the story unfolds, peeling back layers of tension, emotion, and mystery.
Cast and Crew of Shivangi Movie
Anandhi, known for her subtle yet strong screen presence, delivers one of her most intense performances to date. She portrays Sathyabhama with vulnerability, rage, and resilience, making the audience empathize with her every step of the way.
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar brings gravitas to the role of a determined police officer. Her portrayal of Sarika Singh is nuanced a mix of skepticism, curiosity, and empathy. The dynamic between her and Anandhi is central to the narrative and forms the emotional backbone of the film.
John Vijay plays the character of Monster K, a role that adds an extra layer of menace and suspense to the story. Alongside him, Dr. Koya Kishore takes on a supporting role that contributes to the investigation angle of the film.
Behind the scenes, the film shines in its music and cinematography. The soundtrack, composed by A.H. Kaashif, effectively enhances the psychological tension, while Bharani K Dharan’s cinematography complements the storytelling with dark, moody visuals.
What sets Shivangi Lioness apart is its experimental storytelling technique. The film boldly deviates from mainstream narrative structures, relying heavily on voiceovers, ambient sounds, and off-screen character presence to move the plot forward.
Many of the film’s crucial moments take place through phone calls, allowing the audience to experience events from the protagonist’s perspective, adding a sense of immediacy and intimacy. This style immerses viewers into Sathyabhama’s mindset confused, terrified, and desperate as she tries to piece together what happened and why she is being framed.
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The technique received mixed reactions. While some viewers found the storytelling method innovative and emotionally powerful, others felt it lacked visual engagement and became repetitive over time. Nevertheless, Anandhi’s performance was universally appreciated, with many critics highlighting her emotional depth and ability to carry the film on her shoulders.
Anandhi, too, is receiving appreciation for taking on a bold and layered role like Sathyabhama. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the chaos of false allegations, mental trauma, and systemic injustice has been commended widely. The success of Shivangi Lioness on OTT could open more doors for her in performance-driven films.
Shivangi Lioness might not have roared at the box office, but it is all set to make its mark in the OTT space. With a compelling plot, experimental narration, and stellar performances from Anandhi and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, the film is worth a watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking thrillers.