The Deserving introduces us to Karter, a renowned yet troubled photographer hiding a dark secret—he is also a serial killer. Directed in his feature debut by Koka Singh Arora, this psychological horror stars Venkat Sai Gunda in the complex lead role of the mute Karter. From the beginning, the film draws us into Karter’s isolated world and the troubling past that haunts him, not just through ghosts but through his own turmoil over his violent acts.

Rather than sensationalize violence or thrills, the film is contemplative in tone. Through sparse but evocative visuals and Gunda’s deeply felt physical performance without words, we are given glimpses into Karter’s emotional state and the trauma that led him to this point.

When he begins experiencing visitations from those he killed, the film launches an unsettling exploration of guilt, abuse, and what shapes someone to commit terrible acts—as well...