BOTTOM LINE
Echoes Loud, Then Stops
RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
2h 28m, ‘U/A’ Certified.
What Is the Film About?
Holy Angeles is a prestigious Medical College with Seventy Years of history. However, in the recent past, multiple suicides have been reported on the premises. The whispers among the students and staff further suggest ghost involvement. If the rumours persist, it will greatly damage the institution.
As a solution, the dean hires the service of Mr Vyoma (Aadhi Pinisetty), a paranormal investigator. What does he find? The movie’s core plot is uncovering the mystery behind the horrific deaths.
Performances
Aadhi Pinisetty comes with another role that plays to his strengths. There are no loud contortions, and the whole thing is done in a calm and composed manner with intensity.
The character also gets a couple of emotional moments which Aadhi does with ease. More than the acting, it’s the set up and the presentation that shines, giving the freshness to the part.
Lakshmi Menon isn’t playing the typical heroine in the movie. She is a female lead and is pivotal to the proceedings all the way. The conversations with the hero are well done and she excels in the act whenever the scope arises.
Analysis
Arivazhagan writes and directs Sabdham. It is a mystery thriller with a unique background.
The movie hooks us right from the start. First, there is the suicide, then the introduction of the paranormal investigator, and finally, the reason for bringing him. It all looks simple, clean, and intriguing.
The subsequent portions, where different elements like thrills, drama and humour are infused into the narrative, are the movie’s best parts. It gives a unique, classy, vintage murder mystery vibe. The hero’s name Vyoma, too, adds to it beautifully.
There is very little happening story-wise in the first half, but it is engaging nonetheless. The setting, writing and incidents keep us glued. The interval block provides a neat bang after all the buildup.
Post-interval, however, the narrative starts to wobble. The simplicity in proceedings, maintaining the suspense seen during the initial hour, is missing here.
The screenplay gives a muddled feeling, and the choices made to make things easy (i.e. connecting the dots) look more contrived and convenient to let the proceedings take place.
The flashback is compelling but on predictable lines. Many might have guessed it after a point. Similarly, it also leads to a familiar ending.
The portions between the flashback and the climax, too, are not that engaging. It leads to more questions than answers. To avoid them, situations are created to fit the context rather than arriving organically. The good thing here is the execution. The individual scenes amidst all chaos, are neatly handled. It holds attention, makes one pause all the thinking and move on anyway.
The ending is again on predictable lines. A new character is introduced at the last minute, which is never a good sign, particularly in a thriller narrative. Still, it’s okay due to all the emotional undercurrent behind the whole thing.
Overall, Sabdham offers a fresh set-up, a novel premise, and a clean build-up. But when it comes to delivering the goods, it fails to come up with the same. Still, if you like the genre, this one offers just enough to try it once.
Performances by Others Actors
Apart from the main lead, comedian Redin Kingsley gets a major part staying with the hero for most of the duration. It’s also a decent role, that helps diffuse the tension and brings some humour as part of the narrative.
The seniors, in limited space, comprise the rest of the cast. Simran is vital among them, followed by Laila. The former is alright whereas the latter doesn’t entirely work. The makeover to make the act convincing looks more distracting. MS Bhaskar is wasted whereas Rajiv Menon doesn’t register.
Music and Other Departments?
Thaman provides the music and background score for the movie. The former isn’t much of a matter here, but the latter is critical to the narrative. And the good news is that Thaman delivers. He helps amplify the mood and thrills overall with his work. A classic theme to go with them would have further elevated the work, though.
The movie is technically slick with neat cinematography and sharp editing. The combination makes for a gripping narrative with fresh-looking visuals. The writing is adequate, with a proper mix of mumbo jumbo, comedy and drama. The visual effects, however small, are the only disappointing aspect technically. They are tacky.
Highlights?
Basic Setup
Sound Mixing
Slick Execution
Drawbacks?
Simple And Straightforward
Convoluted Mid Segment
Turns Routine In The End
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in parts.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, to those who enjoy mystery more than horror and have reasonable expectations.
Sabdham Movie Review by M9
