Sabdham review and rating: Engaging start, predictable finish
Let’s see how the film Sabdham fares in delivering an engaging mystery thriller. Directed by Arivazhagan, this movie revolves around a paranormal investigation at a reputed medical college. With Aadhi Pinisetty in the lead role, does the film maintain the intrigue throughout?
Story
Holy Angels Medical College with a legacy of seventy years, is suddenly haunted by a series of mysterious suicides. Students and staff believe supernatural forces are behind these deaths, creating panic. To uncover the truth, the college authorities hire Vyoma (Aadhi Pinisetty), a paranormal investigator. As he digs deeper, shocking revelations unfold. What is the real reason behind the deaths? Is it truly supernatural or is there a hidden secret? The film follows Vyoma’s journey to find answers.
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Performances
Aadhi Pinisetty delivers a strong performance, portraying his role with intensity and depth. His calm demeanor adds authenticity to the character. Lakshmi Menon plays a significant role, not just as a supporting heroine but as an integral part of the story. She does justice to her character, especially in key emotional moments.
Among the supporting cast, comedian Redin Kingsley provides some comic relief, balancing the eerie tone. Simran and Laila play senior roles, but their impact varies. Simran does well in her limited screen time, whereas Laila’s performance doesn’t fully connect. MS Bhaskar and Rajiv Menon are underutilized.
Technical Aspects
Thaman’s background score plays a crucial role in setting the eerie atmosphere. While the songs are not memorable, the sound design effectively enhances the tension. The cinematography creates a dark, mysterious feel that suits the narrative. Editing is sharp in the first half but could have been tighter in the second half. Visual effects are minimal but could have been better executed in certain scenes.
Analysis
The film starts off strong, creating an engaging mystery with an intriguing setup. The initial sequences, including the suicides and Vyoma’s introduction, build suspense effectively. The first half keeps the audience engaged with its well-structured screenplay and thrilling moments.
However, the second half struggles to maintain the same intensity. The narrative becomes predictable, and some plot developments feel forced. The flashback portion is impactful but follows a familiar pattern, reducing its effectiveness. The climax introduces a last-minute twist, which feels rushed and slightly forced. Despite these drawbacks, the film’s execution keeps it from falling apart completely.
Verdict
Sabdham offers an interesting premise and a gripping first half but falters in the latter half with predictable storytelling. If you enjoy mystery thrillers with a supernatural touch, this film is worth a one-time watch, but don’t expect a groundbreaking experience.
Rating:2/5
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