Director Arivazhagan introduces Shabdham (Sabdham in Tamil) as a horror thriller mystery set against the premise of sound-induced fear. Producers released the movie as a horror flick with the hope of spooky sound effects and paranormal tension. The trailer created curiosity with its eerie visuals, chilling background score, and intriguing plot.
Shabdham boasts an intriguing first half with well-built suspense, but the second half goes haywire. The movie develops a dark setting, but falters due to predictable twists and a poor climax. Despite being technically sound, the narration fails to hold on to the momentum, and the audience is left half-satisfied.
Storyline
Holy Angeles, a 70-year-old prestigious medical school, is plagued by unexplained suicides that terrify students and faculty. As rumors spread of ghostly interference, the reputation of the school is tarnished.
The dean of the college hires paranormal researcher Vyoma (Aadhi Pinisetty) to investigate the cause for such gruesome deaths. Vyoma arrives and starts his scientific investigation, collecting evidence, researching from old books, and interviewing witnesses. His inquiry suggests that there is some unseen force at play.
As Vyoma explores further, he uncovers hidden secrets, repressed truths, and startling facts. The plot follows his tireless quest to solve the horror of the senseless murders to a shocking yet inevitable revelation.
Performances
- Aadhi Pinisetty is commanding in his portrayal as Vyoma. He brings an air of intelligence and curiosity in playing the paranormal expert, and he has a strong screen presence throughout the film.
- Lakshmi Menon oversteps the common heroine act and does an integral character role contributing to the tale. She stands out during climax moments and brings depth into the tale.
- Redin Kingsley lends humor that is greatly necessary in the movie through his sense of timing, delivering lighter relief from the pressure.
- Simran impresses within her integral role, giving depth of emotions in the narrative.
- Laila and M.S. Bhaskar perform their duty, even though their characters are not provided with the required depth.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Arivazhagan starts Shabdham on a strong note, establishing an intriguing horror script. The first half is engaging, interweaving spooky scenes, creepy tension, and an intriguing mystery.
He builds tension effectively, making use of camera angles and sound design to induce a sense of horror. Having a medical college as the background also contributes towards the eerie environment, and hence the initial parts are visually appealing.
But the second half is disappointing. The flashback scenes are foreseeable, and the climax lacks an impact. The plot, which holds curiosity in the beginning, turns into a common horror mystery with predictable turns. Although the premise is good, the plot fails to deliver an emotional or shocking ending.
Horror and Thriller Elements
- The film employs sound-based horror to create fear. Background music and shock sound effects deliver jumpscares and chilling moments.
- The mystery surrounding the suicides generates curiosity, but hackneyed narration loses the impact.
- The initial half engages the audience, while horror becomes repetitive in the second half.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Ominous and dark imagery is provided by the film, and this contributes towards creating the atmosphere of horror. The medical college campus appears to be haunted, generating suspense in general.
- Sound Design: The film uses sound effects well and makes silence as terror-inducing as sudden sounds. The background music increases tension, but at times it overpowers the narrative.
- Editing: The first half’s pace is engrossing, but the second half is languid. A more compact script would have prevented story fatigue.
- Music: The background music is apt for the horror genre, but excessive use of high-decibel sound effects reduces their effect.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Positives
- Strong first half with well-written mystery
- Excellent sound design and visuals
- Aadhi Pinisetty’s powerful performance
- Intriguing premise with interesting concept
Negatives
- Lackluster second half with overused twists
- No powerful emotional or surprising moments
- Underwhelming climax that fails to leave a mark
- Underutilized supporting cast
Final Verdict
Shabdham starts out as a thrilling horror movie with mystery, suspense, and technical perfection. The first half gets the audience into it, inquiring about what is really behind the supernatural actions. The sound effects and otherworldly camerawork play a huge part in the viewing experience.
But the film suffers in the latter half. The predestined turns, letdown revelations, and lackluster climax weaken its overall effect. The film does not have a lasting impression due to its poor storytelling in the second half.
Despite its flaws, Shabdham is a decent watch for those who appreciate horror-thrillers, especially those who enjoy sound design and atmospheric horror. But those in search of a surprise-laden, edge-of-the-seat thrill ride might be left disappointed.
