Cast: Sriram, Khushi Ravi, Eshwari Rao, Srinivas Avasarala, Baby Chaithra, Baby Leesha, Vijayalakshmi, Srilatha, Ravivarma, and others
Director: Saikiran Daida
Music: Krishna Saurabh Soorampalli
Cinematography: Satish Manoharan
Editor: Shireesh Prasad
Producer: Yashwant Daggumati
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Horror genre films were once a common sight in Tollywood but have seen a decline recently. However, filmmakers occasionally dabble in this genre. The recent addition to this trend is ‘Pindam’, a film that promises to be ‘The Scariest Film Ever’. The intriguing promotional material raised high expectations. So, does the film live up to them?
Story
The film revolves around Annamma (Eshwari Rao), an expert in tantric practices, who is interviewed by Loknath (Srinivas Avasarala) for his research. He asks her about the most challenging case in her career, leading her to recount a family’s haunting experience in Suklapet during the 1990s. Antony (Sriram), along with his pregnant wife Mary (Khushi Ravi), mother, and two children, move into a house where they soon face bizarre occurrences. What haunts them? What happened in that house before? How does the family escape the evil spirit?
Performances
Sriram and Khushi Ravi convincingly portray a middle-class couple. Sriram’s acting in the horror scenes is noteworthy. Khushi Ravi, as the pregnant Mary and mother of two, delivers a fitting performance. Eshwari Rao’s portrayal of a woman with tantric powers is impressive. The child actors captivate the audience with their expressions and dialogues. Srinivas Avasarala’s role isn’t very prominent. Ravivarma and others perform well according to their roles.
Direction
Director Saikiran Daida could have focused more on the narrative and emotional depth. However, he succeeds in crafting horror scenes that genuinely scare, especially when the spirits start appearing after Antony’s family moves in. But the repetition of these scenes dilutes the initial fear factor. The twist at the interval raises curiosity for the second part. Some scenes in the second half feel routine. The connection between the fetus and the external spirit lacks logic. Overall, the film’s thrilling elements manage to engage the audience.
Technical Aspects
Technically, the film is superior. The camera work and music departments excel. Music director Krishna Saurabh effectively uses sound to create fear. The art direction by Vishnu Nayar is visible on screen, with well-designed horror scenes. Production-wise, there are no flaws.
Plus Points
- Horror scenes
- Performances
- Music
Minus Points
- Routine story and narration
- Lack of emotional depth
Rating: 2.5/5
