Pindam Review: Only For Horror Fans!

Pindam, starring Sriram, Eeswari Rao, Kushee Ravi and Avasarala Srinivas, has been making noise. Recently under-dog films (not- star-studded) like Masooda belonging to the same genre turned out to be sleeper hit, naturally, this film create some intrigue. Will Pindam meet those expectations? Let’s find out.

What is it about?

Set in 1990, a Christian family moves to the remote village Suklapet and buys an independent house in a deserted area. Antony (Sriram), an accountant at a nearby rice mill, lives with his pregnant wife Mary (Kushee Ravi), two daughters Sophie (Baby Leisha) and Tara (Baby Chaitra) along with his old widow mother. The old mother desperately wants a baby boy for his son and daughter-in-law in the next delivery. The family members face eerie moments and experience paranormal acts. Younger daughter Tara, who is speech and hearing impaired, is possessed by a Ghost. As days pass, the family gets into more trouble. Annamma (Eeswari Rao), a demenologist, comes to the rescue. Will the family get saved? What is the backstory that resulted in these events? Pindam attempts to answer these questions.

Performances

Child actors Chaitra Peddi and Leisha Surampudi deliver flawless performances. Their acting has a lot of ease. Kushee Ravi is so natural in her role as Mary. Eeaswari Rao fits the bill as a spiritual healer. Avasarala Srinivas is a researcher (Loknath) who interviews Eeaswari Rao (Annamma). Sriram as usual performs well. The cast does a good job. Performances are intense as per the situation.

Technicalities

Writing is the major letdown for this horror film. The Debutante director manages to maintain the horror atmosphere but he gets the narration wrong. Sound effects and camera movements make the experience better. The proceedings are not gripping. Hence, the film appears lengthy. Editing could be better. Makers have done justice for the genre. Production design-wise there are no complaints.

Thumbs Up

Horror Element
Few Chilling Scenes of Baby Tara

Thumbs Down

Dragged Narration
Gory Flashback
Weak Interval and Predictable Climax

Analysis

On paper, Pindam has a very typical storyline. The plot point is not something unheard of. In fact, it is pretty familiar plot for a horror film. A secluded haunted house with ghosts, a family in deep trouble and a spiritual healer. However, debutante director Saikiran Daida manages to hook viewers to the screens. Initially, he creates curiosity among the audience about what is going to happen next. The horror elements may be cliched but still scare the viewers. The tone and mood of the genre have been well-placed. The director played it to the genre’s strengths and advantages.

But the prolonged sequences, lack of quick progress, flat and bland narration, and substance-less buildup let down this Pindam. It boils down to a typical horror film which doesn’t rise beyond. Though there is a scope for the film to be far better, the cliched writing and familiar scenes that are seen in previous horror films mar this film. The flashback episode lacked enough punch, although it was gory, brutal and ruthless.

Simply put, Pindam focuses more on creating build-up and hype that there is something huge in the house. But this hype is not backed by supportive writing. The story progresses at a slow pace and situationally tests the patience. The first half has passable moments and the second half has stretched portions. After the story is unravelled and the backstory is revealed, the film is pretty predictable. The interval and climax portions failed to keep the viewers on their toes.

Having discussed the shortcomings, Pindam can’t be ruled out completely. Baby Chaitra delivers a flawless performance. The other cast too deliver what is expected of them. The sound effects, the camera work, and the lighting offer a horror experience. The film caters to die-hard horror fans, for some intense, hard-hitting moments, who can give it a try. Others can excuse this routine horror drama. As the film’s disclaimer rightly points out, the film is a strict no for pregnant women.

Verdict: Pindam Only For Horror Fans!

Rating: 2.25/5