Sabdham Movie Plot:

Ruben (Aadhi Pinisetty) is a paranormal investigator summoned to examine a series of enigmatic suicides among college students at a medical institution. While developing his own hypotheses, he encounters Avantika (Lakshmi Menon), a junior lecturer and resident doctor who is skeptical of the supernatural and is focused on her thesis regarding hallucinations. However, the situation becomes increasingly complex when a third student dies under similarly mysterious circumstances.

Sabdham Movie Review:

While it may seem somewhat unjust to reference Eeram, the debut horror film by Arivazhagan, in the context of reviewing Sabdham, there are notable parallels between the two works. Setting aside the obvious theme of spirits returning to haunt the living, Arivazhagan employs a sensory medium as a means of communication between the love-stricken deceased and the vengeful living. He adeptly illustrates that when the living are consumed by greed and willing to act ruthlessly, it is not out of place to depict the dead seeking retribution. However, what resonated profoundly in Eeram was the emotional connection, which, regrettably, Sabdham fails to achieve.

Following the mysterious deaths of three medical students, which are commonly interpreted as suicides, the narrative reveals that they were tormented by a specific sound—the screeching of a thousand bats. In a manner reminiscent of Eeram, Arivazhagan employs a blue-tinted aesthetic for his film, setting it in a medical college that was formerly a church and once catered to disabled children. The film allows for a half-hour introduction to Ruben, who grew up listening to his grandmother's stories, as he embarks on the investigation into the deaths at the medical college, engaging in light-hearted exchanges with his local assistant, Arokiyam (Redin Kingsley). However, his ongoing debates with Avantika, who holds contrasting beliefs, serve to mislead the audience. As the film reaches its midpoint, the plot thickens, and the backstory begins to unfold.

As Arivazhagan unravels the complexities introduced in the first half, the perspective shifts, yet the emotional connection remains absent. The narrative distinctly contrasts noise with sound, featuring seasoned actors Laila and Simran. At this juncture, Sabdham becomes unnecessarily convoluted, merely skimming the surface of its plot. The introduction of characters later in the story, depicted as either angelic or demonic, feels like a cumbersome attempt to persuade the audience to engage with the narrative. True to the conventions of horror films, there is a brief flashback explaining why the ghosts utilize sound as a means of communication. Had Arivazhagan delved deeper into this concept rather than relegating it to a fleeting flashback in the third act, Sabdham could have achieved a more profound impact.

Sabdham's unique selling proposition lies in its technical prowess, particularly in the sound department. The film features an array of auditory elements, including the screeching of bats, the creaking of furniture, the clicking of footsteps, musical notes, and hand claps, all of which are executed with precision and enhance the overall viewing experience. However, when sound production is removed from the equation, the screenplay reveals a need for greater emotional depth and engagement to foster a connection with the audience. Aadhi continues to deliver his understated performance, which contributes positively to the narrative, while Lakshmi Menon is afforded opportunities to showcase her talent in several scenes. Nevertheless, the last-minute plot twists and the screenplay's interference with the horror genre detract from the film's impact.

Sabdham Movie Verdict:

Sabdham presents a solid foundation for a horror film, showcasing technical strengths. While it initially captivates with its premise, a closer examination reveals that it succumbs to familiar clichés. Ultimately, the film relies on stereotypes and fails to offer unique choices, resulting in a narrative that adheres to conventional templates.

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