Anurag Mehndiratta

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In this cinematic journey, despite amassing a considerable list of continuity errors that detract from its overall coherence, the film presents moments that hint at a deeper, untapped potential for terror. Among these, Madhavan delivers an undeniably strong performance, showcasing his acting prowess with a character that, while seemingly powerful and indestructible, intriguingly possesses no other abilities beyond coercive hypnosis. This unique limitation adds a nuanced layer to his role, although the director's approach falls short in fully exploiting the film's potential to terrify and engage. One such missed opportunity is a scene designed to chill the audience to the core — a daughter compelled to kill with a knife opts instead to throw her brother from the terrace, only to desist upon his survival. This, among other instances, illustrates the narrative's struggle to maintain a consistent tone of dread. Further undermining the suspense is a scene where the daughter, despite being under a malevolent command to kill anyone approaching, inexplicably refrains from harming her mother while Madhavan's character, limited by his singular power of hypnosis, remains asleep, unaware. This inconsistency dilutes the narrative's horror elements, leaving the audience confused rather than captivated. A standout moment in the film is Madhavan's portrayal in a dark and terrifying ritual scene, with numerous girls crying out in unison, showcasing the film's darker potential. Yet, the impact of such scenes is lessened by the film's overarching issues of pacing and coherence. Adding to the narrative's inconsistencies, the film's opening scene presents a daughter who, despite an aversion to carbohydrates, quickly indulges in a laddoo offered by a stranger. This peculiar shift is emblematic of the broader issue of inconsistency that plagues the storyline. Despite its flaws, the film delivers a surprising twist towards its conclusion, offering a brief respite from the prevailing mediocrity. However, issues such as contrived dialogue and erratic pacing frequently undermine its suspenseful moments. Ultimately, while Madhavan's performance and certain dark scenes suggest a more terrifying film that could have been, the director's inability to fully embrace the narrative's horror elements results in a movie that fails to live up to its potential. The film, regrettably, offers a glimpse of the terror that might have been had it committed to its darker instincts with greater consistency and conviction.