Movie Name: Sabdham
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Aadhi, Lakshmi Menon, Simran, Laila, Redin Kingsley, MS Baskar, Rajiv Menon, Vivek Prasanna
Director: Arivazhagan Venkatachalam
Producer: 7G Siva
Music Director: Thaman S
Cinematographer: Arun Bathmanaban
Editor: Sabu Joseph VJ
Related Links: Trailer
Review:
Sabdham, a supernatural horror-drama starring Aadhi Pinisetty, has hit theaters today, creating waves with its chilling storyline. Directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam, the movie offers a mix of suspense, horror, and emotional drama. Let’s break it down and see if it manages to deliver a satisfying experience.
Plot:
Set in Holy Angel College, Sabdham revolves around a series of mysterious student deaths, sparking rumors that the institution is haunted. To uncover the truth, the college hires a ghost investigator, Vyoma Vaidyalangam (played by Aadhi Pinisetty). Vyoma’s investigation leads him to Avantika (Lakshmi Menon), a student working on a thesis to prove that ghosts do not exist. However, Vyoma soon notices unusual behavior in Avantika. The mystery deepens when another student, Deepika, dies under strange circumstances. As Vyoma digs deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets involving Diana (Simran) and Nancy (Laila), leading to a spine-chilling revelation.
What Works:
One of the strongest points of Sabdham is its blend of horror, suspense, and emotional drama. The storytelling by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam keeps the film engaging, particularly during emotional moments. Vyoma’s journey, which focuses on saving lives while spirits seek justice, strikes a chord with viewers.
Aadhi Pinisetty shines in the role of Vyoma. His performance is convincing, and he effectively carries the film’s emotional and horror elements. Simran’s role is strong, and Laila adds a layer of intrigue. Lakshmi Menon also does a fine job in her role, contributing to the film’s overall appeal.
The movie introduces some fresh sequences, offering a unique cinematic experience. The setting, along with Vyoma’s emotional journey, makes the film stand out in the crowded horror genre.
What Doesn’t Work:
Unfortunately, Sabdham follows a somewhat predictable horror formula. The first half builds suspense, but the second half loses steam. The film incorporates the classic horror trope of a flashback revealing the spirits’ backstory, but it lacks the shock value needed to keep the audience hooked.
While there are some fresh horror elements, the film struggles in the latter half. The screenplay becomes predictable, and certain scenes feel repetitive, which reduces the overall impact. Despite an intriguing premise, Sabdham fails to maintain a gripping momentum throughout.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, Sabdham fares well. Thaman’s music complements the eerie atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. Cinematographer Arun Bathmanaban captures the visuals beautifully, adding depth to the narrative. Editor Sabu Joseph ensures the film moves smoothly, and the production values maintained by 7G Shiva and Bhanu Priya Shiva are impressive.
Verdict:
Overall, Sabdham is a horror-revenge drama with emotional depth that will appeal to a specific audience. Aadhi Pinisetty’s performance is a major highlight, but the slow pace and predictable storyline hinder the film’s impact. While horror fans might enjoy certain aspects, the film struggles to maintain excitement and suspense in its latter half.
Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by: Filmyjosh Team