Srikanth/Sriram's "Pindam," directed by Sai Kiran Daida, is capturing widespread attention with its chilling teaser and trailer. The much-anticipated film is set to hit the screens on December 15, 2023. The level of intrigue has surged among cinema enthusiasts, particularly since the makers issued a cautionary advisory urging pregnant women and those with delicate hearts to steer clear of the film. The looming question now is whether "Pindam" truly lives up to its promise of sending shivers down the viewers' spines. Let's discover whether the film delivers on its spine-tingling premise.
Pindam unfolds as a gripping tale centered around a family that embarks on a new chapter in their lives by moving into a new house. Antony ( Srikanth/Sriram), accompanied by his wife Mary (Kushee Ravi), mother, and their two children, Sophie and Tara (played by Baby Chaitra and Baby Leisha), settles into their new abode in Suklapet. However, their seemingly tranquil start takes a haunting turn as the family becomes entangled in a series of alarming and spine-chilling incidents right from the outset.
The narrative weaves a web of suspense as the family grapples with inexplicable and terrifying occurrences that strike at the very core of their existence. Antony, Mary, and their children find themselves on the receiving end of startling events that defy explanation, instilling a profound sense of fear within them.
The unfolding mystery takes a compelling turn with the introduction of two key characters. Demonologist Annamma,((Easwari Rao), brings a dimension of intrigue to the story. Her role becomes pivotal as she attempts to unravel the enigma behind the paranormal activities haunting the family. On the other hand, investigator Lokanath,() Avasarala Srinivas, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. His involvement signifies a critical juncture in the unfolding events, as he delves into the mysterious occurrences with a discerning eye.
As the story progresses, the intertwined roles of Annamma and Lokanath become central to unraveling the mysteries that shroud the family's newfound dwelling. The film delves into the exploration of the supernatural, offering audiences a suspenseful and engaging experience as the characters navigate through the twists and turns that define the rest of the developments in Pindam.
The ensemble cast delivered spirited performances, elevating the overall impact of the film. Sriram showcased commendable emotional depth and expressive prowess, particularly in conveying fear and the profound love he harbors for his family. His nuanced body language resonated well with the demands of his character, and his dialogue delivery effectively conveyed the tone and tenor of fear.
Kushee Ravi brought authenticity to her portrayal of a pregnant wife, providing strong support to Sriram's character. The child actors, Chaitra and Leisha, displayed remarkable talent in expressing a spectrum of emotions, encompassing fear, anxiety, and pain. Their performances added a poignant layer to the narrative.
Easwari Rao, in the role of the demonologist, emerged as a driving force in the film, thanks to her commanding screen presence. With a serious demeanor, she heightened the intensity of the storytelling, and her impeccable dialogue delivery added gravitas to her character.
Avasarala Srinivas, despite having limited screen time, played his role to perfection, contributing significantly to the progression of the plot. His character introduced a compelling twist in the climax, showcasing his adeptness in delivering pivotal moments.
The remaining cast members delivered their roles with aptness, contributing to the overall coherence of the narrative. Together, the cast's collective efforts enriched the film, making each character an integral part of the gripping storyline.
The narrative of Pindam, crafted by Sai Kiran Daida, unfolds as a horror thriller. While the storytelling kicks off in an intriguing yet somewhat predictable manner, Daida adheres to the established horror story template. Despite this, he manages to sustain interest by delving into familial issues such as a mother-in-law's fervor for a grandson, the elder child grappling with insecurity due to her sister, and the strains in marital relationships.
The first half concludes on a satisfying note, enriched by captivating events involving a demonologist attempting to unravel the mysterious occurrences. However, the second half, dominated by flashbacks, succumbs to predictability and routine storytelling. The screenplay and direction exhibit competence up to a certain point, but a more careful handling of the flashback could have altered the film's trajectory.
The dialogues are praiseworthy, and Krishna Saurabh Surampalli's emotionally charged song, fittingly placed within the narrative, adds depth to the storytelling, albeit impacting the pacing. The background music, while effectively enhancing scenes, carries a sense of familiarity. Satish Manoharan's cinematography skillfully heightens the eerie elements on screen through well-chosen camera angles. Sirish Prasad's editing is satisfactory in the first half but could have been more refined in the second, where a few scenes impede the narrative flow. The production values, overall, stand at a decent level.
In its entirety, Pindam emerges as yet another horror thriller. Despite commendable performances from Sriram and the rest of the cast and crew, Sai Kiran Daida's storyline fails to bring anything innovative to the table. The initial half manages to captivate the audience, holding them to the screen with anticipation. Unfortunately, the second half takes a disappointing turn with clichéd elements, causing the screenplay and direction to lose their charm. Taking all these factors into account, Cinejosh assigns a modest 2-star rating to Pindam.