Everyone knows how much the 2009 film ‘Eeram’ (‘Vaishali’ in Telugu) by Aadi Pinisetty and Arivalagan impressed the Tamil and Telugu audiences. In that film, water was used as a horror element and provided a wonderful experience with emotional drama. After 16 years, the same director-actor duo came together again with the film ‘Shabdam’. This time, this film, which chose ‘sound’ as the horror element, was released in theaters in Tamil and Telugu languages on February 28, 2025. Produced by 7G Siva and S. Bhanupriya Siva under the banners of 7G Films and AAlpha Frames, the film stars Aadi Pinisetty, Lakshmi Menon, Simran, Laila, Redin Kingsley, MS Bhaskar and others. Music is by Thaman S, cinematography is by Arun Batmanabhan, and editing is by Sabu Joseph. So, how is this movie? Let's see the review!
What's the story?
A series of students are committing suicide at Holy Angels Medical College in Munnar. Rumors spread that supernatural forces are behind these deaths, which damages the college's reputation. To stop these rumors, the college dean brings in paranormal investigator Vyoma Vaidyalingam (Aadi Pinisetty) from Mumbai. As part of his research, Vyoma meets neuropsychology PhD student and professor Avantika (Lakshmi Menon). Avantika is writing a thesis on hallucinations, believing that ghosts and spirits do not exist. But, Vyoma becomes suspicious of her behavior. Meanwhile, another student, Deepika, mysteriously dies. Who is behind these deaths? Are there really ghosts in the college? What happened in the past in this college? How are the characters Diana (Simran) and Nancy (Laila) linked in this mystery? You have to watch the movie to know all this!
How is the movie?
The first half of the movie ‘Shabdam’ is really impressive. The movie starts with a scene where Vyoma talks to a spirit and immediately draws the audience into the story. The screenplay written by Arivalagan works well as a mystery thriller. The way Vyoma is portrayed as a Sherlock Holmes-like detective and the concept of linking supernatural powers with sound waves is very interesting. In the first hour, the sound design, Arun Batmanabhan’s cinematography, and Thaman’s background score together create a vintage murder mystery vibe. The interval block, especially with an unexpected twist, doubles the expectations on the movie.
But, the movie loses momentum a bit from the second half. The flashbacks and emotional scenes that are common in horror films feel formulaic here too. After the introduction of Simran's character, the story becomes predictable, and the last 30 minutes turn into a very typical Tamil horror film. The sound design and background score, while impressive at first, become loud and repetitive towards the climax, which makes them a bit irritating. Red herring jump scares (for example, the video game pause screen) also bring a disconnect to the film. Although there is an attempt to marry science and supernatural elements in the story, they are not completely successful, due to which some scenes feel confusing.
Actors, technical aspects
Adhi Pinisetty does a very good job in the role of Vyoma. His natural acting, confidence as a paranormal investigator, and screen presence are a big plus for the film. Lakshmi Menon is impressive in key scenes as Avantika, especially in a scene before the interval that is memorable. Simran plays her role brilliantly, adding an emotional depth to her entry. Laila, MS Bhaskar, and Redin Kingsley are okay in their roles, but Redin's comedy feels a bit forced.
Technically, the film is very strong. Arun Batmanabhan's cinematography captures the foggy atmosphere of the Munnar hill station brilliantly. The sound design, especially in the first half, with bat screeches, furniture cracks, and footsteps, elevates the experience of the film. Thaman's background score, while initially increasing the thrill, becomes a minus as it becomes loud towards the climax. Sabu Joseph's editing, while crisp in the first half, slows down a bit in the second half. The VFX was not done well in some places, which distracted the horror effect a bit.
Plus points
Aadhi Pinisetty, Simran's performance
First half screenplay, interval twist
Sound design, cinematography
Concept of using sound as a horror element
Minus points
Predictable screenplay in the second half
Loud background score, repetitive sound effects
Lack of emotional connection
Weak VFX, forced comedy
Who can watch it?
'Shabdam' is a decent one-time watch for those who like horror and mystery thriller genres. Aadhi Pinisetty fans, those who liked the movie 'Eeram' can try this movie. But, those who are expecting emotional depth and strong horror moments will be a bit disappointed. The film is U/A certified with a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes, so it should be noted that there will be some mildly violent scenes.
Rating: 2.5/5
‘Shabdam’ starts with an interesting premise, technical brilliance and impresses in the first half. However, the second half is marred by a formulaic screenplay and lack of emotional connection. A must-see for horror fans, but a letdown for those expecting ‘Eeram’-level magic!
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (from March 28, 2025)
Release Date: February 28, 2025 (Theaters)
Cast: Aadi Pinisetty, Lakshmi Menon, Simran, Laila, Redin Kingsley
Director: Arivalagan Venkatachalam