Movie Name : Sabdham
Release Date : February 28, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : 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
Aadhi Pinisetty starrer horror drama Sabdham has hit the big screens today in multiple languages, including Telugu. Read the review to know how it is.
Story:
At Holy Angel College, a series of mysterious student deaths spark rumours that the institution is haunted. As fear spreads, the management brings in ghost investigator Vyoma Vaidyalangam (Aadhi Pinisetty) to uncover the truth. While investigating, Vyoma encounters Avantika (Lakshmi Menon), a student working on a thesis to disprove the existence of ghosts and spirits. However, he soon notices something unusual about her behavior. Amidst a series of dramatic developments, another girl named Deepika dies under mysterious circumstances. Who is behind these deaths? Are there indeed ghosts in the college? What secrets lie buried in its past? What role does Diana (Simran) play in this mystery, and what injustice was done to her? How is Nancy Daniel (Laila) connected to these events? The film gradually unravels these answers.
Plus Points:
Sabdham effectively blends horror, suspense, and emotional drama. Director Arivazhagan Venkatachalam’s storytelling and execution enhance the film’s impact, particularly in handling key emotional moments. The central theme – Vyoma’s determination to save lives and the spirits’ pursuit of justice – resonates well with the audience.
Aadhi Pinisetty delivers a commendable performance as Vyoma, seamlessly fitting into the role. His portrayal is convincing, making it seem like the character was tailor-made for him. He impresses not only in the horror sequences but also in the emotionally driven moments.
Simran makes a strong impression in her role, while Laila delivers a noteworthy performance. Lakshmi Menon fits well into her character. Supporting actors like Abhinaya, Redin Kingsley, and Rajeev Menon do justice to their roles, contributing effectively to the film’s narrative.
Certain elements in Sabdham feel fresh, and some sequences offer a unique cinematic experience for Telugu audiences. The film’s setting, the protagonist’s character arc, and the emotional depth add to its appeal.
Minus Points:
Horror films often follow a familiar structure – the first half builds tension and fear, while the second half loses momentum. Typically, such narratives include a flashback explaining the spirits’ backstory, and Sabdham adheres to this formula.
While fictional elements are acceptable in a supernatural thriller, they should either surprise the audience or make the storyline feel immersive. Unfortunately, Sabdham struggles in the second half, failing to maintain intrigue and excitement.
Although the film introduces some fresh horror effects, the latter half suffers from a lack of engagement due to a predictable screenplay. Certain scenes feel repetitive, diminishing the overall impact. Despite an intriguing premise and a strong start, inconsistencies in logic and missing elements of suspense prevent the film from fully captivating the audience.
Technical Aspects:
While the film’s emotional core is strong, the screenplay does not unfold in an engaging manner. Thaman’s music complements the eerie atmosphere, and the cinematography stands out, capturing natural settings beautifully. Cinematographer Arun does a commendable job framing the scenes, while editor Sabu Joseph ensures smooth transitions. The production values maintained by producers 7G Shiva and Bhanu Priya Shiva are impressive.
Verdict:
On the whole, Sabdham is an emotional horror-revenge drama that appeals to niche audiences. Aadhi Pinisetty delivers a commendable performance, but the film’s slow-paced narrative and lack of gripping elements in crucial moments weaken its impact. While horror enthusiasts might appreciate certain aspects, the film falls short of delivering a consistently thrilling experience.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
