Sabdham, released on February 28, 2025, is a supernatural thriller directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam, centering on the investigation of mysterious student deaths at Holy Angel College, rumored to be haunted.
The film features Aadhi Pinisetty as Vyoma Vaidyalingam, the paranormal investigator tasked with probing the unsettling suicides at this prestigious institution. The dark narrative starts with a series of unexplained deaths among students, spurring rumors of paranormal activity. To quench rising fears, the college administration opts for Vyoma's help, hoping he can reveal the truth behind these tragedies.
Upon arriving at the college, Vyoma quickly becomes embroiled in the eerie happenings. His investigation leads him to Avanthika (played by Lakshmi Menon), who is reportedly working on her thesis to debunk the existence of ghosts. Vyoma soon suspects she may be affected by the same sinister force causing the deaths. He experiences uncanny phenomena, including the sound of church bells, which only he appears to hear.
The film expertly blends horror, suspense, and emotional drama. Critics have praised how the director manages to create tension through various cinematic techniques, particularly the sound design and background score provided by Thaman. According to 123telugu.com, "Sabdham effectively blends horror, suspense, and emotional drama," which really helps to resonate with the audience, especially reflecting Vyoma's commitment to solving the crisis and seeking justice for the spirits involved.
Actor Aadhi Pinisetty delivers what some reviews describe as "a commendable performance," embodying Vyoma's intense determination with fitting authenticity. His portrayal weaves seamlessly through both fearsome horror scenes and emotionally charged moments, contributing significantly to the film's atmosphere.
While the first half of the film maintains suspense and intrigue, many critics note how the narrative stumbles following the intermission. The second half is marred by formulaic twists and predictability, leading to disappointing resolutions. A review from Sakshi Post states, "The film soon falters as it begins to rely on formulaic twists and lazy storytelling" to resolve the mysteries posed throughout the plot. The climax feels overly predictable, undermining the tension built earlier.
Also, the introduction of new characters late in the film often indicates weak writing, which detracts from the overall impact. Although the film initially sets up compelling mysteries to explore, they fall flat during the conclusion as resolutions come too easily and without sufficient narrative weight.
Despite these issues, some aspects of the film have been praised. The cinematography stands out, with Arun Bathmanaban's expert framing adding to the eerie ambiance of the college. Critics agree the emotional core of the narrative adds depth, enhancing the overall experience for viewers. The engaging first half continues to receive recognition; as stated by Telugu Cinema, "The film features excellent sound design and background score, and a compelling first half, but loses steam after a time." The blend of personal stakes and the supernatural creates moments of genuine intrigue.
It must also be noted how characters like Avanthika and those portrayed by Simran and Laila add layers to the plot, even if their developments do not meet expectations. For example, Laila’s role is different from her previous works but doesn’t fully capitalize on her potential. Support from characters like Redin Kingsley offers moments of comic relief, yet this humor might detract from the film’s serious tone.
Regarding technical aspects, many agree the sound design exemplifies skilled craftsmanship integral to the horror genre. Critics recognized how Thaman's score enhances several sequences driven by tension. Still, improvements could be made; there is notable criticism surrounding the film's effects, with review sites emphasizing how they detract from the immersion.
Overall, Sabdham presents as an emotional horror-revenge drama suitable for niche audiences; Aadhi Pinisetty’s solid performance holds the narrative together, yet the weak second half does not resonate as intended. One review on 123telugu.com expresses, "While horror enthusiasts might appreciate certain aspects, the film falls short of delivering a consistently thrilling experience, earning it a final rating of 2.75 out of 5."
On the whole, viewers seeking supernatural thrillers may find something to enjoy, but expectations should be tempered; this film reveals its weaknesses through unremarkable plot twists and overused tropes – it is passable but lacks the lasting impact ensured by stronger writing.