Phobia

"Agoraphobia" is fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment. Imagine the state of a person suffering from this rare disease. Hard right ? Well, "Phobia" is more than a horror film as it deals with psychology of a person and the result is well-made and a brilliant film.

"Phobia" talks about a painter, Mahek (played by ‪RadhikaApte‬), who suffers from anxiety disorder called "Agoraphobia" after she starts in a new house following her survival from a attempt-to-rape situation.

From the director of "Ragini MMS" and "Darr @ Mall", Pawan Kripalani takes a step ahead with an untouched story never attempted before. The trailer of "Phobia" was intriguing but after watching the film, you will be in surprised with a wonderful story that keeps you glued to the screen. The first scene at the party is itself unravels the clues leading to the consequences but Pawan Kripalani has played it smart and let the audience take a back seat and enjoy the ride till the end. In fact, this is one of the strongest climax scenes I have seen. Salute to the brilliant director for making my day with sincere efforts. The screenplay is absolutely thrilling with solid twist. Art direction is fine. Cinematography is catchy. Special mention to the background score which goes well especially when Mahek faces her fear and steps out of the house.

It is Radhika Apte all the way. She goes into the character of Mahek and gives her best. This will be her best performances of her life till now. Rest of the cast does justice to their part. Overall, "Phobia" is an enriching experience for the cinematic lovers.

There are good films and there are great films but few films have the potential to change a genre or start a new one. "Phobia" is one such gem of a film that demands your attention and might just be the game-changer in the space of psychological horror thrillers in Hindi cinema. The film's taut narrative neither ignores viewer's intelligence nor does it test their patience.

The film open with a famous quotation of Franz Kafka, "A cage went in search of a bird" and you're in for a roller-coaster psychological ride. The quote merges into a painting with that of a hand in the left side of the frame trying to reach out for help while half a dozen of hands are trying to rescue him from the right side of the frame or are they? This picture coupled with Kafka's quote quite sums up the whole film which revolves around an upcoming painter Mahek who is suffering from acute agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces). To accelerate her healing process her well-wishers thought that a change would be beneficial thus Mahek gets shifted to a used but empty apartment. But the apartment has its own story which results in her getting trapped from outside as well as within. Initially the whole setting seems like a typical Hindi horror film but as the film moves ahead you will be stunned at the smartness of Pawan Kirpalani's execution. Believe me "Phobia" is something which you have never witnessed in a Hindi horror film. Nothing is what it seems and the atmospheric horror is devoid of any cheesy sequence. Phobia terrifies you with its creepiness and when you think you know where it is heading it surprises you. There's an unexpected quirky pr-climax which lightens the mood only to take you to a gory but impactful climax that gives an apt closure to the first two acts.

For reading the full review please check this link:-

http://bit.ly/1sVrVEu

Phobia (2016) : Well psychological thrillers are the best genre which are most intriguing and always messes with mind.They are rare in Indian Cinema and now after a long time its time for Phobia.

Plot: An agoraphobic young woman Mehek (Radhika Apte), traumatized by past events, finds herself trapped and terrorized in her own home.She experiences weird apparitions and even involves in missing mystery of previous resident

Plus Points: 1)Radhika Apte: Still now I thought that she is just an ordinary actress but with this film she is one of the best now.She is awesome in her role as Mehak and we can feel her agony,fear etc.. She is heavily successful in involving us in this movie.

2)Music: BGM is one of the best part of Phobia.It is very tensing and easily builds up tension.I loved it.

3)Screenplay: Screenplay is very good and thrilling.We can easily involve in this movie.Its climax is very good but its bit confusing.Interval block clearly raises our expectations.

Minus points: 1)Similarities: It has similarity with few movies like Katha,Intruders,Dementia etc.. But its climax made it unique.That's the major success for Phobia.

So,Phobia is an interesting psychological thriller with a bit confusing but interesting thriller.

My rating 7.25/10

This is how I wanted room to be - based entirely within four walls, but that movie broke its rule and went 'Money Monster' way; moving out and then just staying in limbo.

Indian horror movies normally bring out unintentional laughs, but this was first Indian movie that got me scared. I am not talking of couple of jump scares, but genuine ones during key build ups and after and Ms. Apte sells them. She starts as a whiny and week woman but slowly succeeds in selling her fear and eventually caring about her. But more than that I was in love with its editing and bold choices it made of avoiding clichés. The story is tight, fast paced and believable; and without that irritation you get when you see plot holes in horror movies. The good thing about Phobia was it did not use props and relied on simple and obvious solutions like for example tying herself to move out of house. Here's hoping to see more of such cinema in near future and less of over hyped Conjuring 2.

This movie isn't everyone's cup of tea. It makes you question everything & everyone. Radhika Apte is brilliant. It's a good workout for your brain.