13B: Fear Has a New Address

One chilling fact of nature that has stayed with me for years was the notion we will take for granted the importance of oxygen until there is a lack of it. We never really pay heed to something that is in our lives everyday, and therefore is relatively ignored. As such, our dependency on technology has grown to such extent that, without it, mankind would quickly crumble as a civilization.

A breed of horror has arisen prominently in the new millennium that exploits this very idea, and in rather creative ways: What if basic living was suddenly turned against us? When there is no place like home, do you really own it? Or does it own you? When I watched this film through I couldn't help but realize I witnessed a subtler adaptation of Mikael Håfström's "1408". But this was certainly not a bad thing. Oh no, not at all. 13B expands past 1408's borders quite brilliantly. With it, blending in the elements of The Ring, Final Destination, and Poltergeist (with a sprinkling of quirky humor) to a delectable mix of "that inanimate object has the ability to kill you in 150 ways" paranormal paranoia. The majority of the dialog is Hindi but coherency isn't an issue for 13B, as the tone-sensitive visuals tell the tale just as effectively. The acting and score also carries the plot well.

I had a few minor qualms with 13B. The dialog at times seemed unnatural, almost forced. Camera movement was also a problem. Some scenes had the camera volatile to enhance suspense but for me it did the opposite.

13B is a fine example of intellectual horror. It does not force feed the suspense, but allows the viewer to build their own overtime as the protagonist becomes aware of the unnatural forces manipulating his and his family's mentality to the breaking point.

Horror genre over recent years has undergone a massive transformation. No longer it is a straight forward plot meant to scare the living daylights. These days one gets to witness the horror neatly blended with suspense to generate that extra twist and keep the audience in nail- biting mode. Hey, the genre manages to stay alive innit?

Clearly the director has taken inspiration from Poltergiest (ghost- directed by Steven Spielberg) and blends in Japanese horror flick formula's into it. Indeed the effort and the execution deserves a standing ovation and it wouldn't be exaggeration to state that 13B would put RGV to shame. Seriously, Phoonk seems to be child's play in comparison.

The mid-80's era is portrayed brilliantly. The settings are perfect and do take note of the Doordarshan's B&W intro. Nostalgia indeed!

Ж Madhavan:: "BOLLYWOOD!" - this guy is screaming on the top of voice and can somebody at least take notice this time around? He is a consistent and a brilliant performer. 13B has two lead actors - Madhavan and the telly, rest everyone goes out of focus.

Ж Deepak Dobriayl: Now this guy is to watch out for. Every time I see him he doesn't cease to surprise me. Be it Omkara, Shaurya, Dilli-6 or 13B - he manages to successfully pull-off a range of roles/ characters with nothing short of perfection.

Ж Neetu Chandra & Sachin Khedekar:: Neatly compliments to the plot.

Ж Poonam Dhillon:: She needed a better comeback vehicle. Her counterpart in the plot, Suhasini Mulay seemed elegant in comparison.

Ж Dritiman Chatterjee:: Why was he there? Beats me!

Ж Others do their parts as per the demands of the storyline.

What deserves a special mention, even though the telly leads the storyline by a few minutes, it still manages to create an edge-of-seat excitement. And yes, the shock value is immense. A few holes in the plot can be safely ignored.

Verdict:: Go for it!

"13B: Fear Has a New Address" is a Hindi horror film that masterfully intertwines the elements of fear, technology, and the supernatural. It's stand out not only for its gripping narrative but also for its ability to tap into societal fears and anxieties surrounding modern life.

The film centers around the life of a family who moves into a new apartment in a seemingly ordinary building. However, the apartment number 13B soon becomes synonymous with terror as the family members begin to experience strange occurrences. The plot thickens when they discover that the events in their lives are eerily similar to a television serial that airs on their flat-screen TV. This clever premise adds a unique layer of suspense as the characters grapple with the eerie overlap between their reality and what they see on screen.

The film's premise is intriguing and sets it apart from typical horror fare. The idea of a television predicting the future is both chilling and thought-provoking. The screenplay successfully builds suspense and keeps the audience engaged with its unpredictable twists.

One of the movie's strongest aspects is its ability to build tension. The slow unraveling of the family's situation keeps the viewers engaged, and the atmospheric cinematography skillfully enhances the eerie tone. The film doesn't rely solely on jump scares; instead, it creates an unsettling ambiance that lingers long after the credits roll. The use of sound design is also commendable, amplifying moments of dread without overwhelming the audience.

The performances in "13B" are another highlight. R. Madhavan, who plays the protagonist Manohar, delivers a compelling performance that resonates with the audience. His portrayal of a father struggling to protect his family while confronting unexplainable phenomena is both relatable and absorbing. The supporting cast, including Neetu Chandra and Sachin Khedekar, also deliver strong performances that add depth to the narrative.

The film touches on themes such as the impact of technology on our daily lives and the pervasive influence of media. It raises thought-provoking questions about reality versus fiction, making viewers reflect on how much of their lives are shaped by what they consume through screens. The subtle social commentary intertwines seamlessly with the horror elements, enriching the overall experience.

While "13B" may not be perfect, it successfully avoids clichés often found in horror films. The climax offers a series of twists that keep viewers guessing, culminating in a conclusion that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. However, some might find the pacing in certain segments a bit slow, which could affect the overall tension for those seeking non-stop thrills.

"13B: Fear Has a New Address" is a noteworthy entry in the horror genre that combines supernatural elements with a smart critique of modern living. Its compelling performances, suspenseful storytelling, and social commentary make it a film worth watching for horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Whether you are a fan of the genre or simply looking for an engaging movie, "13B" is sure to leave a lasting impression and perhaps make you think twice about the next reality show you watch.

My two thumbs up for Director Vikram Kumar who made this gripping thriller. First one for his well written script & second for his crackling & detailing direction. I've read that Kumar was keen to work with R Madhvan & had approached him earlier but he rejected his offer & demanded a better script. So Kumar spent two years to come up with the story idea & four to pen down a hardbound script of 13B. Love's labor was not lost & ultimately Madhvan loved the script & instantly signed the project. The film was then shot in 40 days flat. & Kudos to that brilliant script which makes you hooked in the edge on the seat second half. So what's 13 B? Well, it's a jinx number. A family messed up in their newly purchased flat. The first half is just average which projects focus on several unimaginable incidents in their flat- a lift refuses to function, disfigured images taken by mobile cam, milk splits everyday, nobody can hit a nail in the pooja room & jarring & suspicious television serial which resembles with the lives of the family members. And I thought for a minute- Am I watching some superstitious crap nonsense or what???

But hey, the film bowled me over in the second half. It's really intriguing & successfully kept the tension rolling for the audience with twists & turns of the story. The revelation of suspense is just awesome. And I 'm not going to spoil it by revealing anything further. Madhvan always do selective films & most of the time he comes with bingo performance. He has an expressive face & natural body language which suits his roles perfectly. Watch his expressions of fear in this & you will agree with me. Rest of the players has also played their parts as naturally as possible but I specially like to mention the performance of Deepak Dobriyal, who has acted the role of Ashok in the film. He's really a revelation. (Remember the actor who was guided by Saif Ali Khan in 'Omkaara') Technically also the film is faultless & successfully enhances the thrilling effect for the audience. The only thing which I would like to edit in the film is cutting of those two songs in the first half.

A Strong recommendation of the week but it's my humble request to watch it in theatre. No piracy for this sort of talented & promising director's film please.

Ratings- 8/10

Can you believe that the big Hollywood company TWC is going to remake an Indian movie? Well this movie certainly deserves a Hollywood remake! Have all the essentials of a Hollywood horror movie! I even highly recommend the original director to direct the Hollywood remake as well! I just can't believe that the director's previous attempt was a forgettable movie "Alai" with T.R.Silambarasan! Even for Simbhu it was a forgettable movie! The plot is not very new but still the director weaves a magic in getting the attention of the audience and dragging them to the edge-of-the-seat each scene! The entire theater was shouting at the start but as the narration proceeded there was absolute silence! I went to the theater with low expectation and wanted some cheap thrills on a boring Friday evening but came out with complete satisfaction and scares! I recommend this to every thriller/horror movie fan! I'm out of words to describe this rare gem! Watch this movie! You won't be disappointed! The more exclamatory marks in this passage itself reveals how excited i am about this movie! Hats off Vikram K.Kumar! Your Brilliance and 1 year planning for the story has paid off! MUST WATCH FOR ALL AGES!