Phobia

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 was wonderful just because of Radhika Apte's great acting. I feel she is one of the most talented actress of Indian cinema till date. Great work Rahika Apte. Keep going!!!!!!

he first reaction one will have after watching this movie is that this is just not a simple thriller movie but also has a thought- provoking message and of course Radhika Apte's acting is amazing.

Starting from the trailer- The movie looks promising and you are reminded of Ram Gopal Verma's Kaun (starring Urmila Matondkar). Here I would like to clarify that Phobia's story or concept is completely different from Kaun, even the circumstances are totally different.

Movie- As almost all thriller movie this also starts with a tragedy but slowly builds up to be much more than a movie of a personal experience but one also thinks of how we(society) thinks/acts in many situations. As the movie progresses it transforms from a movie about a 'phobia' to the protagonist's character to a great and very fresh climax (Credits to the director)

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.

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"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.

I have watched a lot of horror movies, both in english and hindi and I must tell that Phobia has the best story yet. The plot is very unpredictable. The entire cast has done a good job, including Radhika Apte, who has arguably given the best performance of her career so far. Cannot believe that such a good story, with good direction is at 6.9 as I am writing this review. People who did not understand this movie should simply not rate it.