The House Next Door

As the name suggests, it's a haunted house movie. There is also "possession" in this movie. A couple was living happily in their house, until some family occupied their next house, probably an unoccupied house for a long time. Problem arises after the girl next door found something, which she shouldn't have. It reminds me of The Exorcist. We can't find any fault with the acting. Everyone has acted as required in a horror movie. There are really some creepy, scary moments in this movie. Background music adds more creepiness to the atmosphere. There are two twists in this movie, which I was not able to guess, which means it is really a good horror movie. I recommend this movie for horror fans, especially of Indian horror movies.

This is a good thriller with a suspense. Even though this is a horror movie, there is nothing horror in this. The possession, exorcisms etc are all common and repetitive in many Hollywood and Bollywood movies post The Exorcist. One correction.. In the movie, Paul says that they are Pentecostal Christians. The Pastor carries a Rosary while performing exorcism. But, Pentecostal Christians do not carry Rosaries - which is normally associated with Catholics. Watch this for some good thrills and good acting.

This one has wonderful special effects. The story and concept is good too. It was some cliche usually associated with Indian Horror movies. The actors play their roles with supreme expertise. Siddharth looks good throughout. The twist at the end is predictable.

The movie took off so well, but then .. awwhhhhhhhh... can't bear it later. It seems like most of the scenes (come in later half) were included in the movie to increase run time of the movie.

Two things I like the most about this movie were;

1. Engaging Background music 2. Excellent and breath taking cinematography.

I wish if script is written well it could be a cult classic horror flick.

THND is an impressive movie which contains spooks as well as a good story at its core. The story is nothing new or groundbreaking but what makes this movie stand out is its wonderful direction. The narrative of the film is engaging. Script and direction alone make this movie stand out in a particularly lacklustre genre in Indian cinema.

The film starts off very well and the pacing is apt. The film falters a bit in its third-act but considering the overall intensity of the film, it's easily excusable. The screenplay is pretty clever. The direction is deft and proficient. The cinematography is gorgeous and helps in building the tension, especially the scenes shot in black-and- white look splendid. Music assists the atmosphere brilliantly and heightens the intensity of the narrative.

The ending drags a bit and could have been shorter. The end twist is good. The film looks inspired by a Malayalam movie Ezra which deals with the same topics of haunted house, possession and exorcism albeit with a different backstory. The cliffhanger ending works perfectly with the tone of the film and teases for a sequel (already excited).

Acting is admirable. Siddharth is nice and brings a certain edge to his character which is enough to tell how much talent he inherits. Andrea looks convincing in her role. Atul Kulkarni as a troubled father is superb. Avinash in the role of a psychic was great considering the fact that such character mostly turns out to be a goofy shadow of themselves. He is excellent in his role and brings a certain rugged charm to his character. Rest of the cast members are also good in their respective roles.

The film also carries a very subtle message about female infanticide and sexual discrimination. The way this message has been conveyed is clever and efficacious at the same time.

So, all in all, a finely crafted horror film which manages to scare as well as entertain.

7.3 out of 10!