Sabdham Movie Review: Aadhi Pinisetty’s Horror Drama Delivers Emotion but Lacks Thrills

Release Date: February 28, 2025
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Aadhi Pinisetty, Lakshmi Menon, Simran, Laila, Redin Kingsley, MS Baskar, Rajiv Menon, Vivek Prasanna
Director: Arivazhagan Venkatachalam
Producer: 7G Siva
Music: Thaman S
Cinematography: Arun Bathmanaban
Editing: Sabu Joseph VJ

Aadhi Pinisetty’s latest horror drama Sabdham has hit theaters in multiple languages, including Telugu. Let’s dive into the review to see if it delivers the chills and thrills expected from the genre.

Plot Overview

Holy Angel College is plagued by a series of mysterious student deaths, fueling rumors that the institution is haunted. As panic spreads, the management enlists ghost investigator Vyoma Vaidyalangam (Aadhi Pinisetty) to unravel the truth.

During his investigation, Vyoma encounters Avantika (Lakshmi Menon), a student determined to debunk supernatural beliefs through her thesis. However, her behavior raises suspicions. Meanwhile, another student, Deepika, dies under unexplained circumstances, intensifying the mystery.

Who is behind these tragic deaths? Are supernatural forces truly at play? What secrets are hidden in the college’s past? How are Diana (Simran) and Nancy Daniel (Laila) connected to the unfolding horror? As Vyoma delves deeper, shocking revelations emerge, leading to a suspense-filled climax.

Strengths

🔹 A Well-Executed Emotional Horror Narrative: Director Arivazhagan Venkatachalam balances horror, suspense, and emotional drama effectively. The film’s central conflict—Vyoma’s mission to save lives and the spirits’ pursuit of justice—resonates deeply.

🔹 Aadhi Pinisetty’s Convincing Performance: Aadhi seamlessly fits into the role of Vyoma, delivering a solid performance in both the intense horror sequences and the emotionally driven moments.

🔹 Strong Supporting Cast: Simran stands out with her impactful role, while Laila impresses with her performance. Lakshmi Menon does justice to her character, and actors like Abhinaya, Redin Kingsley, and Rajeev Menon add depth to the narrative.

🔹 Unique Elements for Telugu Audiences: Certain sequences introduce fresh horror elements, offering a different experience compared to conventional Telugu horror films. The film’s eerie setting and Vyoma’s character arc add to its appeal.

Weaknesses

🔻 Predictable Narrative Structure: Like many horror films, Sabdham builds suspense effectively in the first half but loses momentum in the latter half. The formulaic flashback sequence explaining the spirits’ backstory feels repetitive.

🔻 Lack of Consistent Engagement: While the film starts strong, the screenplay in the second half lacks the intrigue needed to sustain audience interest. The predictable horror tropes and missing suspense elements weaken the overall impact.

🔻 Supernatural Elements Lack Depth: A horror film should either surprise viewers with unexpected twists or immerse them completely in its eerie world. Sabdham falls short in maintaining that grip, particularly as the story progresses.

Technical Aspects

🎵 Music & Sound Design: Thaman S enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere with his gripping background score, elevating key horror sequences.
🎥 Cinematography: Arun Bathmanaban beautifully captures the film’s dark and mysterious setting, enhancing the horror experience.
✂️ Editing: Sabu Joseph VJ ensures seamless scene transitions, keeping the film visually engaging.
🏭 Production Values: 7G Siva and Bhanu Priya Shiva maintain high production standards, delivering a visually polished film.

Verdict

Sabdham is an emotional horror-revenge drama that caters to a niche audience. While Aadhi Pinisetty shines in his role and the film boasts a gripping premise, the slow-paced narrative and predictable screenplay hinder its overall impact. Horror enthusiasts might appreciate certain elements, but the film doesn’t sustain its eerie tension throughout. If you enjoy horror with emotional depth, Sabdham might be worth a watch, but don’t expect a consistently thrilling experience.