Film: Chitte; Director: ML Prasanna; Cast: Yashas Surya, Harshika Poonacha and Deepika
Rating: 2.5/5
With back-to-back horror films having released, it sure looks like filmmakers are extensively experimenting with the genre. No doubt, it gives enough room for experiment, but only few films and makers seem to be playing them out right. And thankfully, Chitte is one of them.
Chitte, directed by debutant director, M L Prasanna sensibly tries to instill fear by taking a different route through its story.
But that the audience comes to believe only in the second half when the film makes them sit on the edge of their seats. The first half drags on playing out too much romance. And this is where the director loses points. But what is laudable is the glam quotient, be it the interiors, characters or even the ghost.
In the romance-cum-horror film, a newly married couple Manu(Yashas) and Sona (Harshika Pooncha), who are deeply in love find themselves in circumstances beyond their control. Their happiness is cut short when they move houses, and Sona starts noticing spirits. Manu initially rejects her claims but is convinced after he also comes face to face with spirits. Their life is under threat when a spirit lands in front of them. This is when the film breaks for an interval leaving questions such as the ghosts’ intentions and the reason behind the attack. This is revealed as back and forth narratives. Who is at fault and who among the husband and wife will be punished for their mistake forms the second half of the film which has a fair story flow.
Prasanna, who has taken responsibility of the story, screenplay, dialogues, music, production apart from direction, should have delegated the responsibilities to experts in the field. Although the audience will appreciate the line of thought with regard to the story, there appears to be an imbalanced script. With limited characters, the first half is mostly repetitive romantic scenes. The fear factor comes in only in the second half which we can safely say takes the film to another level.
Yashas Surya and Harshika Poonahca hog screen space. Harshika, who gets a fairy tale entry with a song maintains the same look throughout the film. She is the soul of Chitte, and has ample space for performance.
Yashas plays the character of a responsible husband, and justifies it. Deepika, in fact, comes as a surprise package adding life to the film. Her small screen experience has come in handy, and she stands out through her performance.
Director and actor Giriraj provides comic relief in the film. Technically lacking and a mild fear factor might have this film testing your patience