An essential aspect of wisdom is to know what you do not know and Last Bus captures the profoundness shrouded amply with cinematic magnificence and a clear understanding of the maturity of the audience. It is a complex plot, after all, it is a psychological mystery thriller and unlike many who have tried to delve into the complexity and failed, director Arvinda SD sails through comfortably to ‘reserved’ applause. Reserved because not many may be thrilled by the psychological convolutions, having come looking for some simple entertainment.
But the mediocrity with which Arvinda has approached the entangling nature of the script needs to be commended, which might just ensure that the ‘reserved’ category of audience could multiply with word of mouth.
Weaving the story through a journey of a few people, who have certain destinations to reach after catching the last bus to Hansa, situations lead six of them to end up in a haunted house. What leads them to the house and the experience of fear within each and their perceptions provide for a balanced amount of suspense and thrills.
The clarity in the director’s acumen evidences itself when he harmoniously blends the gloom of the haunting with the scenic greens of the surrounding nature. It also perfectly approaches the people’s psychology and makes for a powerful examination of belief and non-belief.
Though the film does not have any scary moment, it temporarily enchants the audience towards each character and their inner thoughts. The director’s attempt to entertain people with ‘fear’ seems to have worked. Though he brings in an element of a reality show, yet, the essentials for a thrilling ride is all there.
Stephen Prayog’s background score will haunt to an extent while SD Arvinda’s music including the Doori song maintains the tempo of the story. Anant Urs, through his camerawork, makes complete use of the beautiful locations. He equally shines with the detailing of the dark menacing house, justifying Avinash’s art work.
The film comes up with a dozen computer graphics work, notable being the formation of a man using leaves and the breaking of a cradle. The obvious lapse is the felling of a tree, which looks artificial. As for acting, Avinash, Manasa Joshi, Deepa Gowda, Meghashree Bhagvathar, and Samarth Narasimha Raju have performed commendably. Prakash Belawadi, who appears in a cameo, does bring in a twist.
Arvinda, after Jugaari, took long to make an appearance with Last Bus, and has managed to lift up the genre. However, the 131 minutes seems a bit too long. Last Bus gives more work to the mind that makes one think of desire, belief, emotions, intentions and perspectives which vary from people to people. Enjoy fear with Last Bus.