Yashogathe, a venture by debut director Vinod J Raj, traces the British period. The coming-of-age horror film revolves around Triveni (Manasa Joshi), a young mother.
She lives with her sister Rathi (Pavitra Beliappa) on a hillock.
The family of women experiences paranormal activities when a young boy Narayana comes into their home to learn music. How Triveni -- also a freedom fighter -- tackles the mystery and the Britishers' attack with the help of her family forms the crux of Yashogathe.
Vinod J Raj has written, directed and helmed the camera for the film. While his bold attempt to make an off-beat film is commendable, the slow-paced narrative fails to hold the audiences' interest.
Instead of adding so many details to every scene, he could have focused on making the horror work. That would have made the audience experience fear and taken the film to a different level.
The lead actors - Manasa Joshi, Pavitra Belliappa, Lohit Surya and Tivisha Adapa Tandur -- have done justice to their characters. Costume designer Roshni Dinakar has managed to retain the essence of the pre-Independence style of clothing.
The old dark house is brought alive with different treatment of light and shade in the horror scenes. Kudos to the cameraman. The scenic beauty of Marane, where the film has been shot, transports you to another world.
The genre of period horror tosses the audience into a whirlwind of confusing events.
The film is not for the average movie-goer. It will probably make it to the film festival circuit.