'Pollangu' (Tamil)
Director: Gandhi Marx
Cast: Ravi Rahul, Nisha Lalwani, Vetri, Yatra, Ranjit, Narayanan,Vishwa
Setting his plot in the interior of a dark forest, the director depicts the plight of a young couple Nisha and Rahul, who get caught in some unholy happenings there. Newly married and on their honeymoon, the couple had strolled into the forest, not knowing what was in store for them. Quite a few films ('Peranmai', 'Asthamanam') have depicted the humans-in-the-forest scenario, where more than the unseen dangers, a tricky terrain and the wild animals, its evil humans who pose a threat.
It’s an exciting opening, the director succeeding in maintaining the mystery element for the first half, where a girl, obviously in fear of her life, runs frantically through the dark woods exhausted, falling, bruising and hurting herself. With her, and goading her to keep going is a guy (Rahul) who we would learn shortly is her hubby. The suspense is gripping as a crazy murderous foursome chase her. The well-chosen location gives an authentic feel. Sharp editing (Suresh Urs) enhances the tempo and sustains the suspense quotient. If Rahul’s behaviour seems a tad strange, the director clarifies it midway through his narration. But that doesn’t account for the lack of expression on the guy’s face as he watches his newly wed wife going through a traumatic experience!
The second half unravels how the duo came to a dangerous position they were in. It’s a gory scene at the cave, reminding you of films like 'Hostel'.
The director seems to lose his plot midway through. There are some glitches and unanswered questions too. A crucial video tape hidden in the jungle is forgotten, and so too is a tormented girl, a victim and sole survivor of the sadistic goings on. The director seems distracted by ‘the sixth sense’ and the ‘ghost’ element in his story. What happens to the couple’s relationship forms the rest of the narrative. Leaving an impact is debutant Nisha. The actress puts her heart and soul in her performance. In a role physically and emotionally demanding, she performs some very risky stunts and action scenes. However, the constant screaming and howling as she runs for her life (the dubbing artist could have been guided better), could have been toned down a tad.
The director can be appreciated for going off the beaten path and from formula-plots. But a more coherent screenplay and a focused narration could have made the film a riveting thriller.