What’s it about?
In response to a spate of suicides at their college, the Dean resolves to propagate rumors that the deaths are attributable to paranormal entities to conceal the true circumstances. The dean is convinced that hiring a paranormal investigator, who promises to provide a report in 10 days, will ensure the matter fades from memory.
Enter Vyoma Vaidyalingam (Aadhi Pinishetty), a paranormal investigator based in Mumbai.
Following a preliminary investigation, he suspects that the college lecturer, Avanthika (Lakshmi Menon), is possessed, and he begins to hear the sound of a church bell on campus, which others do not observe. Vyoma can engage and converse with spirits through sound recordings.
Upon bringing Avanthikia to the abandoned library and commencing the recording, he observes the presence of paranormal entities within the building. This finding leads to unearthing more shocking truths about the campus.
Analysis
As the title suggests, Sabdham (Sound) focuses on sound as both the main story point and a narrative device. The plot’s ominous atmosphere, featuring suicides in a college and the presence of a paranormal investigator who communicates with ghosts through a boom mic, immediately captivates us. Though what the protagonist accomplishes is nothing new and has been seen in numerous Hollywood and Indian horror films, the opening scenes, courtesy of the excellent sound design and Thaman’s background score, had the audience riveted to their seats.
As is the case with most of these ghost stories, the narrative slowly turns formulaic and begins to ‘sound’ silly. “Sabdham,” too, goes in the same vein. When Simran’s character makes an appearance, the film becomes formulaic. The real twist and the final episodes are so typical of Tamil movies. So, the whole final thirty minutes look ridiculous and contrived.
Furthermore, the sound design and background score, which were captivating in the beginning, turn screechy in the final moments. It is like all sound and no fury.
There is not much to say about performances. Aadhi Pinishetty maintains the same bewildered expression throughout and occasionally adjusts his spectacles with his left hand. predictable role and delivers a consistent performance and similar acting. Simran suits the role of a benign-hearted. Laila makes a cameo but does a role that is different in her career. Rajiv Menon’s performance is adequate. Redin Kingsley uses double-meaning expletives liberally.
Technically, the film deserves all praise. All technicians have put in superb efforts, and among them, the cameraman, sound designer, and music director have given the best output.
Bottomline: “Sabdham” features an intriguing premise, excellent sound design and background score, and a compelling first half. However, it loses steam after a while due to formulaic final proceedings and the overuse of the same sounds.
Rating: 2.5/5
Movie: Sabdham
Cast: Aadhi Pinishetty, Lakshmi Menon, Simran, Laila, Redin Kingsley, MS Bhaskar, Rajiv Menon, Vivek Prasanna and others
Music: Thaman S
Director of Photography: Arun Bathmanaban
Editor: Sabu Joseph VJ
Art: Manoj Kumar
Stunts: Stunner Sam
Producer: 7G Siva
Written and Directed by: Arivazhagan
Release Date: Feb 28, 2025
