Adbhut Movie Review: A Suspenseful Tale with Strong Performances and Eerie Moments

Plot: Adbhut delves into the life of Aditya Rawat (Rohan Mehra), the MD of Good Life Hospital, who relocates to a serene hill station near Shimla with his wife, Shruti (Shreya Dhanwanthary), due to her battle with depression. Their tranquil new home soon turns into a scene of eerie occurrences and mysterious events. As the situation escalates, Aditya and Shruti enlist the help of private detective Gajraj Awasthi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Despite Gajraj’s efforts, the source of the unsettling phenomena remains elusive. The mystery deepens when Gajraj discovers the enigmatic presence of a woman named Mary Mathews (Diana Penty), whose behavior and background raise more questions than answers. The investigation unravels a complex web of secrets, leading to unexpected twists and revelations.

Review: The film’s story, crafted by Sabbir Khan, offers a decent narrative with some familiar horror tropes. While the screenplay keeps viewers engaged, many of the spooky elements may feel clichéd to seasoned horror fans. However, Sabbir Khan’s sharp dialogues add a layer of intrigue, though some of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s lines miss the mark. Despite the occasional predictability, the film’s suspenseful twists manage to maintain interest.

Sabbir Khan’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the horror genre. Known for his mass-entertainment films like Heropanti and Baaghi, Khan successfully navigates this genre with effective scenes, such as the suspenseful church scene and the terrifying fan incident. Nonetheless, some elements, like the seemingly ignored fan incident, and the unremarkable climax, might leave audiences expecting more intensity and resolution.

Direction: Khan’s direction is competent, balancing tension and suspense well. He excels in crafting visually striking scenes and maintaining an eerie atmosphere. However, his handling of certain clichéd horror elements and the film’s climax might not meet the expectations of hardcore horror enthusiasts. The investigative angles in Gajraj’s role and the film’s build-up sometimes fall short of delivering a spine-chilling experience.

Why to Watch: Adbhut is worth watching for its strong performances, particularly by Diana Penty, who stands out in a role unlike any she has done before. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a solid performance, adding depth to his character. The film's captivating cinematography, showcasing the picturesque locales of Himachal Pradesh, and its effective background score enhance the viewing experience. The suspenseful narrative and engaging performances make Adbhut a compelling watch, despite its minor flaws.

In conclusion, Adbhut offers a mix of suspense and horror, with notable performances and impressive technical aspects. It’s a film that can be enjoyed for its engaging story and atmospheric direction, although it might not redefine the horror genre. Given its merits and star cast, the film would have potentially fared better with a premier on an OTT platform before its television release.