Pambattam: A Misguided Attempt at Horror
Synopsis:
Pambattam follows an efficient police officer and his son as they investigate the mysteries surrounding a supposedly haunted palace. Their lives are thrown into turmoil as they confront the spirit of a former queen believed to haunt the premises. Can they uncover the truth and protect each other from harm?
Review:
So Bad, It’s Good:
Pambattam falls into the category of films that are unintentionally amusing due to their poor execution. The glaringly fake VFX, particularly the laughable depiction of a deadly snake, contributes to its fate as a film more likely to induce chuckles than chills.
Dense Plotline, Lackluster Execution:
While the film’s basic plotline holds promise, spanning decades and delving into the mysteries of the haunted palace, its execution leaves much to be desired. The flashback sequences, especially those involving the queen’s demise, fail to capture the essence of the time period effectively.
Misguided Performances:
Despite some effort, the performances from the cast fail to salvage the film. Jeevan delivers a somewhat convincing portrayal as the police officer, but his on-screen son falls short. Rittika Sen’s character, Radhika, lacks depth, and her actions feel more confusing than impactful. Mallika Sherawat’s appearance as the fiery queen feels out of place, with the dubbing artist overshadowing her performance.
Jaded and Comical Atmosphere:
Pambattam struggles to evoke any genuine emotion, even in supposedly serious moments like abduction marriages or character deaths. The overall vibe is jaded and inadvertently comical, detracting from any intended suspense or horror.
Verdict:
Pambattam squanders its potential with lackluster execution, misguided performances, and laughable VFX. While it may elicit some amusement as a ‘so bad it’s good’ film, it ultimately fails to deliver on its promise of horror and intrigue.
