Starring Sharan and helmed by Karvaa Navaneeth, Choo Mantar is a passable horror drama that struggles to find the perfect blend of suspense and jump scares.
Plot: Four friends travel to Nainital to explore the mysterious Morgan House in search of a hidden treasure. The mansion, once owned by British officer George Morgan before independence, harbors a sinister presence. As danger looms, the group finds themselves battling not just external threats but their own fears.
Review: When Karvaa director Navaneeth announced a film featuring an ensemble cast led by Sharan, expectations soared. Sharan, coming off his success in Avatara Purusha, seemed like an ideal choice for a project combining horror and comedy. While comedy is undoubtedly Sharan’s forte, his versatility in Avatara Purusha suggested he could carry such a hybrid genre. But does Choo Mantar deliver? The answer is both yes and no.
Gautham, nicknamed Dynamo (played by Sharan), is an exorcist who operates “Choo Mantar and Co.” with his team comprising RJ (Chikkanna), Aditi (Aditi Prabhudeva), and Nakul (Kiran Chandrashekar). Drawn by the allure of treasure, they venture into Morgan House, only to encounter supernatural horrors.
Navaneeth, who made an impression with his debut film Karva, crafts a movie that seeks to entertain and frighten, albeit with mixed results. Featuring a colonial-era mansion, spectral entities, sporadic humor, and eerie soundscapes, Choo Mantar ticks the expected boxes but lacks a unique touch. The predictable storyline hampers the film’s impact, and its comedy often feels forced rather than naturally woven into the narrative. While the first half holds promise, the second half becomes formulaic and overly reliant on clichés.
Sharan’s seasoned performance is the film’s backbone. He effortlessly delivers what is expected of him, bringing charisma and humor to his role. Despite limited screen time, Prabhu Mundkur shines in his moments, making the most of his character. Meghana and Aditi meet their roles’ demands with commendable ease, while Chikkanna impresses with his trademark comedic timing. However, the chemistry between Sharan and Chikkanna falls slightly short of expectations.
Sharan’s seasoned performance is the film’s backbone. He effortlessly delivers what is expected of him, bringing charisma and humor to his role. Despite limited screen time, Prabhu Mundkur shines in his moments, making the most of his character. Meghana and Aditi meet their roles’ demands with commendable ease, while Chikkanna impresses with his trademark comedic timing. However, the chemistry between Sharan and Chikkanna falls slightly short of expectations.
The technical aspects of the film are a mixed bag. Resul Pookutty’s award-winning sound design adds significant depth to the horror elements, enhancing the chilling atmosphere. Anup Kattukaran’s cinematography adeptly captures the haunting darkness of the mansion. However, the overall technical execution lacks polish, leaving little to distinguish the film visually or narratively.
