Chaaru and Latha (both played by Priyamani) brought up by their mother since birth are conjoined twins and the latter dies during surgery. Chaaru moves from Karnataka's Mangalore to Srinagar in North India to escape the guilt of being the survivor while her sister died and she finds love with Ravi (Skanda). Flashbacks to Chaaru's childhood show how the bittersweet relationship with her sister and their commitment to stay together forever affected the sister's lives. It transforms into a repressive bond that ultimately leads to a separation. Just days before her marriage, she gets a call about her mother in the hospital. After she returns to visit her mother, the spirit of her dead sister angrily thrusts herself into Chaaru's life. This is a self confessed remake of the Thai/Korean movie, Alone.
In these times, a supernatural horror movie is quite rare in Kannada (and Tamil) and a movie led by a female protagonist (Raagini has a movie coming up) is even more so. It has comedy sprinkled throughout. One would think such a tonal shift wouldn't work. But, it mostly works mainly due to the brilliant performance by the lead actress, Priyamani, who played both the parts and a little boy (quite overbearing at times) who was there strictly for comedic purposes, but surprisingly grew into an integral part of the movie. The major flaw is the acting by the newcomer and lead actor and the almost non-existent chemistry between him and Priyamani. I never felt that theirs was real relationship. I had a disabled brother and though its quite understandable, the disagreements between the sisters over Ravi felt forced. Skanda was totally miscast as Ravi, but I applaud the writers for making him an understanding man to the plights of Chaaru.
The issue of modern day psychology versus age-old beliefs and superstitions were lousily handled. Vishnuvardhan's 'Aapthamitra' puts in the best argument for said issue. The special effects for the twins are perfectly done, but the other effects during the climax are utterly cheesy which made it look like something out of a Cartoon Network show. I saw that end coming, but it was so powerfully acted by Priyamani who turned her character upside down into a believable villain that it elevated the whole movie. Refreshingly, all the characters were quite sympathetic as well. This movie is a comment on human emotions and irrationality more than pure horror. A movie worth watching and appreciating.
7/10
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