The Akaali
The Akaali
- -A Newly appointed I.O. finds herself digging into the past regarding a 7 year old case in which occult gangs and forces have been responsible for a series of satanic killings in the city. The case has been long closed but , as a set of new similar murders take place again in 2023, she seeks the help of an Ex-cop involved in the case earlier. And will she race against time, Hierarchy and sanity to stop a ritual which she believes is still in progress?
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The film was released in theatres on 31 May 2024 and does not currently have an announced OTT release date or platform.
Movie Review
Mohamed Asif Hameed’s “The Akaali” immerses viewers in a world steeped in chilling superstition, though its execution leaves much to be desired. The film thrusts us into a dark narrative where a man (Arjai’s Selvam) encounters a decrepit building adorned with eerie statues, pursued by masked assailants amidst thundering background music that overwhelms rather than unsettles. The plot demands visceral reactions but offers scant buildup, hindering viewer connection early on.
The titular character, the Akaali, remains enigmatic for much of the film, portrayed as the leader of occultists who prey on young women in gruesome rituals. Yet, clarity on their identity and significance remains elusive until a belated exposition, marring pacing and engagement. Despite meticulous production design evoking a palpable sense of dread in its decaying settings, the film’s heavy-handed storytelling with expository dialogues dampens its potential for a gripping narrative.
Actors like Swayam Sidha struggle within roles that serve more as vessels for information than driving the plot forward, leaving characters underdeveloped and detached from audience empathy. The film’s ambition to provoke fear often translates into exaggerated reactions and thematic gestures, missing opportunities for nuanced storytelling akin to predecessors like “Adam Joan” and “Tumbbad.”
Overall, “The Akaali” is a film brimming with passion and detail in its production but falls short in narrative coherence and character depth. It tantalizes with glimpses of atmospheric horror but fails to sustain tension or clarity, leaving viewers more bewildered than enthralled. The prospect of a sequel looms ominously, potentially perpetuating the same narrative missteps.
