Real and Palpable: Phobia Full movie Review

'Phobia' is a psychological thriller about Mehak Deo (Radhika Apte) an artist, who, owing to an untoward incident, starts suffering from Agoraphobia - a fear of open public spaces and thus cannot step out of the house and remains indoors, which later manifests itself into panic attacks and paranormal delusions.

How she is consumed by the fear of actual and anticipated situations which permeates her whole being and her struggle to cope with it, forms the crux of this film.

Radhika, who essays Mehak brilliantly, portrayed a gamut of emotions with ease and conviction. She almost carries the film squarely on her shoulders. Her fears and how she deals with imaginary situations are real and palpable, making you sit on the edge of your seat. She matches the physical appearance of her inner mind, looking harried and unkempt, without an iota of glamour.

She is ably supported by Satyadeep Mishra (Shaan), her friend and support system. Nivedita Bhattacharya, an otherwise competent actor, is wasted in a miniscule role of her sister. Yashaswani Dayama, renders a fun and energetic performance in her limited screen time as Nikki.

Director Pawan Kriplani, who has earlier given ‘Ragini MMS’ obviously knows how to hook his audience. Here too, he successfully creates the setting and mood for a subject like this, making the phobia on screen translate into his audience.

Nowhere does he deviate from the actual plot and manages to keep the audience riveted to the screen, anticipating what will happen next, thanks to the water-tight screenplay.

The jump scares, heightened by the background score, amplifies the viewing experience, making you squirm in fright. Of course some of the frightening elements seem exaggerated and uncalled for, but don't seem too jarring or incongruous. The mode of narration making use of flash backs, appears confusing at times.

With decent production values and completely devoid of entertainment and commercial cinema trappings, the film succeeds in engaging you, significantly.

Cast: Radhika Apte, Satyadeep Mishra and Nivedita Bhattacharya
Direction: Pawan Kriplani
Genre: Horror-thriller
Good: Radhika Apte and water-tight screenplay
Bad: Logical lapses