Chithini Review | A Supernatural Thriller That Defies the Usual Ghost Revenge Tropes

Chithini, directed by East Coast Vijayan, stands out as a supernatural thriller that breaks away from the typical ghost revenge clichés. While horror movies tend to follow a predictable pattern, Chithini adds an investigative twist that keeps viewers on their toes. But does it live up to the expectations of a gripping horror drama, or does it fall into the category of forgettable films trying to scare the audience with worn-out tropes?

Plot Overview: The Story Behind Chithini

At its core, Chithini revolves around CI Alan and his wife Seetha, the central characters, who move to the quiet, eerie hills of Wayanad. Shortly after his transfer, Alan is thrust into a mysterious series of events involving unusual deaths that the locals believe are the doings of a vengeful ghost named Chithini, a Tamil woman who died tragically while pregnant. Alan’s quest to uncover the truth behind Chithini’s death forms the heart of the film.

Unlike typical ghost tales, Chithini mixes the supernatural with investigative elements. The mystery unfolds in layers as Alan digs deeper into the town’s folklore and uncovers secrets about Chithini’s tragic past. The audience is pulled into the puzzle along with Alan, making it feel less like a typical horror movie and more like a detective story with a supernatural edge.

Dialogue: A Throwback to Overdramatic Cinema

One of the most talked-about aspects of Chithini is its dialogue. Written by East Coast Vijayan and KV Anil, the script feels outdated, often teetering on the edge of melodrama. In a movie that is supposed to build tension, the over-the-top dialogue often breaks the atmosphere, causing unintentional comedic moments. For instance, when CI Alan addresses his father-in-law as Mahamanthrikan (great wizard), the scene becomes laughable, diminishing any potential for building suspense.

Another example is Seetha’s action scene where she fends off attackers using a bizarre blend of Bharatanatyam and Kalaripayattu a sequence that borders on absurdity, making the audience question if it was meant to be a parody rather than a genuine moment of heroism.

Outdated Horror Tropes: Is Chithini Stuck in the Past?

Despite the film’s attempts at introducing fresh twists, the overall theme of ghost revenge feels heavily outdated. The portrayal of Chithini as a vengeful spirit haunting the village might work in a classic horror setting, but the execution here feels like a throwback to films from the 70s and 80s, without any innovation. This is especially evident in the film’s reliance on visual gimmicks such as fish-eye lenses and drone shots to create a spooky atmosphere, which, unfortunately, comes across as forced and ineffective.

It’s almost as if East Coast Vijayan is stuck in a time warp, unwilling to evolve beyond the formulaic horror elements of yesteryears. While other films in the genre have embraced psychological depth and layered storytelling, Chithini clings to old-school horror tropes that no longer resonate with modern audiences.

Performances: A Mixed Bag of Talent

The cast of Chithini delivers mixed performances, with some struggling under the weight of the script’s outdated dialogue. Amith Chakalakkal, who plays CI Alan, tries his best to bring credibility to the role, but his efforts are hampered by the stiff, unnatural lines he is given. His struggle to make the dialogues work often shows, and the result is a performance that feels awkward and disconnected from the gravity of the plot.

Vinay Forrt, on the other hand, seems to be in a completely different film. While his character has moments of excitement on paper, his on-screen demeanour feels like he’s constantly second-guessing why he took on the role. His lack of enthusiasm for the material is palpable, and it’s hard to watch a talented actor visibly uncomfortable in a part that doesn’t suit him.

The film’s female lead, Mokksha, known for her appearance in Kallanum Bhagavathiyum, offers little beyond her beauty and dance skills. Her performance as Seetha is overly theatrical, making it hard for the audience to connect with her. Even with the help of dubbing artist Raveena Ravi, the delivery falls flat, and the lip-syncing issues only add to the film’s woes.

The Supporting Cast: A Redeeming Factor?

There are a few saving graces in the supporting cast, though. Johny Antony and Sudheesh deliver more grounded performances in their respective roles. Antony, known for his comedic roles, takes on a more serious character here, adding a layer of gravitas to the film. Sudheesh, playing a pivotal role, does his best with the material he’s given, managing to inject some believability into his scenes.

However, these performances alone can’t save the movie from its fundamental problems. The script’s weaknesses and the clunky direction make it hard for any actor to truly shine, regardless of their skill level.

Direction and Cinematography: Aesthetic Gimmicks Over Substance

East Coast Vijayan’s direction leaves much to be desired. It seems like the film’s priority was more on visual gimmicks than on building a compelling narrative. The overuse of fish-eye lenses and wide-angle shots feels unnecessary, distracting from the core of the story. Instead of creating an eerie atmosphere, these techniques come across as amateurish attempts to compensate for the lack of genuine tension.

The cinematography by Ratheesh Ravi does offer a few visually pleasing moments, especially when capturing the fog-laden landscapes of Wayanad. These atmospheric shots could have been used to build a haunting ambiance, but the lack of cohesion between the visuals and the narrative undermines their effectiveness.

Soundtrack: More Harm Than Help

The soundtrack by Ranjin Raj is another aspect that feels misaligned with the film’s intent. Instead of enhancing the tension, the music is often overbearing, drowning out key moments that could have been impactful. The romantic songs, typical of East Coast Vijayan films, feel out of place in a horror movie and detract from the film’s overall mood.

In a genre where silence can often be more terrifying than any score, the heavy-handed use of music in Chithini feels like a missed opportunity to create genuine suspense.

Final Thoughts: An Unintentional Comedy?

While Chithini may have been envisioned as a supernatural thriller, it ends up being more of an unintentional comedy. The outdated dialogue, exaggerated performances, and reliance on worn-out horror tropes make it hard to take the film seriously. Rather than scaring audiences, the film’s many missteps invite laughter and ridicule.

In a time when the horror genre is evolving with more nuanced, psychological stories, Chithini feels like a relic from the past, a film stuck in its ways and unwilling to adapt to modern tastes. For fans of unintentionally funny horror movies, this might be an enjoyable watch. But for those looking for a serious, spine-chilling thriller, Chithini will likely be a major disappointment.

Verdict: Watch If You Want a Good Laugh

If you’re in the mood for a film that offers more giggles than gasps, Chithini is worth a watch. However, if you’re expecting a gripping supernatural thriller with substance, you’re better off looking elsewhere.