“Poo Sandi Varan,” also known as “Poochandi,” is a 2022 Malaysian Tamil-language horror thriller directed by JK Wicky. The film features RJ Ramana, Ganesan Manohgaran, Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan, Logan Nathan, and Hamsni Perumal in pivotal roles. Released on January 27, 2022, in Malaysia and Singapore, and later on April 1, 2022, in Tamil Nadu, India, the movie delves into the supernatural, intertwining cultural folklore with modern-day horror elements.
Plot Synopsis
The narrative centers on Murugan (RJ Ramana), a journalist from India who specializes in paranormal stories. He travels to Malaysia to gather authentic ghost tales for his magazine. During his quest, Murugan encounters Shankar (Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan), who recounts a chilling experience involving himself and his friends, Anbu (Logan Nathan) and Guru (Ganesan Manohgaran).
Anbu, who suffers from paralysis, has a penchant for collecting antique coins. One day, the trio decides to use one of Anbu’s oldest coins to play a Ouija board game, inadvertently summoning a malevolent spirit. As the story unfolds, the friends find themselves entangled in a series of terrifying events, leading them to uncover a historical connection that dates back centuries. The film transitions into an investigative thriller as they delve deeper into the origins of the vengeful entity.
Cast and Performances
- RJ Ramana as Murugan: Portraying a curious and determined journalist, Ramana effectively conveys the intrigue and apprehension of a man delving into unknown horrors.
- Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan as Shankar: Krishnan delivers a compelling performance as a man haunted by his past actions, capturing the fear and guilt that accompany his character’s journey.
- Logan Nathan as Anbu: Nathan’s portrayal of Anbu adds depth to the narrative, especially in scenes that highlight his vulnerability due to his paralysis and his inadvertent role in summoning the spirit.
- Ganesan Manohgaran as Guru: Manohgaran provides a solid performance, contributing to the group’s dynamic and the unfolding mystery.
- Hamsni Perumal: While her role is more limited, Perumal adds to the ensemble with a noteworthy performance that complements the main cast.
Direction and Screenplay
Director JK Wicky crafts a narrative that blends traditional horror tropes with cultural elements unique to Malaysian Tamil folklore. The screenplay, co-written with Thanabalan Kuppusamy, maintains a steady pace, gradually building suspense while interweaving backstory and character development. The non-linear storytelling keeps the audience engaged, revealing crucial plot points at strategic moments to enhance the overall tension.
Cinematography and Music
The film’s cinematography by A. Salisham bin Mohd Ali effectively captures the eerie ambiance essential for a horror thriller. Utilizing dim lighting, tight framing, and atmospheric settings, the visual narrative complements the film’s suspenseful tone.
Dustin Riduan Shah’s musical score underscores the film’s tension, employing a mix of traditional and contemporary motifs to accentuate key moments. The theme song, “Poochandi Varaan,” composed and performed by Ganesan Manohgaran, adds a haunting melody that resonates with the film’s central themes.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Poo Sandi Varan” garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The Times of India praised the film as “a powerful horror flick that scares and thrills in effective ways,” highlighting its compelling screenplay and atmospheric tension. Dina Thanthi noted the director’s skill in crafting suspenseful scenes, particularly in the hostel room and climactic sequences, though it mentioned a lack of clarity regarding certain character motivations. Dinamalar awarded the film a rating of three out of five, commending its engaging narrative and effective scares.
On IMDb Rating, the film holds a rating of 7.2 out of 10, based on user reviews, indicating a generally favorable reception.
Budget and Box Office Performance
Produced on a modest budget, “Poo Sandi Varan” achieved remarkable commercial success, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malaysia, the film collected over RM 800,000, making it one of the highest-grossing local Tamil-language films during the pandemic era. Its success extended to Tamil Nadu, India, where it was released in over 40 theaters across major cities on April 1, 2022. The film’s performance in the Indian market further solidified its status as a noteworthy entry in the horror genre.
Conclusion
“Poo Sandi Varan” stands as a testament to the potential of regional cinema to deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a broad audience. Director JK Wicky’s adept storytelling, combined with strong performances from the cast, creates a horror thriller that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The film’s success at the box office underscores the audience’s appetite for well-crafted horror stories that blend cultural elements with universal themes of fear and suspense.
In summary, “Poo Sandi Varan” offers a refreshing take on the horror genre, delivering effective scares while exploring deeper themes rooted in folklore and human nature. Its critical and commercial success highlights the film’s quality and the filmmakers’ dedication to their craft.