Horror finally has arrived in Bollywood. It’s one of the most captivating horror suspense thrillers I have seen in recent time. I won’t say, it’s one of the most original story or script, director Vikram has borrowed or maybe inspired by some of his Western counterparts, but he has beautifully wave it around his finger making it delightful horror experience for the average moviegoers. Director Virkam (virtually unknown in Bollywood) comes up with a vibrant and pulsating horror story, though in places it’s reminiscent of Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot. Dramatically it has its surprises and suspense. But thankfully it didn’t lapse into a typical Bollywood horror potboiler of a revenge and tantrik baba drama. The screenplay gripping and full of suspense to the last frame makes saves it from becoming another horror thrillers that we have seen in recent times. In the past we have witnessed several mindless horror thrillers, but 13B stands out of the motley crowd of horror thrillers for its unusual treatment. The director shows great aptitude for handling a complex horror thriller. First half of the film is gripping, crisp and cutting edge, while the second half falters a little, but the climax is electrifying. My prediction is that both the Tamil and the Hindi version of the film will be a monster hit.
Madhavan, aka Maddy holds centre stage with an outstanding powerhouse performance, Neetu is simply fabulous as a housewife and it was delight to see Poonam Dillon after many years. Must say she hasn’t lost any of her charm.13B has its flaws, and it’s not a masterpiece, but it was a thrilling experience to watch this movie. 13B has it all- a perfect script, excellent performance and a horrifying moviegoer experience. What more one requires. Go and experience fear at your nearest cinema hall.