Indie Film Review “Mala” Welcome to the island of Sanskara….we hope you find yourself….and survive the stay!
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
It’s your destiny. Such a profound, and frankly loaded, declaration. As people, we are constantly looking for purpose, meaning, and the path to fulfillment, even when we already possess much of it. The drive to just KNOW (or even be TOLD) that what we choose to pursue will have a lasting impact on not only ourselves but those we interact with is a powerful force to reckon with. If we then allow it to guide us, what occurs when the path to arrive there is founded on something far less than good?
Reema (Indigo Sabharwal) has been bequeathed an abandoned island resort from her aunt. Amazing by most typical standards, Reema, along with three friends accompanying her…Lola (Gisele George), Kalyan (Nirvan Patnaik), and Shiv (Nehru Sabharwal)…arrives to check things out. But, when unassuming yet strangely intrusive property manager Robert (Nikhil Kamkolkar) begins telling Reema that events surrounding her aunt may not have been so clean cut, secrets, tantric rituals, and a sinister force begin to emerge, with Reema at the center of it all.
Next, my Mind:
Let me be clear that, as a whole, the supernatural horror genre is my preferred wheelhouse within the grander horror pantheon, as I tend to most certainly gravitate towards something that chills me, unsettles me within, that causes an almost primal tension, and that consistently pervasive, unnerving sense of ominous dread. We are talking “Hereditary”, “The Conjuring”, “Bring Her Back”, “Talk To Me”, “Lights Out”, et al. When a film can successfully garner and/or infuse me with those types of reactions, THAT is a success. It’s hard to do, because the horror genre IS so widespread and common in the cinematic realms, where originality is undeniably elusive, but NOT impossible. So, if a filmmaker is going to tackle a particular thematic bend that’s been oft explored, it HAS to “pop”, executed to an extent that makes even “the norm” still engaging, entertaining, and worthwhile to invest in.
Therefore, when we are talking about this South Asian indie feature film from director Trishul Thejasvi, writer/executive producer Nisha Sabharwal, producers Cameron Brumbelow and Bobby Marinelli, plus executive producers Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Mohit Sabharwal, and Indigo Sabharwal, I as always approached with a cautionary anticipation given the film’s premise AND the fact I do truly love South Asian film. First off, I must say that while this may not have the total quality of those previously mentioned efforts (even just stylistically) that I adore so much, folks, this was NOT a disappointment for me in any way. What I feel serves this kind of independent effort and the genre it is tackling so well IS the fact it comes from a South Asian perspective and that the mythological/theological direction, alongside the associated elements that form its narrative, all remains unique for me as an American critic.
Focused on a young woman who gains a forsaken island resort from her deceased aunt, brings her friends to check it out for a week, and finds that circumstances and practices in the resort’s (and her Aunt’s!) past are anything but normal, leading her involuntarily into an unexpected journey of shadowy, eerie, diabolical self discovery, it’s a tale where you need to put yourself IN the situations depicted to appreciate the gravity and building menace the film is aiming for. Will I freely admit there were certain instances where this atmosphere really HITS and other times where it should but doesn’t quite make it there, yes. There’s a slow burn facet to the narrative overall, but yet it still manages to maintain a growing, disconcerting, and haunting air as revelations get exposed which drive the story forward.
As hinted above, some of the more blatantly disquieting moments presented are not always dominant in their goal of creating this feeling, but I personally didn’t get distracted by that, as when those moments that DO just punch you in the face with unearthly, and deliciously spooky, potency come along, it makes it worth it. Thematically, the film addresses the notions of signs and portents, dark practices within the tantric arena, the dangers of dabbling in dark powers, embracing your fate or destiny, curses, being drawn in, ignoring warnings, becoming single-minded and then consumed by power, and the ultimate results of choosing a path that will forever alter your entire being all get their time here. The film’s third act and the quietly but still disturbingly effective finale is where things definitively come unhinged, in the best possible supernatural horror manner mind you, the implications of how events culminate could assuredly warrant further films.
Indigo Sabharwal is a study in both a newer actress steadily finding her way while displaying an unequivocal degree of understated energy, dedication, and desire to bring her own personality and talent to the screen. Having previously seen and reviewed her in the dramatic feature films “Draupadi Unleashed” and “Curry Scent“, I personally enjoyed watching Sabharwal take on horror film territory through her role here as Reema, a young woman about to embark on a life-defining venture that will have dire and horrific ramifications while fulfilling a newly found equally malevolent destiny. I felt it is Sabharwal’s ability to embody a portrait of innocence being seduced and transformed by an ancient, evil power that works well enough here, and delivered in a way that, as stated above, showcases the intentionality of an actress wanting to improve on her craft with each film she makes. Plus, frankly, I felt it was apparent that Sabharwal simply relished playing this character. There’s an attitude I felt was present that befitted the character so well, especially in the later parts of the film when things have decidedly gone astray for anyone caught in Reema’s way.
George is effective as the bubbly, positive, and perhaps a little mischievous voice of BFF level support via her role here as Lola, who like them all initially, has no idea of the road she is about to travel down, and only hope to survive. I liked the personality George brings to the part, which had to encompass both that joy but then total trepidation. Patnaik, whom I have also seen multiple times before via “Curry Scent” and more recently “Ronnie California: The King of Artesia“, once more brings a magnitude of “everyman” qualities paired with an apropos amount of swagger through his turn as Kalyan, another of Reema’s close friends accompanying her on the trip who remains a loyal friend but then voice of reason when events start to manifest that cause him to fear what is happening…..or what is coming. Again, it’s the uncomplicated but still astute performance Patnaik presents that make the character one to enjoy.
Nehru Sabharwal is also solid through his role as Shiv, the third friend on the adventure with Reema to the island whom may or may not allow his own curiosity to upend his well being when all that is transpiring starts to drive his desire to escape the island in spite of his friends. Like George and Patnaik, the actor is well-grounded and credible in the role he’s playing. Primary supporting roles begin with Kamkolkar as the island’s resident property manager Robert, whom from the moment he greets Reema and her friends, becomes a very calmly jarring presence who definitely knows far more than he’s letting on, and who will be a catalyst for Reema’s path to be decided. The way Kamkolkar portrays this character is perfectly suited for his part to play in, exuding a creepiness that makes you both love and hate Robert at the same time. A nice performance that befits the film’s ambiance and purpose.
Raw Leiba makes his presence known with delightfully intentional grim resolve through his role as Hamid, the island’s local medicine man whom harbors knowledge about Reema’s destiny and only wishes to usher her into it, with a first appearance and an almost Bacchanalian ceremony at one point that cements him as a conduit for forces not so pleasant. Leiba, like Indigo Sabharwal, just looks like he’s savoring the role in each appearance he makes. Prolific, accomplished actress Priya Deva, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, reviewing (“A Diwali Dilemma“, “Asha“, “Cowboys & Hindus“, “Curry Scent“, “India Sweets & Spices“) and maintaining connection with over many years now, arrives once more to lend her skills as Dorothy, Robert’s wife and the resort’s chef whom seems none to pleased about Reema’s arrival…at least at first…until greater unveilings illustrate otherwise.
It’s a lower-key role, yet Deva always finds a way to imbue the character with a believability and stirring resonance that sticks with you. Additional supporting appearances are made by Steve Heinz, Adam Scheetz, Chasen Dubs, Dhiman Nayak, Sukhdev Nayak, Jadon Lonner, Auden Hardin, Ethan Kumar, JC Anthony, Jonathan Ramos, Mitchell Greene, Bobby Marinelli, Christopher Dubs, Alexis Baca, Seeta Giannone, Amanda Jayne Jensen, Adam Jordan, and Sam Melo among many others. Your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated here. So, in total, “Mala” is a film that exhibits grand potential beyond its firmly rooted but not faultless execution, doing justice to the supernatural horror genre with a South Asian core and character-driven intent that deserves attention while leaving us waiting to see if it’s foundational story can continue and lead to something even better and more polished.
STAR RATING (OUT OF 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
