Sabdham Movie Review 2025 – A paranormal investigator is brought in to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths at a medical college. While rumors of supernatural involvement circulate, Ruben Vaidhyalingam (Aadhi) begins his investigation and discovers a link between the deaths and Avanthika, a house surgeon and lecturer who is skeptical of the paranormal.
Review:
Back in 2009, Arivazhagan and Aadhi delivered the gripping horror thriller Eeram. After 16 years, they reunite for Sabdham, once again exploring the supernatural—this time, shifting the eerie element from water to sound. However, the outcome is mixed.
The film initially holds intrigue as Ruben pieces together the mystery behind the grotesque deaths. The first half effectively builds tension, keeping the audience engaged alongside the protagonist. The sense of dread is heightened, peaking in a chilling intermission sequence where the screen blacks out, leaving only the unsettling sounds to take over.
Unfortunately, the second half fails to maintain this momentum. The writing becomes formulaic, with the mystery giving way to predictable tropes—saintly figures, sinister researchers, black magic, and revenge. The abrupt introduction of the antagonist right before the climax feels rushed and unconvincing. The film’s attempt at gravitas, with oversized chapter titles and location names, comes off as forced rather than impactful.
Given its focus on sound, the audio design fluctuates between being highly effective and unnecessarily loud. Thaman’s overpowering score leaves little room for silence. While Aadhi brings conviction to his role, his character’s profession as a paranormal investigator adds little depth beyond some high-tech gadgets.
Visually, Sabdham leans heavily on blurred frames and subpar CGI, reminiscent of films like Aranmanai or Kanchana. While budget constraints may have played a role, this feels underwhelming, especially from a director who once delivered one of the most stylish horror thrillers in Tamil cinema.