The Waiting Room Review

What is it all about?

RGV goes a welcome transformation via first time helmer Manneej Premanth who with his razored tight narration ensures that screws are kept tightened expertly almost to the penultimate scene in this gripping psycho thriller about a maniac serial killer who makes life hell for the four passengers waiting in a waiting room at a distance south Indian railway station.

Many some things like this has been attempted and will continue to be done but `The Waiting Room' with its master cinematography by Dilshad V.A that captures the mood almost perfectly with the rain and fear soaked `Thenmadi' railway station which carries elements of thrill and suspense with respect to serial killers and it doesn't turns gory though it starts with some chopping of female parts, otherwise this low budget 1hr 30 min is a thrill pill at your nearest theatres provided you know its there.

Amazingly the promoters have maintain a low key for its promotions maybe they are hoping for a fat satellite returns but nevertheless, it has the elements for a decent 90 minutes thrill hour for those who enjoy such things on screen.

Apart from the smart use of camera, Manneej Premanth uses the expertise of his friend with scissors Baiju Kurup effectively and also gets valuable support from Shashi Perumanoor's art and Shajith Koyeri- Sreejesh Nair's sound.

The actors Raja Choudhary as Karan the suspicious man, Radhika Apte as Tina the girl who's the most frightened among the four and the middle aged Gujarathi couple Sandeep Kulkarni and Pratiksha Lonkar chip in with some fine performance and keep the momentum going.

But honey, an unconvincing or rather say hurried climax spoils a lovely thrilling date and we wonder how come an amateurish ending can mercilessly almost kill the flick.

The story...of course

A convincing tight unwinding would have made RGV piss with his pants on but alas.anyways the story is set in a waiting room in a small town, where 4 people are stranded one rainy night, waiting for the only train in that route.

When people are alone at a point of time in their life in a world where no one is trustworthy, they suspect everyone. This suspicion develops a story, a story of mistaken identities.

What to look out for?

Excellently shot considering the `dhoti' budget with brilliant camerawork and technicalities which is simple and yet striking maintaining the mood of the psycho thriller which scores on the built up and the developments surrounding fear and not the actual killings, chippings or any omen.  Nice performances from the principal cast.

What Not?

Oh baby the climax is unconvincing and hurried that irritates you by leaving you high and dry.

Recommended:  Certainly for those who want to take a break from the routine but it comes with a warning.

Rating: ***

[*-Yuck,  **- OH.No. ***- Hmmm.Not Bad. ****- Well Done. Superb. *****- Priceless.]