Review: 'Adhura' tries hard to create a spooky aura with occasional pacing issues & strong performances

Adhura Review

Prepare to be captivated by the supernatural world of 'Adhura,' a Prime Video series. Written and directed by Ananya Banerjee and Gauravv K Chawla, this short and gripping seven-episode thriller delves into a realm of dark secrets and a paranormal world. Now how will it turn out and is it worth a scary binge, let us see.  So after watching this series, this is what I feel about it.

Plot and Narrative

"Adhura" delves into the chilling plot of a boarding school harboring a dark secret that impacts everyone connected to it. With the narrative unfolding in two timelines, 2022 and 2007, the show skillfully blurs the lines between the past and present as the hidden truth is gradually revealed.

the series strives to create a sense of foreboding within its plot, with Shrenik Arora's exceptional performance as Vedant adding palpable tension. While the well-developed character arcs and avoidance of lurid gimmicks are commendable, the series falls prey to predictability, occasionally losing momentum. With a slow-burning pace that demands patience, "Adhura" is a horror thriller that might divide viewers.

The Performances

Shrenik Arora's portrayal of Vedant, a troubled and silent student, stands out as a remarkable performance. Arora adeptly portrays the character's menacing yet vulnerable nature, creating an eerie aura that permeates the show. Vedant's presence becomes the center of tension, effectively engaging the audience. However, there are instances where Ishwak Singh, who plays Adhiraj Jaisingh, fails to deliver emotions convincingly, leading to occasional lapses in engagement. Nonetheless, Singh manages to hold the audience's attention, particularly during panic and anxiety scenes.

Rasika Dugal delivers a compelling performance as Supriya Ghosh, a child counselor responsible for the students' mental well-being. Dugal embodies the gentle and caring teacher role with perfection, showcasing her dedication to Vedant's welfare and going above and beyond to protect and support him. The casting of Dugal in this character is spot-on, adding depth to the narrative.

The balance of intrigue and predictability

'Adhura' follows a typical horror format with a slightly predictable yet engaging storyline. The show's ability to maintain intrigue lies in its secrets, mysterious disappearances, and unsettling occurrences that connect Vedant and the guilt-ridden alumnus, Adhiraj. While the series avoids lurid gimmicks and keeps the gore subdued until the final two episodes, the overall predictability of the plot prevents it from reaching its full potential. 

Additionally, the slow-burning nature of the show may test the patience of some viewers, although the ending of each episode provides enough impetus to continue watching.

The Verdict:

'Adhura' is a horror thriller that tries hard to create a sense of foreboding and captivate its audience with missed opportunities and occasional pacing issues. 

Rating: ** 1/2 (2.5/5) stars