'So Long Valley' Review: Tridha Choudhury and Akanksha Puri Ground This Tense Thriller

So Long Valley

In theaters

Cast: Tridha Choudhury, Akanksha Puri, Vikram Kochhar, Man Singh, Alisha Parveen

Director: Man Singh

Produced by: Man Singh

Rating - *** (3/5)

There is something timeless about a thriller set in the hills. The fog wraps around you. The silences get louder. And every friendly face starts to look just a little suspicious. That is exactly the world So Long Valley drops you into. Directed by and starring Man Singh, this suspense drama leans into the chill of Manali not just to set the mood but to unravel it piece by piece.

It all begins with a girl walking into a police station. She is not hurt but she is definitely scared. Her sister left Shimla a few hours ago and was supposed to reach Manali. But she never did. That quiet detail sets off an investigation that stretches across towns and timelines. What starts as a missing person case slowly turns into something more twisted. Who is lying. Who is hiding. And who is even in control here. The film makes you ask these questions before giving you any of the answers.

Manali Becomes the Maze

Manali is not just a postcard backdrop in this film. It becomes a character all its own. Snow covered roads and deserted bends are framed in ways that suggest more than what you see. Every shot adds tension and keeps you unsettled. There is no loud music cue warning you of a jump scare. The threat is just always there. Waiting.

The cops begin closing in on a suspect. A taxi driver seems like an easy catch. But the film is not interested in easy. Just as the net tightens, the case opens up in a completely different direction. The questions get sharper. What happened is only half the mystery. Why it happened is the real twist.

Tridha Choudhury Brings Grit Without Noise

Tridha Choudhury leads the cast with a performance that is stripped of theatrics. She does not cry loudly or monologue about her pain. She simply carries it. Her fear is real but it never weakens her. That balance is what makes her character believable.

Akanksha Puri makes a solid impression too. Her arc builds slowly but lands well. She does not steal scenes but strengthens them. Together the two women give the film emotional weight. They keep it grounded even when the plot twists are flying in every direction.

Man Singh delivers both as actor and director. His screen presence is strong but not overpowering. He knows when to step back and let the story do its job. His direction shows a clear love for classic thrillers but with just enough freshness to keep you guessing. There are moments where the silence feels like a scream. And others where a single glance changes the entire scene.

A Thriller That Keeps Its Promise

So Long Valley is not here to be flashy. It is here to pull you in. The suspense builds steadily. There are no cheap twists. Just a series of reveals that come with a slow burn. The pacing is tight. The film knows when to pause and when to punch.

Vikram Kochhar and Alisha Parveen do well in their supporting roles. Their characters are written with just enough depth to matter. They never feel like filler. They help push the story forward while staying true to its tone.

Most thrillers lose steam when they try to explain everything. This one knows how much to reveal and when to let the audience put things together. That restraint is rare. And it works.

By the time the final act kicks in, the film has laid its groundwork carefully. The climax is not about explosions or gunshots. It is about finally seeing the full picture. And that picture is messy in the best way.

So Long Valley is one of those thrillers that creeps up on you. It begins in silence. It ends with impact. The writing is clever. The direction is sharp. And the performances are tuned just right. For anyone who enjoys slow burning crime stories with a strong sense of place and purpose, this one deserves a watch. And maybe even a second one just to catch the things you missed the first time.