In Pretham, a spirit haunts an idyllic seaside resort managed by three buddies, Denny (Aju Verghese), Priyan (Sharaffudeen) and Shibu (Govind Padmasurya), whose friendship dates back to their college days.
Directed by Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Sankar, this horror comedy scores with its laugh-aloud moments and does not resort to the regular gimmicks of a supernatural tale.
The first half is fun with the three friends enthusiastic over their new dream enterprise. With attractive guest Shahnoosa coming to stay at the resort, they trip over one another trying to win her attention.
Strange happenings at the resort cut short the fun. A mentalist, Don Bosco (Jayasurya), is brought in to ward off the spirit. Bosco has the ability to read people’s minds and using that skill he unravels the story behind the spirit haunting the resort.
Unlike the horror comedies of the recent past in Tamil cinema, that open in an old mansion where residents are stalked by ghosts in white gowns, Pretham is free from garish visual effects and predictable jump scares. With an emotional story at its core Sankar builds paranormal situations into his script.
Jayasurya as Bosco, with a shaved head and cool clothes, makes his character appealing while his subtle performance reinforces the versatile performer in him.
Verghese, Sharaffudeen and Padmasurya share an easy camaraderie that translates well onscreen.
On the technical side, cinematographer Jithu Damodar’s visuals leave you wanting to plan your next holiday there.
Pretham has its share of adult jokes and some make you cringe, but on the whole it entertains.
