Balloon

Balloon is a 2017 Indian Tamil language horror comedy film written and directed by Sinish and produced by Dhilip Subbarayan, Arun Balaji and Nandakumar. The film features Jai, Anjali, Janani Iyer and Yogi Babu in the main roles, with music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and cinematography achieved by R. Saravanan.

The film engages audiences right from the start as it opens up with a series of eerie occurrences, creating an air of mystery and suspense before delving into the main plot. Balloon places the terrifying concept of haunted houses under the spotlight, weaving a tale of chilling encounters and dramatic confrontations around it.

Jai, a well-recognised actor in the Tamil film industry, plays Jeeva, a struggling filmmaker. Desperate for a hit movie to cement his position in the industry, Jeeva decides to create a horror-comedy film. In a bid to gather inspiration for his venture, he, along with his wife Jacqueline (played by Anjali) and two of their friends, set off for a haunted house in the high ranges of Ooty.

Jai’s character progression in Balloon is full of surprises. His funny one-liners, fear-induced humour, and excellent comic timing, juxtaposed against his determination to explore the supernatural, make for an interesting watch. On the other hand, Anjali, another powerhouse of talent, delivers an impactful performance. Her characterization as Jeeva's wife who stays supportive but is also aware of the gruesome realities of the haunted house, is intriguing.

Janani Iyer, who plays Jeeva’s former lover in the narrative, adds another layer of complexity to the tale with her impeccable acting skills. There is a good balance between the past and present, which contributes to the plot's tension and curiosity. Yogi Babu’s comic relief comes as a welcome respite amid all the dark, supernatural occurrences. He brings to the screenplay his quintessential humor that steers away from a complete descent into horror, keeping the overall aura of the movie somewhat light-hearted.

The score by Yuvan Shankar Raja is a key player in setting the tone of the film. The intense background score, blended with the melodic songs, amplifies the horror scenes and compliments the lighter moments. The clever use of sound effects further heightens the sense of dread and fear.

Visually, Balloon is a treat. Saravanan's cinematography is beautifully captivating. From the panoramic shots of the tea estates to the eerie, dimly lit rooms of the haunted house, each shot builds onto the suspense and horror, making up an integral part of the viewing experience. The impeccable set design and the clever use of shadow and light create an illusion that extends beyond the screen, and viewers find themselves entranced and terrified at the same time.

Balloon's screenplay skillfully combines elements of fear, comedy, and drama to offer a riveting narrative. While there's certainly no shortage of chills and thrills, the film doesn't fall short of emotional depth either. As a viewer, you are led to question the history of the haunted house and the relentless happenings that occur in the film. The backstory unravels slowly, echoing the melancholic past that still haunts the living. The humor, constantly intertwined with fear, provides the necessary relief and balance, preventing the narrative from slipping into an abyss of unadulterated horror.

Director Sinish brings to the table an unconventional blend of horror, comedy, and romance. He adroitly uses the scares to create suspense while the comedy lightens the mood every now and then. His narrative choices keep the audience hooked to their seats, not knowing what to expect next. The result is a film that expertly juggles different genres while still maintaining its cohesiveness.

In conclusion, Balloon is an engaging horror comedy that smartly blends elements of romance, suspense, and humor. With strong performances, perfect comic timing, and an expertly crafted blend of genres, it's a film that promises both chills and laughter. For anyone who enjoys being kept on their toes throughout a movie, Balloon promises an intriguing and entertaining experience.