Evil Eye

Evil Eye is a thrilling, supernatural suspense drama film that premiered in 2020, making its debut on the screens of horror and thriller fans everywhere. Directed by Elan and Rajeev Dassani, and produced by leading horror brand Blumhouse Productions, the film was released as a part of Amazon Studios' Welcome to Blumhouse program, a series of unique, disturbing and thought-provoking horror films. Evil Eye expertly straddles the genres of psychological thriller, drama and horror, using elements of supernatural to drive home a thought-provoking narrative.

This gripping film features breathtaking performances from Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, and Bernard White, who masterfully bring their multi-layered characters to life. These skilled actors help to weave an intricate tale involving themes of intergenerational trauma, Indian cultural beliefs, and familial relationships.

Sarita Choudhury, a British Indian actress renowned for her work in stage and screen, shines in the role of Usha Kharti. Her character is a deeply superstitious mother who is convinced that a malevolent force from her past has returned to claim what is his. Haunted by a harrowing incident from her youth, she is unnervingly alert to the potential dangers lurking in the shadow of the future.

Sunita Mani, known for her roles in series like "GLOW" and "Mr. Robot", delivers a remarkable performance as Pallavi Kharti, Usha's single and independent-minded daughter, who resides in New Orleans. Her character navigates the challenges of dating, desire for independence, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs, leading her life on her own terms, while unwittingly becoming embroiled in her mother's haunting premonitions.

Bernard White, a versatile actor with an extensive filmography, presents a solid performance as Krishnan, Usha's husband. His character acts as a buffer between his wife and daughter, trying to keep peace despite the growing tension, and remain rational amidst spiritual apprehensions.

Evil Eye’s plot takes its audience on a rollercoaster ride of suspense from a seemingly ordinary romantic encounter. As Pallavi starts dating a charming local businessman, Sandeep (played by Omar Maskati), Usha becomes overly paranoid and worried, convinced that this man is not all he appears to be. Based on a chilling premonition, Usha believes Sandeep to be a reincarnation of a figure from her past, potentially placing her daughter in dangerous jeopardy.

Set against diverse geographical backdrops, the film cleverly brings together the vibrant local culture of New Orleans with the rich Indian traditions and spiritual beliefs right from Delhi. This cross-cultural element adds an interesting depth and expands the narrative canvas of the film, adding more intrigue to the unfolding plot.

A noteworthy aspect of Evil Eye is the fact that it brings a rare cultural perspective to the horror genre, referencing Indian beliefs in reincarnation and the 'evil eye' charm—that is believed to ward off harm due to envy or ill-wishing spirits. Amid the nail-biting suspense, the runic element is incorporated in a subtle way, enriching the storyline without becoming overbearing or overly dramatic.

The film’s screenplay, adapted from the Audible Original production by Madhuri Shekar, excels at maintaining suspense throughout, making effective use of dramatic irony and chilling foreshadowing. The narrative also explores deeper themes, such as gender-based violence and society's expectations of women's behavior, making it more than just an ordinary thriller, but a poignant social commentary as well.

Evil Eye, with its unique exploration of cultural mythology seamlessly woven into a modern thriller narrative, delivers an edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. It embraces the motif of vivid female characterization and takes the audience on a thriller ride mingled with supernatural happenings and must-add-to-watch-list for those enjoy mysteries with a supernatural spin.