Lisaa

Released in 2019, "Lisaa" is a terrifying and gripping Indian horror thriller, directed by Raju Viswanath and brilliantly scripted by M. J. Shrinivas. In this spellbinding blend of horror and suspense, Anjali stars as the titular character Lisaa, along with co-stars Sam Jones and veteran actor Makrand Deshpande, who all give compelling performances that captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats throughout the film's entirety.

"Lisaa" delves into its narrative from the very outset. Centred around Lisaa, portrayed by Anjali, in an ambitious and fearless performance, the film brings forth the adventurous spirit lurking within her character. Lisaa hails from a modern, urban setting and is set on a pivotal mission, to convince her single mother to accept her boyfriend and their relationship. When her attempts in the city yield no results, Lisaa decides to travel to the hilly landscapes to spend a few days with her grandparents with the hope of bringing them into the convincing process.

Accompanying Lisaa on this challenging endeavour is her boyfriend, played by Sam Jones. His character, while initially appearing supportive and strong, is gradually unveiled in different dimensions as the plot advances. Then there is Makrand Deshpande, who offers a strong supporting role as a mysterious and foreboding character, contributing to the overall suspense and eerie atmosphere of the film.

Using the beautiful and naturally isolated setting of the hills, the film sets the tone for an uncanny and unsettling environment that becomes a perfect playground for the subsequent supernatural happenings. This escalation in unusual activities makes Lisaa suspect something eerie is at play. But what keeps the audience guessing is whether there actually is anything supernatural happening or if it's just the work of Lisa's perceptive mind, encouraged by the overwhelming circumstances and the solitude of their environment.

The story's momentum increases exponentially with the masterful use of a classic haunted house and is enhanced by the presence of unconventional and peculiar occupants who continually build up the tension with their strange behaviours. The film plays with both psychological and supernatural horror elements, creating an aura of fear and suspense often anticipated and coveted by horror film enthusiasts.

In terms of production, Raju Viswanath's direction is pivotal in driving the narrative forward and retaining a consistent level of fear and suspense. The cinematography is well-thought-out, with an effective use of lighting that provides an unsettling sense of dread. The haunting background score adds to the movie's scary ambiance, escalating the suspenseful moments. The practical effects and makeup design are also extremely impressive, adding a significant degree of credibility to the spooky and chilling visual aspects of the film.

Anjali stands out with a captivating performance as Lisaa. Through her powerful portrayal, she authentically mirrors the fear, anxiety, and desperation that come with the terrifying situations she faces. Right from showing the plight of a modern city girl to the state of utter panic, Anjali manages to keep the performance throughout the film brilliantly balanced. Sam Jones and Makrand Deshpande also deliver noteworthy performances, effectively contributing to the overall story and further intensifying the eerie vibe of the film.

"Lisaa" is steeped in fright and uncertainty, as the suspense keeps viewers questioning the reality of events, and the characters' experiences in the vast and isolated feared house. The compelling performances, combined with the attentive direction, make "Lisaa" a must-watch for fans of horror and thriller cinema.

In conclusion, "Lisaa" is a path-breaking venture in the South Indian cinema map, combining suspense, horror, and drama into a riveting narrative centered on an ambitious young woman coping with apparently supernatural forces. With its intriguing premise, brilliant performances, and masterful direction, "Lisaa" promises a gripping viewing experience that keeps audiences guessing and thrilled from beginning to end.