Ludo
Where to Watch Ludo
Ludo, directed by Qaushiq Mukherjee and Nikon, is a 2015 Indian Bengali language film that treads the path less explored in Indian cinema. The film brings a fresh breath of air in the cinematic world, breaking the norms of typical storytelling. The movie stars Kamalika Banerjee, Joyraj Bhattacharya, and Soumendra Bhattacharya, giving them a perfect platform to showcase their acting prowess.
Ludo, at its core, is a supernatural thriller that intriguingly oscillates between fantasy and reality. Yet, it distances itself from conventional horror films. Instead of jumping into action from the first scene, it gradually builds up the horror element, strategically placing it into unexpected situations to create sudden jolts. The film’s premise is built around a lurid game of survival that showcases the interaction between human susceptibility and paranormal incidents.
Embedded in the depth of Kolkata, the story revolves around two young women, Payel (Riya Sen) and Ria (Tillotama Shome), who find themselves trapped in an abandoned shopping mall after a fun-filled night out. Caught in the dark confines of the deserted mall, what was meant to be an exciting rendezvous slowly morphs into an escalating series of perilous events.
The film transitions between moments of normalcy, rapidly turning into surreal fear-provoking incidences with puzzling characters popping up as part of the eerie setting. Among these, the characters of two petty goons, played by Joyraj Bhattacharya and Soumendra Bhattacharya, stand out, bringing an engaging balance of humor and terror to the plot.
Kamalika Banerjee, known for her diverse roles in Bengali cinema, handles her role with sheer finesse, adding an extra layer of suspense to the supernatural thriller. The commendable performances by the lead actors amalgamate smoothly with the film’s unconventional and frightening narrative, making the viewing experience remarkably absorbing.
One of the standout features of Ludo is its spectacular cinematography. The use of color, texture, light, and shade is done methodically, adding a distinct touch to each scene. The confined and claustrophobic space of the abandoned mall is shot in a way that enhances the suspense and mystery, making it, in a sense, an additional character in the film.
The directors, Qaushiq Mukherjee and Nikon, brilliantly blend fear and humour with elements of the uncanny. The narrative flows seamlessly, creating an ambiance that's palpable, retaining the thrill and chill till the end. The strong vision of the directors is evident as every scene is crafted and stitched together with precision, resulting in a thrilling roller coaster ride for the audience.
A unique aspect of Ludo is its bend towards surrealist horror. While the cryptic narrative can sometimes perplex the viewer, it's this very peculiarity that sets Ludo apart from other films in the genre. The movie's narrative complexity, unexpected twists, and unprecedented plot development keep you anchored until the last scene.
Another impressive factor is its carefully used sound effects and music. The chilling soundtrack, scored by Neel Adhikari, perfectly complements the tone of the movie and effortlessly heightens the suspenseful atmosphere. The sound design is critical in building the foreboding and suspense that persist throughout the movie, making each scene dreadful yet gripping.
The in-depth character development, atmospheric cinematography, and menacing sound effects all work together to make Ludo an enthralling watch. It's a unique experimental film that redefines the horror-thriller genre in Indian cinema and serves as a fine example of innovative narrative structure, a fusion of graphic horror, intense drama, and dark humor.
Overall, Ludo is a cleverly constructed horror-thriller, imbued with elements of fantasy and reality, thus offering a cinematic experience that is chilling, visually captivating, and thought-provoking. The engaging story, strong performances, and meticulously constructed suspense makes it a must-watch for anyone drawn towards the supernatural thriller genre.
Ludo is a Horror movie released in 2015. It has a runtime of 90 min. Critics and viewers have rated it poor reviews, with an IMDb score of 2.8..
How to Watch Ludo
Where can I stream Ludo movie online? Ludo is available to watch and stream at Netflix.